Book reviews
Middle East Books review
Melody’s risky journey may have opened her eyes to the daily humiliation and traumas Palestinians face, but she also learns how they manage to love, dance, cook and eat despite living under military occupation.
Back home again, after the three friends have some difficult conversations, Melody decides, “Our lives are like tightropes. And we’re just all trying not to fall off. But we will...But then we get back up. You know, like that Beatles’ song my mom loved, the one about a little help from your friends.”
If you know a teen who is walking that tightrope or, perhaps, just wants to know what’s actually going on in Israel and occupied Palestine, this is the book for them. And go ahead and sneak a read before you hand it to them.
— 12/02/2023 Delinda C. Hanley
Read entire review at WASHINGTON REPORT on Middle East Affairs
Rothchild’s Finding Melody Sullivan (2023) is no ordinary coming of age novel.
It tells the story of a young Jewish girl and her Palestinian best friend, Yasmina. Both live within the safety of Vermont. In the opening scene they are joined by a third character, Aaron, who is a devout Jewish boy with a deep attachment to Israel. At first, Yasmina tries to bridge the gap between herself and Aaron. She tells him that “Jews and Muslims really have much in common. Like us” (9). As an example, she mentions their dietary rules. As the child of a Jewish mother (now deceased) and a Catholic father, Melody has no feelings at all about religion.
— 03/12/2023 Benay Blend
Alice’s first young adult (YA) book
Published 12/2023
A book for kids 7-12