Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak

I would have never heard of this book if I hadn't read a blog about the Middle Eastern wars. When I found out that this book was banned in a school district in Canada (which surprised me for some reason), I knew that I had to borrow a copy of it. Something about books being banned just bring the rebel in me out. I also thought it would be a good idea to read to my seven year old twins, but after reading it, I think they're not quite ready for that yet. But I am.This is a very quick read but also a powerful read. These are 20 different perspectives of kids who are living in Israel and Palestine. The differences between both countries are stark. The voices of the children are similar and yet dissimilar. Their experiences reflect the mood of their country people and their voices are clear and honest, even if they are confused as to why their countries are at war or on how to solve the issues at hand. They all share a common fear of being attacked unsuspectingly and all of them share grief at its most powerful when loved ones and friends, neighbors have died in attacks. I cannot imagine how to live in such situations with grace as these kids do. Surprisingly, there is not a lot of anger coming from the kids but there are several questions as to how to resolve this conflict without any more deaths.After reading my library copy, I decided to buy a copy of this book simply because I want my kids to read this in a year when they're a bit older and need to know more about the world. Each of the 20 voices that are in this book are very important in this world because they are the voices of the children trying to survive a war that began long before their birth. It is essential to keep their hopes and dreams alive for a better world.4/15/10

This is a very quick read, but has a lasting impression. When reading this book, I didn't know whether I wanted to cry, scream, be angry, grateful for what I have... it brought out so many emotions. I absolutely cannot believe we live in a world so full of pointless hate. I think we all know the basics of what is going on between Palestine and Israel, but this book captures in depth the real emotions coming from both sides. In some ways it is a call to action for peace. Very worth reading.

Great summer reading book for the kids

thankful for this perspective.

Good book!

Had to read for school and it just got so boring but the concept of the book as kind as cool if you like reading books like that

"I know there is a war going on, but I don't know why.... I hear about bombs on the television, about bombs going off in shops and on buses and it makes me afraid."FEAR! Fear of soldiers, fear of bombs, fear of guns, fear of dying, but most of all, there is fear of each other.Author Deborah Ellis visits this war torn region to see how children live their everyday life in the middle of a terrifying war.Read this book to find out how peoples' choices of war are affecting Palestinian and Israeli children's lives.

This book gives a lot of perspective and insight into the conflict. Being that it is from the perspective of minors, I found it to be very interesting and have recommended it to several other people. A must buy for those who are interested in learning more.