I really enjoyed the adult version of this title when I first read it 6 years ago, at the same time I started working in Jordan. I did not like the young readers' edition as well. I think some of the complexity of the issue was lost in the translation to a version for younger readers. I remember thinking how well the original book presented both sides of the narrative, the Jewish and the Arab. In the young readers' version, I feel like Dalia's voice comes across stronger than Bashir's. But again, this may be because I am now much more vested in the Arab side of the narrative.

Still, this is one of the best books giving a personal face to the two narratives that co-exist in the modern country of Israel. I highly recommend it to help students outside of the Middle East understand a situation that is again attracting global attention.

Review based on a prepublication ARC received through NetGalley.

I am so glad that they made a young readers edition of this book!. It has been on my list for a while now and I just hadn't had the chance to read it. This is such an amazing story of different ethnic backgrounds coming together and creating friendships. I will be adding this to my favorites list and plan to buy both the adult and young readers editions of this lovely book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

The Lemon Tree is an interesting read about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict centered on one house's history. One family has to flee from their home due to conflict and war, while the other moves in to avoid persecution after surviving the Holocaust.
I think this book tries to "not be a history book," but isn't as successful. It reads as a confusing timeline and I found it hard to follow. I think if young readers were to read this, then I would make sure that they create timelines and family trees to understand the story better.

I love everything this book stands for and I would have loved to have read this when I was in school. It encompasses many important life lessons while also teaching history. Well written.