Synopses & Reviews
A Little Piece Of Ground will help young readers understand more about one of the worst conflicts afflicting our world today.
Written by Elizabeth Laird, one of Great Britain's best-known young adult authors, A Little Piece Of Ground explores the human cost of the occupation of Palestinian lands through the eyes of a young boy.
Twelve-year-old Karim Aboudi and his family are trapped in their Ramallah home by a strict curfew. In response to a Palestinian suicide bombing, the Israeli military subjects the West Bank town to a virtual siege. Meanwhile, Karim, trapped at home with his teenage brother and fearful parents, longs to play football with his friends. When the curfew ends, he and his friend discover an unused patch of ground that's the perfect site for a football pitch. Nearby, an old car hidden intact under bulldozed building makes a brilliant den. But in this city there's constant danger, even for schoolboys. And when Israeli soldiers find Karim outside during the next curfew, it seems impossible that he will survive.
This powerful book fills a substantial gap in existing young adult literature on the Middle East. With 23,000 copies already sold in the United Kingdom and Canada, this book is sure to find a wide audience among young adult readers in the United States.
Review
"Sometimes we need more than escapism. No one but Elizabeth Laird could have written this book. She has lived in the Middle East. She knows it, loves it, grieves for it, and hopes for it. Read it, and know what it is to feel oppressed, to feel fear every day. And we should know it, and our children should know it, for this is how much of the world lives." Michael Morpurgo, British children's laureate
Review
"An unflinching account of life under Israeli occupation." Glasgow Herald
Review
"As notable in its way as James D. Forman's historical novels of the late '60s and '70s, A Little Piece of Ground deserves serious attention and discussion." School Library Journal
Review
"[T]he heartbreaking personal drama visualizes the realistic challenges of wartime life at home, as well as the diversity of opinion about religion, class, and politics in the community. Recommend..." Booklist
Review
"[A] stunning, sobering book that will fill a void in many Young Adult collections." Children's Literature
Review
"Young readers will relate to the universal themes of growing up, despite Karim living his childhood in extraordinary circumstances. Well-written and compelling..." KLIATT
Synopsis
The story of a young Palestinian boy comes alive in the newest book from award-winning children's author Elizabeth Laird, revealing an honest and open illustration of a young life lived under occupation.
A Little Piece Of Ground will help young readers understand more about one of the worst conflicts afflicting our world today. Written by one of Great Britain's best-known young adult authors, Elizabeth Laird, A Little Piece Of Ground explores the human cost of the occupation of Palestinians lands through the eyes of a young boy.
This powerful book will help fill a substantial gap in existing young adult literature on the Middle East.
Karim and his family are trapped in their Ramallah home by a strict curfew. In response to a Palestinian suicide bombing, the Israeli military subjects the West Bank town to a virtual siege. Meanwhile Karim longs to play soccer with his friends. But in Ramallah there's constant danger, even for schoolchildren, and when Israeli soldiers find Karim outside during the next curfew, it seems impossible that he will survive.
Synopsis
An extraordinary book about war and peace through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy.
About the Author
Elizabeth Laird is the author of Kiss the Dust and The Garbage King. She received the 2004 Hampshire Award for A Little Piece of Ground.