Sharing Our Homeland

Palestinian and Jewish Children at Summer Peace Camp
By Trish Marx, Cindy Karp
Paperback: $12.95

A photo-essay focusing on two children living in Israel–one Palestinian and one Jewish–who, in spite of their differences and the longstanding conflicts in the region, learn to play and share ideas together at summer camp.

Description

Summer is here, and Alya, an Israeli Palestinian girl, and Yuval, an Israeli Jewish boy, are off to Peace Camp. They are excited, but their excitement is mixed with apprehension. The area in which they live has been fought over by Palestinians and Jews for a hundred years. What will campers from the “other side” be like? the children wonder.

At camp, Alya, Yuval, and the other campers enjoy two weeks of fun in close contact with one another. They participate in sports, create arts and crafts projects, and go on field trips. The children begin to understand what their homeland means to both sides. They learn not to be afraid and to respect one another.

With engaging text and captivating photographs, Sharing Our Homeland gives an inside view of how one summer camp is working to create a foundation for peace. Readers will gain insight into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and find a timely message of understanding and hope not often heard from this part of the world.

About the Creators

Trish Marx

Trish Marx has written several books for children. Marx specializes in nonfiction, especially current events and environmental issues—interests that stem from her background in teaching and journalism. Marx lives in New York City.

Cindy Karp

Cindy Karp has had a distinguished career as a photojournalist. She worked in Latin America for a decade as a photographer for TIME, and has traveled the world covering wars, political figures, and breaking news stories. She now works freelance in a wide variety of venues. Karp lives in Miami, Florida.

Reviews

  • [Sharing Our Homeland] is frank about the continuing violence and conflict, and a contemporary image shows that the tall West Bank safety wall is also a divider between cultures. Realistic and upbeat, this moves beyond stereotypes and notions of the "other."

    - Booklist
  • "Marx's direct narrative and Karp's mostly candid, action-filled photos focus on two campers: Alya, an Israeli Palestinian girl and Yuval, an Israeli Jewish boy. After introducing their families and providing a capsule history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Marx offers an upbeat, present-tense description of camp life, which involves standard on-site activities as well as field trips to a kibbutz and an Arab village. . . It's an informative, uplifting portrait of friendships forged in a peaceful oasis and a commitment to understanding and tolerance."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "[A] very loving, beautiful story about real people today."

    - Midwest Book Review

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620145814
  • Publication Date Jun 01, 2010
  • Trim Size 8.75 × 10.5 in
  • Weight 0.5 lbs
  • Page Count 48
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584302605
  • Publication Date Jun 01, 2010
  • Trim Size 8.75 × 10.5 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 48
  • Word Count 4398
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Social Topics / Prejudice & Racism
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Religion / Judaism
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Social Topics / Friendship
  • Themes Childhood Experiences and Memories, Collaboration, Comparing / Classifying / Measuring, Conflict resolution, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Forgiveness, Friendship, Geography, Gratitude, History & Civics, Holidays / Traditions, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Jewish, Kindness / Caring, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Muslim, Neighbors, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Peace, Photographic Illustrations, Pride, Religion / Spiritual, Religious Diversity, Respect / Citizenship, Responsibility, Sharing & Giving, Similarities and Differences, Tolerance / Acceptance, War
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 13
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 8
  • Guided Reading Y
  • ATOS Book Level 5.9
  • DRA 60
  • Interest Level Grades 3 - 8
  • Lexile Level 960
  • Reading Level Grades 4 - 5
  • SRC 7.5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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