You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great story that gives you insight into a child's perspective of living in a war (set in Lebanon) whilst providing hope that even in those environments, love and care still exist.
Recommend mostly for those aged 8-14.
Recommend mostly for those aged 8-14.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Read with my daughter aged 9 as she read it in school.
Simple, poignant tale of a family in Beruit during the Lebanese civil war
Simple, poignant tale of a family in Beruit during the Lebanese civil war
‘What were they all fighting for?...sometimes I wonder if the fighters themselves knew what they were doing’
Oranges In No Man’s Land follows 10 year old Ayesha as she encounters the realities of war in Beirut, Lebanon. The bravery (or naive and bullheaded determination) she shows in order to save her remaining family is inspiring, terrifying and yet somehow typical of Primary school age children. I enjoyed reading Laird as a child because I felt that she understood the core thoughts and feelings of a child. Now, as an adult, I still find this the case, though I see the actions and feelings of her characters mirrored in my own daughter. Laird writes the novel with Ayesha looking back on events, so the book is constantly coloured by both the young Ayesha’s perspective, as well as the older one. This allows the reader to take comfort in knowing that she survives, whilst also providing a wide age range of readers with something to take from the book.
Oranges In No Man’s Land follows 10 year old Ayesha as she encounters the realities of war in Beirut, Lebanon. The bravery (or naive and bullheaded determination) she shows in order to save her remaining family is inspiring, terrifying and yet somehow typical of Primary school age children. I enjoyed reading Laird as a child because I felt that she understood the core thoughts and feelings of a child. Now, as an adult, I still find this the case, though I see the actions and feelings of her characters mirrored in my own daughter. Laird writes the novel with Ayesha looking back on events, so the book is constantly coloured by both the young Ayesha’s perspective, as well as the older one. This allows the reader to take comfort in knowing that she survives, whilst also providing a wide age range of readers with something to take from the book.
i just love this book i read it in year 6 and i re read it and idk why but it just brings me a sence of comfort <3
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
