Pamela L. Laskin's beautiful and lyrical novel in verse delivers a fresh and captivating retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet that transports the star-crossed lovers to the modern-day Israel-Palestine conflict.
Ronit, an Israeli girl, lives on one side of the fence. Jamil, a Palestinian boy, lives on the other side. Only miles apart but separated by generations of conflict--much more than just the concrete blockade between them. Their fathers, however, work in a distrusting but mutually beneficial business arrangement, a relationship that brings Ronit and Jamil together. And lightning strikes. The kind of lightning that transcends barrier fences, war, and hatred.
The teenage lovers fall desperately into the throes of forbidden love, one that would create an irreparable rift between their families if it were discovered. But a love this big can only be kept secret for so long. Ronit and Jamil must face the fateful choice to save their lives or their loves, as it may not be possible to save both.
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Published: 02/21/2017
Pages: 192
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 7.20h x 5.10w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780062458544
Age: Young Adult
Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2016
Publishers Weekly 11/28/2016
Booklist 12/15/2016 pg. 49
School Library Journal 01/01/2017 pg. 102
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2017 pg. 94
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2017
About the Author
Laskin, Pamela L.: -
Pamela L. Laskin is a lecturer in the English department at City College of New York and directs the Poetry Outreach Center. A published poet and author, she has written several poetry chapbooks and children's books, including Homer the Little Stray Cat, and short YA stories for both Sassy and Young Miss magazines. She is currently a Colin Powell fellow and a SEED grant recipient for Poetry Outreach, and she has received three RF CUNY grants for completion of creative work. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.