
The Kites Are Flying!
Author:
Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator:
Laura Carlin
Published by:
Walker Books
First Published:
3 Mar 2016
Ideal for readers age
9-12y
My Review
Controversial because the story focuses mostly on the Palestinian side of the dividing wall, it nevertheless does an excellent job of introducing the theme of conflict and war to a younger audience, in a way which clearly yearns for peace and strives for hope. I love the ending of the book, and the way Morpurgo plants the seeds of hope in the common joy found in a kite as Said's kite drifts over the wall and is caught by a little Israeli girl. His messaging is subtle but strong - at the end of the day, we are all human....children, most of all, it seems.
Heads Up!
There is, of course, trauma in this story - Said does not speak because he saw his brother shot by Israeli soldiers.