Enemy Territory
In this fast-paced narrative, Sam and Yusuf blur together at times--anger is a realistic, defining characteristic for both--but given the overarching theme, that confusion just may be the point. Slim but powerful. (Kirkus Reviews2012-08-22)The result is intense and leaves the reader with much to think about. (Cori DusmannQuill and Quire2012-09-00)Full of grit and bursts of well-placed humour, Enemy Territory is a characteristically bold, thought-provoking, important novel from an author and Canadian war artist unafraid to use controversial issues as a platform to educate and enlighten. (Christina MinakiCanadian Children's Book News2013-01-00)Telling the story with sensitivity and humour, McKay brings to life, through the young men, both the dangerous and precarious situation in Israel, and the value of friendship in the face of crisis and deep-seated cultural instability. (Rob BittnerCanadian Materials2013-01-11)Two teenage boys, Sam, an Israeli Jew, and Yusef, a Muslim Palestinian, find themselves sharing a hospital room in West Jerusalem. Sam convinces Yusef to sneak out of the hospital with him, and the two set out for the Old City. What starts out as an adventure quickly develops into a dangerous journey. For a Palestinian traveling without official papers, Yusef fears arrest by the police; seeking help from locals proves threatening as well. The teens argue about their differences, yet all the while relying on each other. Eventually they realize that their lives are actually more similar than first thought... Recommended. (Susan Shaver, K-12 Library Media Specialist, HeminLibrary Media Connection2013-04-01)McKay weaves a story of depth and understanding, a beautiful portrait of reluctant friendship, of overcoming profound prejudices, misconceptions, and deep-seeded anger, even hate. (Kim BewickResource Links2012-12-00)McKay ably, though unconvincingly, illustrates the deep-seated hatred and misinformation each side has for the other in the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict. (Ed GoldbergVOYA2012-12-00)