A heartfelt and honest story, and an introduction to the Palestinian struggle for readers between nine and eleven years-old, set on the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Written by Elizabeth Laird, in collaboration with Sonia Nimr, a Palestinian archaeologist, storyteller, writer and translator, who lives in Ramallah.
Twelve year-old Karim Aboudi lives with his family in Ramallah, on the West Bank of Palestine. After a terror attack takes place, they are trapped in their home, bound by a strict curfew enforced by the Israeli military.
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Like any other child, Karim longs to play football with his mates – not to be stuck inside with his teenage brother and fearful parents.
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 buildings 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.
'A fine book, and a daring book' – Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse
'This book must go down as a brave, serious and successful attempt to reach out and have this story heard' – Michael Rosen, poet and author
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Elizabeth Laird is the multi-award-winning author of several much-loved children's books including The Garbage King, The Fastest Boy in the World and Dindy and the Elephant. She has been shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal six times. She lives in Britain now, but still likes to travel as much as she can.
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