NEVE SHALOM/WAHAT-AL-SALAM: OASIS OF PEACE

In a remarkable community outside Jerusalem, 20 families—Jews and Arabs—demonstrate the possibility of peaceful coexistence, working and living together in a cooperative village that is seen here through the eyes of two ten-year-olds, a Jewish boy and an Arab, among the first from outside the village to be admitted to its bilingual, bicultural school. Dolphin clearly shows not only the differences between the boys' family lives and customs but also their many similarities, and provides a succinct explanation of Israel's status as the Jewish homeland and of the conflict that has riven the country since its founding. The text is concise yet inspiring, showing the boys—wary at first—learning about each other's history, beliefs, and languages and becoming friends. Also included is background information about the village, as well as about Israel's history and the diversity of its land and population. The many color photos are so tightly integrated with the text that captions are unnecessary; fittingly, an olive branch is the decorative motif throughout. Glossary; comparison of words common to Hebrew and Arabic. (Nonfiction. 6-10)