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A Stone in My Hand
Four starred reviews! The haunting story of a sensitive, observant girl who finds her voice in 1988 Gaza City.
The year is 1988 in Gaza City, and it has been a month since eleven-year-old Malaak’s father left to seek work in Israel, only to disappear. Every day Malaak climbs to the roof and waits, speaking little to anyone, preferring the company of the little bird she has tamed. But her twelve-year-old brother, Hamid, has a different way of coping. He feels only anger, stoked by extremists who say violence is the only way to change their fate. Malaak’s mother begs him to stay away from harm, but Malaak lives in fear of losing her brother as well. What will it take for her to find her voice — and the strength to move past the violence that surrounds her?
The year is 1988 in Gaza City, and it has been a month since eleven-year-old Malaak’s father left to seek work in Israel, only to disappear. Every day Malaak climbs to the roof and waits, speaking little to anyone, preferring the company of the little bird she has tamed. But her twelve-year-old brother, Hamid, has a different way of coping. He feels only anger, stoked by extremists who say violence is the only way to change their fate. Malaak’s mother begs him to stay away from harm, but Malaak lives in fear of losing her brother as well. What will it take for her to find her voice — and the strength to move past the violence that surrounds her?
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
About the author
Cathryn Clinton
7 books9 followersIt was a graduation gift many writers would envy: a contract for not one but two novels, handed by Candlewick Press editor Amy Ehrlich to Cathryn Clinton as she finished up her studies at Vermont College’s MFA program in Writing for Children. And as if that weren’t enough, the first of those two novels, THE CALLING, would earn Cathryn Clinton an article in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY'S "Flying Starts" section, designating her a first-time author to watch.
Like Esta Lea, her charming protagonist in THE CALLING, Cathryn Clinton grew up in the South in a long line of preachers and storytellers. "Most of the events in this book come from my family history, and Esta Lea simply put them all together in one story," the author says. Among these based-on-true-life episodes: a blind girl’s sight miraculously restored, relayed "word for word" as the author’s brother witnessed it in a charismatic church, and a slapstick burial scene. "I want to be able to say it’s okay to question, and as readers are asking those serious questions, I want them to be able to laugh, too," the author explains.
Cathryn Clinton’s second novel, A STONE IN MY HAND, also touches on elements of religion, but in a very different context: it tells the moving story of a Palestinian girl in Gaza City, 1988, whose father is killed in a bus bombing and whose brother turns to violence. "While in graduate school, I had a writing assignment to choose a picture of someone and write about that person," the author says. "In an article about Gaza in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, I saw a picture of a young Palestinian girl holding a bird in her hand. There was a look of strength in her face. This intrigued me, and I wondered how this girl had survived both internally and externally when the conditions of her growing up years were so harsh. So I sat down and began writing the story of Malaak."
Cathryn Clinton’s most recent titles, SIMEON'S FIRE and THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, are again set closer to home. In SIMEON'S FIRE, Cathryn Clinton tells a powerful coming-of-age story that takes place in an Amish community in Pennsylvania. With compassion and insight into a child’s inner struggles and the nuances of Amish traditions, Cathryn Clinton explores ideas of family, loyalty, and faith in the face of fear and prejudice. With THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, Cathryn Clinton introduces readers to Jude Barnes, who has recently moved to Ellenville, a small town outside of Philadelphia. In this affecting new novel, Judy finds solace in her art and her friends as she struggles to escape depression.
Cathryn Clinton received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Iowa and her master of fine arts degree from Vermont College.
Like Esta Lea, her charming protagonist in THE CALLING, Cathryn Clinton grew up in the South in a long line of preachers and storytellers. "Most of the events in this book come from my family history, and Esta Lea simply put them all together in one story," the author says. Among these based-on-true-life episodes: a blind girl’s sight miraculously restored, relayed "word for word" as the author’s brother witnessed it in a charismatic church, and a slapstick burial scene. "I want to be able to say it’s okay to question, and as readers are asking those serious questions, I want them to be able to laugh, too," the author explains.
Cathryn Clinton’s second novel, A STONE IN MY HAND, also touches on elements of religion, but in a very different context: it tells the moving story of a Palestinian girl in Gaza City, 1988, whose father is killed in a bus bombing and whose brother turns to violence. "While in graduate school, I had a writing assignment to choose a picture of someone and write about that person," the author says. "In an article about Gaza in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, I saw a picture of a young Palestinian girl holding a bird in her hand. There was a look of strength in her face. This intrigued me, and I wondered how this girl had survived both internally and externally when the conditions of her growing up years were so harsh. So I sat down and began writing the story of Malaak."
Cathryn Clinton’s most recent titles, SIMEON'S FIRE and THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, are again set closer to home. In SIMEON'S FIRE, Cathryn Clinton tells a powerful coming-of-age story that takes place in an Amish community in Pennsylvania. With compassion and insight into a child’s inner struggles and the nuances of Amish traditions, Cathryn Clinton explores ideas of family, loyalty, and faith in the face of fear and prejudice. With THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, Cathryn Clinton introduces readers to Jude Barnes, who has recently moved to Ellenville, a small town outside of Philadelphia. In this affecting new novel, Judy finds solace in her art and her friends as she struggles to escape depression.
Cathryn Clinton received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Iowa and her master of fine arts degree from Vermont College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 16, 2013
Words just can't describe how much I loved this book... Oh yeah, sure, make fun of me because it looks as though I only loved this book because it had so many references to my religion and Palenstine/Israel, but that's not it. This was just the raw emotions of a girl having to grow up in this time period and the loss of her father (which was WAY TOO WELL WRITTEN!!!) that made me freakin' BAWL. Her brother was really cool and I understood his intentions, and...GAH! I dunno..this book will always be one of my favorites. :)
August 9, 2012
Synopsis:
1988 Gaza City is anything but peaceful. Tensions between Israel and Palestine are worsening by the day with fights in the streets and curfews. One day, eleven year old Malaak's father boards a bus to Israel to look for work. Her father never returns and Malaak befriends a bird on top of her home's rooftop to cope with her loneliness, sadness, chaos, and uncertainty that surrounds her. Malaak's older brother Hamid, is driven by anger, which is fueled by extremists which teach violence is the way to deal with atrocities committed by Israeli troops.
Malaak must make sense of her political and physical surroundings and find her strength to rise above her conditions.
Review:
I loved this book! A Stone in my Hand is thought provoking and gives a unique perspective into the tensions and fighting over Gaza. Don't get me wrong, I am very pro-Israel but this story shows how fear, anger, misunderstanding and violence begets more fear, anger, misunderstanding, and violence which ultimately ruins lives, families, and national security. Read more of my reviews at hernosestuckinsomebook.com
1988 Gaza City is anything but peaceful. Tensions between Israel and Palestine are worsening by the day with fights in the streets and curfews. One day, eleven year old Malaak's father boards a bus to Israel to look for work. Her father never returns and Malaak befriends a bird on top of her home's rooftop to cope with her loneliness, sadness, chaos, and uncertainty that surrounds her. Malaak's older brother Hamid, is driven by anger, which is fueled by extremists which teach violence is the way to deal with atrocities committed by Israeli troops.
Malaak must make sense of her political and physical surroundings and find her strength to rise above her conditions.
Review:
I loved this book! A Stone in my Hand is thought provoking and gives a unique perspective into the tensions and fighting over Gaza. Don't get me wrong, I am very pro-Israel but this story shows how fear, anger, misunderstanding and violence begets more fear, anger, misunderstanding, and violence which ultimately ruins lives, families, and national security. Read more of my reviews at hernosestuckinsomebook.com
September 14, 2011
I absoulutly loved this book! It really takes you to view in the eyes of what the Palestinain people are going through , especailly since the Main character is a child, Mallaak. I dont want to give the book away, especailly when i do reviews but here is a brief summmary: Mallak and her family live in Palestine during the Isreal occupation. Life is very hard for Mallak and her family. Her dad is gone and know one knows what has happened. Or so it seems that Mallak's mother is keeping that in silicence. In secret. And her brother, Hamid , is in the *shabab. His views on the war are clear but he wants to take more than words of peace to the street. He is a fighter but his fighting agianst the Isreali gov and soilders leads to trouble.
( *Palestian youth group. usually consisting of very young boys to sometimes Teens. But most people involved in defending Palestine from the Isreals are more occupied with the Intifada.)
A terrible incedent happens to change Mallak and her family
( *Palestian youth group. usually consisting of very young boys to sometimes Teens. But most people involved in defending Palestine from the Isreals are more occupied with the Intifada.)
A terrible incedent happens to change Mallak and her family
Want to Read
February 11, 2010It's 1988 in a Palestinian community in Gaza City and Malaak has been deeply traumatized by the disappearance of her father during the '88-'89 Intifada. She learns that he was killed in an Islamic terrorist bombing and she must summon great courage to regain her connection to reality, especially when she must confront her brother who has chosen to engage in the violence. Clinton has treated a controversial topic with a compassion and fierce honesty that transcends the taking of sides. Briskly paced, full of well-wrought characters and beautifully written.
November 3, 2010
This is a historical fiction novel of an eleven year old girl living in the Middle East. The story is told by the girl during the violence in Gaza. Young Malaak's father disappears and her brother joins a radical group during the same time. Malaak must find the courage to move past all of the violence.
January 27, 2013
Even though this is rated for grades 5-8, it would be enlightening for all ages as well as beneficial. It reminds one that regardless of which side you pull for there is also another side to the story. Told from the viewpoint of a younger sister we get a glimpse into the loss and sorrow that comes to Israelis as well as Palestinians. It also reminds me to count my blessings each and every day!
May 30, 2007
This books is historical fiction and goes in depth to some pretty interesting topics. It is very touching and moving. I think that this book would be good for anyone who likes realistic fiction also, because it is like a story.
November 15, 2011
This novel is fantastic, it opened my life to the world of books. Before I read this book, I thought that books were for nerds and to go to the library with my older brother was a nightmare. But thanks to this eye opening book by Catherine Clinton, my life hase been enriched by words.
June 21, 2009
it makes me cry! very sad book! :(
March 6, 2013
what a sad and never ending story i loved it and i think everyone sould read this!
January 26, 2016
This is a really good book, I liked how Abdo represented a spirit of some sort
September 10, 2022
In terms of the story, it is an account of the reality happening in Palestine, in Gaza city. The story depicts the life of Palestinians after the First Intifada, and what is more heartbreaking is.. it is being told from the point of view of a child in Palestine. We are able to at least a little bit, see and feel the minds of a child living under occupation. The traumatic experience, the outcomes having seen and witnessed so many murders etc.
As adult humans, we make many rashless and reckless decisions, often wanting to benefit ourselves...we only think of ourselves...but the effects are going to our children and the vulnerable. How arrogant and selfish are we not to think of others?
It is sad. Not just for those affected by this, but mainly sad for the ones who propagate this in the first place and the ones oppressing others. Because this is a kind of bullying, preying on the weak...and usually this happens when the heart is never content, is never calm and has no mercy in it. How sad are the life of these people, that although they have everything in the world, their hearts are never at rest.
I would like to note that although the story is true to the reality, but the facts given at the end are distorted. Israel did not get independence in 1948, rather they stole the land of Philistine and massacred Palestinians at the time. The event is called Nakba. The 'Jews' who came to stay in Israel never stayed in refugee camps, in fact they became settlers and without consent, stole other people's lands and houses. Today, a lot of settlers became extremists who bullies Palestinians and are protected by the Israeli soldiers. 'Israel' claim to be innocent but in fact, they are one of the the biggest bullies in the world. That said, the hearts in there are the saddest of all...being thieves of lands and houses they live in, no hearts will ever have content.
Victory will come to the people of the Palestine. Insha Allah.
As adult humans, we make many rashless and reckless decisions, often wanting to benefit ourselves...we only think of ourselves...but the effects are going to our children and the vulnerable. How arrogant and selfish are we not to think of others?
It is sad. Not just for those affected by this, but mainly sad for the ones who propagate this in the first place and the ones oppressing others. Because this is a kind of bullying, preying on the weak...and usually this happens when the heart is never content, is never calm and has no mercy in it. How sad are the life of these people, that although they have everything in the world, their hearts are never at rest.
I would like to note that although the story is true to the reality, but the facts given at the end are distorted. Israel did not get independence in 1948, rather they stole the land of Philistine and massacred Palestinians at the time. The event is called Nakba. The 'Jews' who came to stay in Israel never stayed in refugee camps, in fact they became settlers and without consent, stole other people's lands and houses. Today, a lot of settlers became extremists who bullies Palestinians and are protected by the Israeli soldiers. 'Israel' claim to be innocent but in fact, they are one of the the biggest bullies in the world. That said, the hearts in there are the saddest of all...being thieves of lands and houses they live in, no hearts will ever have content.
Victory will come to the people of the Palestine. Insha Allah.
October 3, 2017
Set in 1988 "A stone in my hand" is a story about the young life of eleven year Malaak who lives in Gaza City during tensions between Israel and Palestine. The story shows great insight into the historical event because it is told in third person limited which means it shows the thoughts and feelings of one character (aka Malaak). This gives the reader more insight because it helps the reader understand what the character is going through and helps them connect to that character. The pearl of wisdom I got from reading this book is to cherish life and not take anything for granted. I feel this because before the deaths of two of Malaaks family members and the war going on around him Malaak took life and peace for granted which you should never do. Finally is my opinion on the book, I rated this book four out of five stars because I believe the story was well written and really gave me insight into the characters life. The story was also very fast paced and flowed quickly, this helped the reader really understand the true enormity and horror of the situation. Overall I thought the book was very interesting and was a great way to get to know the significance of this historical event.
November 4, 2019
Intrigued by a photo of a Palestinian girl she saw in a National Geographic article on Gaza, Cathryn Clinton has written the story of eleven-year-old Malaak with restraint and tenderness. Set during 1988 and 1989, while the Israeli military occupied Gaza, events moved quickly in this harsh political climate.
When her beloved father disappeared on his way to look for work in Israel, Malaak retreated into silence, broken only by her interaction with her dove, Abdo. Later, readers learn, along with Malaak, of her father’s death on a bus targeted by Islamic Jihad. With difficulty, she pulls herself back into the world around her when her older brother, Hamid becomes increasingly involved in the violence.
Portraying the painful experiences of one Middle Eastern family, Clinton draws readers into a sense of daily life and relationships as conflict escalates. She carefully does not deceive with a happy ending, but reminds readers that, along with Malaak, we find our comfort and hope within.
When her beloved father disappeared on his way to look for work in Israel, Malaak retreated into silence, broken only by her interaction with her dove, Abdo. Later, readers learn, along with Malaak, of her father’s death on a bus targeted by Islamic Jihad. With difficulty, she pulls herself back into the world around her when her older brother, Hamid becomes increasingly involved in the violence.
Portraying the painful experiences of one Middle Eastern family, Clinton draws readers into a sense of daily life and relationships as conflict escalates. She carefully does not deceive with a happy ending, but reminds readers that, along with Malaak, we find our comfort and hope within.
March 26, 2019
Years before the beginning of A Stone in My Hand, a Palestinian family is forced to leave their home in the newly created Israel. They settle in Gaza. Fast forward a few decades and the story begins around the time of the intifada. The book is narrated by a young Palestinian girl, the youngest in the family. She almost completely stops talking after her father disappears on his way to try to get work in Israel. Her sister basically puts her life on hold hoping the occupation and fighting will end soon. Her brother becomes so frustrated by the Israeli soldiers everywhere that he flirts with becoming a jihadist. It is very well-written historical fiction and shows how one person’s actions affect someone else in ways you might not expect. I recommend it to middle school age and up learning about the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians (I would recommend adding a pro-Israel book to be read as well to balance the pro-Palestine slant of this one).
January 7, 2023
I went into this book not expecting much. Honestly, I only read it because my book club chose it. Even so, I'm quite glad I read it. There was something so genuine about the way Clinton wrote Malaak's thought process that made me connect to her as if she were a real person. Can we all agree that Malaak is definitely not neurotypical? Even though it wasn't explicitly stated in the book, it was evident that she showed signs of being autistic and it made me very happy. I also loved how Hamid was written. We were given a simultaneously likable and unlikable character with many complex layers. His motives were clear but not exactly what we would call 'just'. Overall, even with the slight lack of plot, I loved this book for the amount of character development and introspection displayed throughout.
September 27, 2019
I really wanted to love this book based on the description on the back cover. Overall it was okay. It will be a great book for my students because the reading level is on the easy side. At the same time the book does give good information about the ongoing fight between Palestine and Israel. It also gives an interesting glance into why young men would turn to the Islamic Jihad as a way to get their points across. My complaints lie in the flowery-ness of the scenes with Malaak and the bird Abdo. Either this is going to be a book about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, or it's going to be a novel about a little girl living during a war...the interweaving of those two ideas did not work for me here.
August 29, 2018
Honestly, I don't know how I felt about this book. I loved the poetic writing style.
I thought that the book's representation of the Israel-Gaza conflict was quite good, and the terrors of Islamic extremism was shown in a way that was threatening to the peace of families of the sons that join Islamic Jihad. I felt as if the "plot" of the book was a bit bland, and struggled to hook me. I liked the characterization of our main character, but all others seemed a little lack-luster. It was an easy read and worth picking up if you're interested in middle-eastern affairs.
I thought that the book's representation of the Israel-Gaza conflict was quite good, and the terrors of Islamic extremism was shown in a way that was threatening to the peace of families of the sons that join Islamic Jihad. I felt as if the "plot" of the book was a bit bland, and struggled to hook me. I liked the characterization of our main character, but all others seemed a little lack-luster. It was an easy read and worth picking up if you're interested in middle-eastern affairs.
May 24, 2026
I fear that this book kinda neutralizes a two state solution, but it will always be free palestine until palestine is free.
what i did like about this book is that it was fairly easy to read and to understand the history of the intifada. reading this in malaak’s pov was also very endearing because like most people, we don’t know what’s going on at that age, so it was a little heartbreaking.
but
f*ck israel
what i did like about this book is that it was fairly easy to read and to understand the history of the intifada. reading this in malaak’s pov was also very endearing because like most people, we don’t know what’s going on at that age, so it was a little heartbreaking.
but
f*ck israel
February 13, 2018
Errrr wasn't my favorite. I was assigned this book in class and the back didn't have me drawn in and reading this was very boring. I disliked it and found it a chore to read it. It was very modern and historical. Not my taste. And took place in the time of World war I. It had poetry and personally. I can't stand poetry.
February 6, 2020
This book was awesome! I'm from Palestine and it really made me happy that there was a book about Palestine and what's that takes place there. I absolutely recommend this book to book lovers who would love to learn about Palestine and what different things occur there. It brought me to realizing more about where I'm from.
December 23, 2020
It's an easy yet a good read. The content isn't as light but the language is easy. I like the plot and the scenes, but i feel like it doesn't dig deeper emotions in transcribing it into the words. It touches my heart but only on the surface. I like the character names and the characterisations. If anyone needs a good fiction to start on Palestine and Palestinians, this is a good book.
January 9, 2018
This book really helps you learn about what was going on during that time period. During the story, it also explains the feelings of a girl who really sees the situation, and what she thinks. I thought the story progression was slow, but the descriptions in the book are very powerful.
January 25, 2018
This book was about a little girl named Malaak who was in great danger because of a serious war that was happening. The book did not get my interest and I only rated a two star because I do not like books about history. If you do enjoy that content though then I really do suggest this book.
March 26, 2020
It so sweet. A beautifull reading. I'm not used to this kind of books but I really enjoyed It, maybe the ending wasn't that great but I still loved It.
It would a 3.5 really, because I really liked It.
It would a 3.5 really, because I really liked It.
May 7, 2017
BEST BOOK EVER FROM CATHRYN CLINTON! But it's just really sad at the end when soldiers shoot her brother. At that moment, I thought he was going to die!
January 26, 2018
Overall a very good book with an investing storyline, you'll follow the life of Malaak and her family, Hend, Hamid, and her mother.
August 25, 2019
Easy to read
OK story
OK story
April 27, 2025
Nice enough, but didn't feel like it went anywhere. Don't think students would engage with it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews