A Bottle in the Gaza Sea

A Bottle in the Gaza Sea

Author: Valerie Zenatti

Technically 7&8th, but I’d advise High School/Adult

Pages: 149

            I’ve never read a book that so eloquently showcases an Israeli and Arab friendship. This book is the story of how an Israeli girl put a letter in a bottle and asks her brother to throw it in the Gaza Sea. She hopes that an Arab from Gaza will pick up the bottle and contact her. A young Arab man does find the bottle. They start emailing back and forth. Can they turn their tenuous correspond into a relationship that changes both of their perspective of the other “race”?

            While it’s inappropriate for a young adult audience, adults should read this book. It is a book that broadens your perspective on the conflict in Israel. Before you judge someone you should “walk a mile in their shoes.” This book helps you “walk a mile” in the shoes of both an Arab and Israeli teen. It’s worth the read.