A powerful young adult novel about twelve-year-old Karim who transforms an abandoned patch of land into a football pitch and refuge amid the harsh realities of military occupation in Ramallah.
A Little Piece of Ground by Elizabeth Laird – a compelling young adult novel now available as a used paperback in Sri Lanka for LKR 2,400 at Bookshop Near Me.
The Story
Twelve-year-old Karim Aboudi lives under military occupation in Ramallah. He dreams of playing football, exploring freely, and living like any other child. Instead, he faces curfews, checkpoints, and constant fear. When Karim and his friends discover an abandoned piece of land, they transform it into a secret football pitch—a small sanctuary where they can reclaim their childhood. But as military presence intensifies, their refuge becomes increasingly dangerous.
Why This Book Matters
Elizabeth Laird, a four-time Carnegie Medal nominee, writes with remarkable authenticity drawn from her experiences living in conflict regions including Lebanon and Iraq. Her compassionate storytelling has been praised by The Guardian and is used in classrooms worldwide to discuss the human cost of war.
For Sri Lankan readers who understand the complexities of conflict and reconciliation, Karim’s story resonates with universal truths about resilience, community support, and hope through hardship.
Key Themes
Resilience and friendship in adversity
Loss of innocence and the right to childhood
Everyday heroism and hope for peace
Family bonds under pressure
Book Details
Author: Elizabeth Laird
ISBN: 9781509887637
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Pages: 240
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Used, good reading condition
Price: LKR 2,400
Order your copy today from Bookshop Near Me and experience one of the most important young adult novels of our time.
