The Middle East has long been a hotbed of conflict, and Israelis and Palestinians have fought over territory for many years.

Through the friendship of two boys, one in the West Bank and one in Jerusalem, readers learn about the heavy cost of continual violence.

The author makes an often-confusing topic easier to understand while outlining the history of the region.

Vibrant photographs will appeal to young readers, as will the fictional letters that help identify the concerns of the two protagonists.

A well-balanced treatment of the issues in the nonfiction chapters concludes in an examination of some of today's conciliatory efforts in the Middle East.