Book details
Crescent Star
Description
Short-listed for the 2012 Coast Reads Avi Greenbaum is Jewish and lives in West Jerusalem. Moussa Shakir is Palestinian and lives in East Jerusalem. Both are 15 years old, live without their fathers, adore their older brothers, and belong to the same soccer club. Avi commemorates the Holocaust and celebrates Israeli independence, while Moussa mourns on Nakba Day, marking the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes and land in 1948. Their lives are parallel lines: they have everything in common and nothing at all. Each is oblivious to the others existence. As Avi and Moussa go about their daily routines in the spring of 2006, they face reminders of the conflict that has dogged the region for the past three generations the security wall, suicide bombings, police operations, and the looming shadow of war. While navigating this legacy of suspicion and violence, they must decide what their own roles in the stalemate will be.
Age
12-15
Text complexity
proficient
Length
272 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Plot: The book offers an intricate and captivating storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what happens next.
- Unique World-Building: 'Crescent Star' features a richly imagined world with unique cultures, languages, and landscapes that readers can immerse themselves in.
- Complex Characters: The characters in the book are well-developed, with complex motivations and dynamic relationships that add depth to the narrative.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: The novel explores profound themes such as identity, destiny, and the nature of power, prompting readers to reflect on these concepts in their own lives.