A young Palestinian girl supports her family by becoming the first ever fisherwoman in Gaza in this uplifting middle grade novel about finding courage in the face of adversity.
Inspired by a true story–perfect for readers of Other Words for Home, A Long Walk to Water, Amina’s Voice, and Persepolis.
Against the Tide follows fifteen-year-old Yusra, whose family is changed forever after the death of her older brother by an Israeli missile, and the collapse of a tunnel between Gaza and Egypt, which leaves her father permanently wheelchair-bound.
For a long time, Yusra is forced to beg for handouts from neighbors, but with the encroaching restrictions of an occupied Gaza, Yusra reaches a breaking point. Soon, an idea comes to her: to fix up her father’s fishing boat and take up his line of work. She becomes the first and only fisherwoman in Gaza, where she must abide by the rules imposed on their trade.
One day, when Yusra accidentally goes past the designated three-mile zone where she is allowed to fish, she encounters the Israeli navy. She must stand up for herself and negotiate a peaceful solution. Based on the true story of a young Palestinian girl named Madelein Callab, Against the Tide is not only a middle grade story of resilience, but also a lesson on how the courage of one person can transform the world. Includes illustrations by Palestinian artist Aya Ghanemeh.
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