| Most, if not all, of recent children's fiction about the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict has been written from the Palestinian point of view; this is
from the perspective of a Jewish girl living in Jerusalem. The writing
style is somewhat stilted and as fiction, the story is contrived, with
characters who represent ideas rather than flesh and blood individuals.
As an attempt to convey to young readers the contradictions of life in
present-day Israel through the eyes of a child, it is sincere and successful.
Tali's family and friends represent and champion Israel diversity; her
scrapbook-actually a photograph album-offers scenes of Jerusalem and its
peoples; her American relatives' decision not to come to Jerusalem for
her birthday because of the violence sets the reflective plot in motion.
The realistic color illustrations are effective but not always in complete
sync with the text. Because most of them span a double page spread, details
are sometimes lost in the gutter between the two pages. Better editing
and book design could have improved this popular author's first longer
story but despite its weaknesses, it has merit as an earnest effort to
present an Israeli child's feelings, fears, and faith in the future. There
is nothing else like it for ages 7-10.
Linda R Silver |
| This book focuses on nine-year-old Tali's disappointment when she learns
that her American relatives will not be traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate
her birthday this year because of the unsafe conditions there. She laments
the reality that Israelis face every day when they go to the market or
travel on a bus. She meets an older neighbor in the park and shares her
feelings with him. Acting as the voice of reason, Mr. Feldman explains
that "life is never perfect" and that it's OK to be afraid as long as
you move forward. When one of Tali's friends suggests that things might
be safer "if only Jews lived in Jerusalem," the man sends the girls for
ice cream. They discuss how they live in a city of many flavors, and think
about how boring it would be if there were only one type of ice cream.
Tali reminisces about a simpler time by looking over her photos in a scrapbook
and wishing that her family could enjoy day-to-day experiences without
looking over their shoulders in suspicion. In the end, the girl hopes
that next year her American relatives will be with her to share her special
day. The clearly written story is enhanced by Oppenheimer's complex, rich
illustrations. The painterly artwork shows close-up views of the characters
interacting as well as scenes of the city. This is a specialized purchase
that would work best with discussion groups.
Sandra Kitain |
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Tali, born in Jerusalem after her family made aliya, eagerly awaits the arrival of her family from America to celebrate her ninth birthday. Unfortunately, her relatives cancel their trip due to safety concerns. Tali is so disappointed! This timely, insightful book, tells how young Tali copes with the daily tensions of living in Israel. She keeps a scrapbook of pictures of her favorite places and people in Jerusalem, as well as newspaper accounts of the violence there-frightening and sobering to a young child. She hopes that one day her American relatives will "understand that when you truly love something, you love it in good times and in bad." Tali's scrapbook helps us understand the anxiety these children face, and leaves us amazed at their continued optimism. This book is a must for anyone who has family or friends living in Israel. The wonderful illustrations help capture the author's sensitive portrayal of Tali. Many of the pictures are done in scrapbook form, leaving the last page unfinished for Tali's birthday wish: "I hope that next year you'll be in my Jerusalem Scrapbook." AMIT |
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