Amani defies family tradition and cultural expectations to become a shepherd, but when Israeli settlers threaten to take over her family’s land, she must choose between violent reaction and peaceful resistance.
The Shepherd's Granddauther clearly takes sides: good Palestinians versus bad Israelis. The only good Jews in the story (2 of them) are the ones who take the side of the Palestinians.
The situation is not portrayed accurately, the book is closer to propaganda than to education, and as the only book on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that kids in elementary school are likely to be exposed to, it's appalling.
I saw a review written by a Jewish student that said reading it made her feel horribly singled out.
I'd be even more worried about non-Jewish students reading a book the features Jewish settlers and Jewish soldiers as the evil characters.
This is not a book that belongs in an elementary school, especially since it's likely to be the only book about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the kids are exposed to.
Hi Bob - thanks so much for taking the time to comment on this book. I haven't personally read it yet, but it came highly recommended as a nominee and recipient of several book awards.
It obviously takes a distinct viewpoint and would probably need to be read with adult guidance and some pre-teaching on the topic of the conflict in which it is set.
I am planning to read it next and will follow up with my thoughts afterward.
The Shepherd's Granddauther clearly takes sides: good Palestinians versus bad Israelis. The only good Jews in the story (2 of them) are the ones who take the side of the Palestinians.
ReplyDeleteThe situation is not portrayed accurately, the book is closer to propaganda than to education, and as the only book on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that kids in elementary school are likely to be exposed to, it's appalling.
I saw a review written by a Jewish student that said reading it made her feel horribly singled out.
I'd be even more worried about non-Jewish students reading a book the features Jewish settlers and Jewish soldiers as the evil characters.
This is not a book that belongs in an elementary school, especially since it's likely to be the only book about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict the kids are exposed to.
Hi Bob - thanks so much for taking the time to comment on this book. I haven't personally read it yet, but it came highly recommended as a nominee and recipient of several book awards.
ReplyDeleteIt obviously takes a distinct viewpoint and would probably need to be read with adult guidance and some pre-teaching on the topic of the conflict in which it is set.
I am planning to read it next and will follow up with my thoughts afterward.
Thanks again for sharing your insights!