Books like Snow in Jerusalem by Deborah da Costa

The story begins with two boys, Yehuda, a Jewish boy, and Ali, a Muslim boy, who live in different quarters of Jerusalem. They don’t know each other and have never met before. They are both living in their respective neighborhoods when one day they discover that they have been caring for the same stray cat. As they become more familiar with each other, they realize that they share a common interest in the snow that falls on Jerusalem’s rooftops. Yehuda and Ali are initially strangers, but their shared love of snow, Jerusalem, and their new cat brings them closer together. The story is not only a tale of friendship but also a coming-of-age story for both boys. When the time comes for Yehuda to enter the city’s Jewish high school and Ali to attend the Muslim school, they must make the difficult decision of choosing between their newfound friendship and the education they will receive. The story ends with a twist that keeps readers guessing until the very end, leaving them with a satisfying conclusion that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

First publish date: 2001