This book had promise: an Israeli boy and a Palestinian boy end up in the same hospital in Israel and after a long, unthinking escape from the hospital, become friends. It comes off awkwardly though, as the boys spout platitudes and have sudden moments of doubt about what they've been raised to believe about the other. The message of peace among brothers is too obvious to an adult reader, but likely this concrete delivery is appropriate for children who are being introduced to the Middle East conflicts. ( )

In Enemy Territory by Sharon E. McKay, fourteen year olds Sam, an Israeli, and Yusef, a West Bank Palestinian, meet at Hadassah Hospital, where they are roommates. Apparent victims of wounds inflicted by their own side, Sam's foot has a deep infection and may have to be amputated while Yusef has lost one eye and is in danger of losing the other. Nightly, Sam slips out of his room to visit Alina, a teenaged cancer patient. On their first night as roommates he brings Yusef who is smitten by Alina, having never talked to a girl nor seen one wearing a pink wig. Yusef and Sam sneak out of the hospital late at night ostensibly in search of Jafar’s candy store in Jerusalem’s Old City to buy Alina candy, but really so Yusef can see the holy city. Unlikely scenarios of the evening's events are used as a mechanism to reveal the lack of trust between the two boys. The author also illustrates the total misinformation and lack of information these boys have about the others' culture and heritage. Obviously, Sam and Yusef represent Israelis and Palestinians as a whole.
McKay ably although uncompellingly illustrates the deep seated hatred and misinformation each side has for the other in the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Sam and Yusef are average fourteen year olds, arguing about Israel’s right or lack thereof to occupy the land, suicide bombers, religion and culture. A fast read, Enemy Territory makes its point but is missing an engaging story. ( )