Good reads: Viewing the Six-Day War through the eyes of children

"The Six-Day War" by Tammar Stein

In 1967, Israel teetered between existence and annihilation. By winning the Six Day War, it averted annihilation ... and began the modern dilemma of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. This summer (June 5-11) marks the war's 50th anniversary.

"The Six-Day Hero" is a fast-paced, riveting novel by Tammar Stein that looks at the history of the war through the eyes of the people living through it. It is the first English book for younger readers set during the Six-Day War, giving context and perspective to the complexity the world is still trying to solve. Combining a tight plot, vivid period detail and accurate historical elements, this well-researched novel by the daughter of Israeli Defense Force soldiers will transport young readers to the sounds, sights and events of West Jerusalem 50 years ago.

Twelve year-old Motti is a scrappy boy, always looking for mischief and fun. His straight-arrow older brother is now a soldier in the Israeli army and Motti is proud and jealous. Over the course of the next month, everything Motti knows about Israel, his brother and himself will be put to the test. Egypt, Syria and Jordan mobilize their armies along Israel's borders. Israel stands alone, with no one to protect it except itself. Motti dreams of being a hero and he thinks the only way to be one is as a soldier. But heroes can be found in the most unlikely of places, and courage lies in the most unlikely of hearts. The question is, will Motti rise to the harsh challenges ahead and be the hero he always dreamed of? The Six-Day Hero will leave readers exhilarated and moved as they immerse themselves in the complicated history of the Middle East's only democracy.  

Tammar Stein is the author of "The Six-Day Hero," a historical novel for kids about the Six Day War. It has been named a Junior Library Guild Selection and a PJ Our Way Choice Book. She is the award-winning author of four young adult novels including Light Years, named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book of Jewish Content, a Virginia Reader's Choice, and a Texas high school summer reading book.

Tammar graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature. She has published essays and reviews in various publications including The Washington Post, The Tampa Bay Times, The San Antonio Express News, and The Stars and Stripes. She has lived on three continents, in four countries and five states. She currently lives in Virginia with her family.