Micah is a Jewish teenager who is sent to live with his uncle in Israel while his mother is receiving cancer treatment in America. With no Hebrew language skills, he must not only adapt to new customs and a different family, but also to a new language. One of his unique characteristics is that he is a magician, a skill that will serve him well in the course of his experiences there.
Simultaneously, the readers are introduced to Shireen, a young Palestinian woman the same age as Micah. Her uncle Samil is shot and killed by Israelis as he speeds toward them in his truck at a border crossing. The disintegration of her family becomes the seed for hatred of Israel and Israelis.
Shireen is trying to cope with her devastating loss. She loves Western clothing and music, reading and performing Shakespeare, as well the use of the computer. However, her school becomes radicalized and all the things she treasures are banned. She loses all hope of living in a way she deems meaningful, becomes depressed, and decides to become a suicide bomber. Part of her willingness to do this is based on the rewards her family members, who are now destitute, will receive after her death. These include a lifetime pension, a beautiful new home, and a university education for the boys in the family. But these rewards will only be given if the suicide bombing is successful. Her assigned task is to blow up a bus.
How Micah and Shireen connect, the unlikely alliances which ensue, undercover work by Israeli forces, identification of informers and spies, murders, and multiple chases keep readers on their toes. This is a page-turner, perfect for ages 12 and up.
