Travelling to the West Bank to witness how life is for Palestinians and Jews living in the shadow of a dividing wall, journalist Max strikes up a friendship with an enigmatic Palestinian boy, Said. Together the two sit under an ancient olive tree while Said makes another of his kites. As Max is welcomed as a guest, he learns of the terrible events in the family’s past and begins to understand why Said no longer speaks. Told from both Max’s and Said’s points of view, Morpurgo has created a beautiful tale of tragedy and hope with an ending that rings with joy.
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Book Description
A television reporter’s extraordinary experience in the West Bank reveals how children’s hopes and dreams for peace and unity can fly higher than any wall built to divide communities and religions.
From the Inside Flap
A television reporter’s extraordinary experience in the West Bank reveals how children’s hopes and dreams for peace and unity can fly higher than any wall built to divide communities and religions. Travelling to the West Bank to witness how life is for Palestinians and Jews living in the shadow of a dividing wall, journalist Max strikes up a friendship with an enigmatic Palestinian boy, Said. Together the two sit under an ancient olive tree while Said makes another of his kites. As Max is welcomed as a guest, he learns of the terrible events in the family’s past and begins to understand why Said no longer speaks. Told from both Max’s and Said’s points of view, Morpurgo has created a beautiful tale of tragedy and hope with an ending that rings with joy.
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is a delightful book by Michael Morpurgo, telling a short story of Said, a young boy living in the West Bank. Said does not speak, not since the death of his brother; all he does is make kites, and when the wind is in the right direction, flies them and lets them go so that they fly over to the town on the other side of the barrier.
"Mister Max" is the television reporter that befriends Said, and together with Said's family, Max goes on a journey of discovery, of the terrible events of the family's past and ultimately of joyous hope.
It is beautifully told, has some lovely illustrations by Laura Carlin, and even a thought provoking afterward from Jeremy Bowen. A definite recommendation.
"Mister Max" is the television reporter that befriends Said, and together with Said's family, Max goes on a journey of discovery, of the terrible events of the family's past and ultimately of joyous hope.
It is beautifully told, has some lovely illustrations by Laura Carlin, and even a thought provoking afterward from Jeremy Bowen. A definite recommendation.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By David Pearce
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
The latest novella by Michael Morpurgo revolves around the unusual friendship between war reporter Max and Said a Palestinian boy haunted by the war. I can't really give away too much about the plot, because to do so would spoil it for new readers. Suffice it to say, this is a profound treatise on the price civillians pay for war. Parts of the book are incredibly moving, while other parts that explain the West Bank situation very succinctly leave you angry at the way people are suffering. This book is a must read for children of 9 and over, and for their parents too.
My only quibble? I wish he could have found an illustrator to do justice to his vision. The childish daubings scattered through this book just aren't up to scratch.
My only quibble? I wish he could have found an illustrator to do justice to his vision. The childish daubings scattered through this book just aren't up to scratch.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I chose this book to read with my primary 5 class and was satisified that it would be appropriate to read this from the reviews listed before.
If you have a very mature primary 5 class then this would be a great read but my primary 5 class are quite young in age and attitudes; on skimming through the book I discovered that this book was beyond their years and suitable for them.
I will not reveal the content of the book but will only say that it is filled with reference to wars and violence, including graphic deaths. I would, however, read this book with an older class and one which would understand the content, I am just advising a set age
If you have a very mature primary 5 class then this would be a great read but my primary 5 class are quite young in age and attitudes; on skimming through the book I discovered that this book was beyond their years and suitable for them.
I will not reveal the content of the book but will only say that it is filled with reference to wars and violence, including graphic deaths. I would, however, read this book with an older class and one which would understand the content, I am just advising a set age
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A really moving read
This is a cleverly written novel which introduces the complexities of the West Bank situation
to a younger audience. Well worth the read.
to a younger audience. Well worth the read.
Published 5 days ago by H M Tait
5.0 out of 5 stars
Always pertinent
So nice to see a new following of the famed childrens author Michael Morpurgo, of course he's been writing for many years thrilling
children and adults alike. Read more
children and adults alike. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Marianna D
4.0 out of 5 stars
A tale set in the Palastinian West Bank - it's a moving story for...
My 15 year old daughter is a massive Michael Morpurgo fan after reading 'My friend Walter' at Primary School, and she's read all his books, with 'Alone on a wide, wide sea', being... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Keith Joseph
5.0 out of 5 stars
the kites are flying by Lleyton Carey
Have you ever wanted to read a book which is so magical you cannot put it down?If you do,this spellbinding book Michael Morpurgo book is ideal for you. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Natalie Foster
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected
This book was not a favourite I'm afraid. Our daughter who is 12 loves Michael Morpurgo stories normally but found this one difficult to stick with and follow the story. Read more
Published 18 months ago by DavyA
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not a Fair View
The Kites Are Flying!
Typical Morpurgo brilliance, and easy to read story of young Palestinian boy, and the uneasy relationship with the young Israelis on the other side of... Read more
Typical Morpurgo brilliance, and easy to read story of young Palestinian boy, and the uneasy relationship with the young Israelis on the other side of... Read more
Published 22 months ago by L. B. Lux
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Kites are Flying
This is an excellent book. Having recently spent time in the West Bank it was wonderful to read a book which children would enjoy and understand and would help to given them a... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Jane Henson
1.0 out of 5 stars
like watching paint dry
i was so so looking forward to getting this for my son, who is really into Beast Quest books these days; i wanted to introduce him to books that were meaningful, deep and based in... Read more
Published on 29 April 2011 by S
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Kites anre flying
Excellant book. A simple yet thought provoking child's answer to the conflict in the Middle East. Well worth a read and to give to a child to read hoping they will see that there... Read more
Published on 16 April 2011 by janet
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Kites Are Flying
This was an excellent book for children but one that can be enjoyed by adults because of the way it was written
Published on 7 April 2011 by Susie
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
