- Paperback: 214 pages
- Publisher: Macmillan Childrens (Sep 5 2003)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0330436791
- ISBN-13: 978-0330436793
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 13.2 x 2.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 281 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #805,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-10–Karim, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, works with two friends to transform an abandoned lot in Ramallah–the little piece of ground–into a soccer field and a getaway from the trials of both family and life under occupation. Hopper, a new friend who had until recently lived in a refugee camp and whose older brother is in the custody of the Israelis, and Joni, a Christian boy whose family has always been close to Karim's, represent in some ways the opposite poles that Karim yo-yos between. Hopper is somewhat suspect, simply because he was a refugee. Furthermore, his actions are brash and defiant; he stands up to an Israeli tank, brandishing an eggplant like a grenade and swinging from its gun. The town is put under Israeli curfew, and first Hopper and later Karim are shot at by soldiers and wounded, Karim seriously enough to require hospitalization. Throughout this powerful narrative, the authors remain true to Karim's character and reactions. He is a typical self-centered adolescent who longs to hang out with his friends, go to school, and play sports. His parents and relatives provide some of the necessary background information and commentary about the occupation. At the book's end, Karim is allowed to spend time outside for the first time since his wound, and is reunited with Hopper. The boys attend a celebration and are chillingly greeted as heroes. 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.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
From Booklist
What is it like to live under military occupation in Palestine? Laird explores the question through the viewpoint of Karim, 12, desperate to get out of his apartment in Ramallah, where yet another curfew has kept everyone locked up since a suicide bomber killed people in Israel. Even when the curfew is lifted, Karim remains bitter and angry; his grandfather's land has been confiscated, his father humiliated in a strip search, and his school has been trashed. Karim, his Christian friend, and a Muslim boy, whose brother is in a Jerusalem prison, band together and attempt to clear space for a soccer field. Then the tanks roll in again, and Karim barely escapes. Although this is largely a docu-novel, the 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 this with books from the Israeli viewpoint, such as Pnina Moed Kass' Real Time (2004). Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Truely Heart-warming Story,
By
This review is from: A Little Piece Of Ground (Paperback)
This authentic story cuts through myths and stereotypes reminding us again of our common humanity. Mrs. Laird portrays what life is like for an ordinary Palestinian boy living under the devastating occupation. We join him in his sometimes-terrifying experiences as he & his friend try to find a place amid the rubble where they can play football. I was present in two 8th grade classes when the teacher read this book in a ten-minute period in the beginning of the class. In both classes, the students objected when the teacher stopped reading.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written, powerful story,
By
This review is from: A Little Piece Of Ground (Paperback)
I probably never would have read this book if it hadn't been the object of "book banning" in Canada. I did read it and I'm glad I did. I cannot understand why booksellers are boycotting it. There is no hate in this novel, just good writing. The novel helps the reader understand what it would be like to be a Palestinian boy under current circumstances. For the sake of humanity, we should all -- from time to time -- walk for a bit in someone else's shoes.
5.0 out of 5 stars
From Ramallah with love,
This review is from: A Little Piece of Ground (Paperback)
This is a great story, regardless of the time and place of the action. It is all the more interesting because the story takes place in Ramallah and the Al-Amari refugee camp. The suspense is terrific, keeping you turning the pages as the boys find there way in a oppressive, brutal occupation. I've been to Ramallah and the Al-Amari refugee camp on the edge. In June of 2002 I apent a week with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) staying in the very hospital that some of the action takes place. I witnessed the week long curfew with nobody on the streets, and fearful of even looking out. I can attest to the truth of the description of living in Ramallah under the occupation, now 35 years long.You will be twice rewarded in reading this delightful story. First the story itself, but second the description of what it is like to live under a brutal and continuing occupation. It is a one sided picture, but one that doesn't get told very often. Enjoy the book. It is truly a fine and daring book.
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