Mackenzie, Lost and Found [Paperback]

With the Israel-Palestinian situation stirring up so much emotion around the world these days, it's refreshing to come across a young adult book that looks at the conflict through the fresh and naive eyes of a teen-age Canadian girl who has been torn from her roots and plunked down in the (to her) alien culture of Jerusalem.

Mackenzie Hill, the protagonist, is the daughter of a world-renowned archaeologist who has accepted a temporary academic posting at Hebrew University. Mackenzie, still mourning the sudden death of her mother, is reluctant to leave her comfortable Toronto home but reluctantly agrees. Once in Israel, she finds herself caught between two cultures - she befriends a young Israeli girl but finds herself drawn to a Palestinian boy named Nasir who works in a local store. Eventually, the furtive glances at one another turn into conversation and then, for Mackenzie, a first love. What she does not know is that Nasir's father is involved in a black market antiquities operation that will end up putting her life in peril.

This is a fast-paced, well-written story of young love, culture clashes, and personal redemption with an emotionally wrenching climax that leaves readers wanting more. If there was ever a book that demands a sequel, this is it. Don't miss it.

15-year-old Mackenzie Hill is still recovering from the loss of her mother when her father announces that they're moving to Israel because he was offered a position at a university there.

Being torn away from the only home she has ever known in Toronto, Canada, is not Mackenzie's idea of a good time. Her father promises that if after three months she still doesn't like it there, she can move back to Canada, and she plans to do just that.

But soon Mackenzie meets an American girl named Marla who has lived in Israel for a few years. They discover that they have something in common, and she helps to show Mackenzie around. In no time at all, the two become best friends.

Also, Mackenzie discovers an amazingly cute boy named Nasir who works at a little shop near her apartment. Soon (even though Nasir's parents would forbid it if they knew) Mackenzie and Nasir start dating, little to the knowledge of Mackenzie's father and Nasir's parents.

Soon the three-month period is up - and Mackenzie doesn't mention going back home. Things are going so well and Mackenzie is actually happy with her life. But one day something happens that will quickly change everything..

First off, I have to say that this book was pretty intense. There was indeed a point where I cried. The whole book moved at a pretty fast speed, and near the end it was action-packed, which was a surprise (but it was a good surprise). Not one part of MACKENZIE, LOST AND FOUND was dull to me.

After the first few chapters of just Mackenzie talking it switches, and most every other chapter after that is a chapter told from Nasir's point of view. So the story is told from two different points of view, which I always like.

Ms. Kerbel is a strong writer and I definitely look forward to reading something else by her. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's interested in what's going on in the Middle East, and to readers who don't mind a heart-wrenching story.

Reviewed by: Breanna F.

What a fantastic read -- I LOVED this book! The story hooked me from the very first page straight through to the last. I didn't want it to end! Totally recommended.