An Israeli and a Palestinian girl struggle to maintain their friendship in the face of conflict; Noa, an Israeli Jew, and Maha, a Palestinian Muslim, are two very different teenage girls-who may not be so different after all. They've become good friends, but after a tragic incident that changes Noa and her family forever, Noa's beliefs about Palestinian and Israeli relations are put to the test. Shocking secrets are revealed that affect both Noa's and Maha's lives and test their blossoming relationship. Checkpoints brings to life the realities teenagers in the Middle East face today, as politics and prejudice threaten to tear lives and relationships apart. At the same time, it serves as a testament to the power of love and friendship in an often chaotic world.
Marilyn Levy is the author of Checkpoints as well as two "ALA Best Books List" titles: Touching and Run For Your Life.