The Enemy Has A Face by Gloria D. Miklowitz

Since the beginning of time, humans have made an effort to divide themselves based on physical or social background differences. It seems that things haven't gotten too much better. But, of course, it's not all black and white. There is Catholic and Protestant. Male and female. Israelis and Palestinians.

Netta Hofman and her family are Israelis who are temporarily in America. In their country, there is constant fear of Palestinian terrorists. But here in America they feel safe. The conflict is a world away.

The tables turn, however, when Adam, Netta's brother, disappears. The family goes into shock. He's a nice 17 year old who always informed his parents when and where he was going. If he was going to be late, or there was a change of plans, he'd get right on the phone.

What caused his disappearance? Was it one of the many girls who emailed him, begging to get together? A girlfriend he knew his parents wouldn't approve of? Or was it terrorists trying to either get at his father, who is in America to work on a satellite system, or even to get at Adam for his own outspoken political views?

Netta, still new at school, gets caught up in confusion when everyone starts to think that it was a Palestinian trying to get at the Israelis. Then, while sitting alone at lunch, a Palestinian, Laith, who attends her school sits across from her. He attempts conversation, but the talk soon turns political and Netta, still dazed from her brothers disappearance, gets mad and walks away.

As the days drag on, with no news from the detectives, Netta and the Palestinian boy gain a peculiar friendship. While there isn't trust between the two, and there are often arguments, they still find comfort in knowing each other and talking. After all, there aren't too many people from their part of the world around.

Article Author: The Theory

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