When sixteen-year-old Carlie learns that her older cousin Mitch is staying in Israel to study at an Orthodox yeshiva, she is upset and angry. Since she was orphaned years ago, Carlie and Mitch have lived together like brother and sister. Now she wonders, is there more to the relationship, and is it wrong to care so deeply?

In Israel Mitch finds fulfillment in studying the Torah, in his work as an artist, and in his new relationship with an Israeli girl. In California, Carlie, her aunt Vivian and uncle Harry grow increasingly alarmed at Mitch's defection. They fear he has been brainwashed. Aunt Vivian decides to take Carlie to Israel to lure Mitch back home. Once there, Carlie is awakened by Mitch's new spirituality. After surviving a traumatic incident she realizes that she has a strength of her own. Finally, Carlie holds the key to the changing paths that each of them will take.

Told in alternating points of view, this dramatic novel contrasts two cultures and compels readers to think about the role of religion in their own lives. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Levitin (Journey to America) contributes an unusually intelligent, thought-provoking novel about faith. Mitch Green, a suburban Californian bound for UCLA in the fall, is on a summer tour of Israel with his temple's youth group when he meets someone from an Orthodox yeshiva‘and decides to stay on and study at the yeshiva himself. Mitch's cousin Carlie, an orphan who is being raised by Mitch's parents, describes the reaction at home: the Greens, Reform Jews, are horrified and certain Mitch has been brainwashed. Mitch's letters, saying that before he felt "parched" and now feels "nourished," sound to the family "almost as if someone else were dictating [them]." By Christmas, Carlie and her aunt are bound for Israel, to spend time with Mitch and see if they can bring him home. As they grapple with weighty issues-e.g., belief in God in the face of tragedy, and putting principles above personal relationships‘Levitin's own touch is light. She maintains a remarkable evenhandedness with all her characters, major and minor, as she presents conflicting points of view without favoring any one of them or insisting that they ultimately converge. She unfolds bits of the characters' pasts with precision timing, creating little revelations that illuminate both the characters and the challenges they confront. Some of the religious matters are simplified‘appropriately, given a general readership‘but the fundamental issues will touch teens of all persuasions. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 8 Up-Mitch Green, a teenager who enjoys carefree days at the beach, decides not to return home to southern California from his summer trip to Israel. Instead of starting his first year at UCLA, he decides to study the Torah and live and study at a yeshiva. He has never before felt the joy and fulfillment he experiences while living in Jerusalem. His parents are convinced he has been brainwashed, but his cousin Carlie, who has lived with the Greens since her parents' death, isn't sure. In alternating chapters, Mitch and Carlie tell their stories of change, maturation, and love. The young man's spiritual growth and interest in his religion and history are fascinating. His strength of character and thoughtfulness are well portrayed. Carlie also matures both spiritually and emotionally, and is a likable, intelligent teenager. Many issues of religion, politics, and family dynamics are raised and discussed by Mitch and Carlie, as well as their friends and family in Israel and America. Another important and outstanding work by Levitin, this unique novel covers fresh territory.-Elisabeth Palmer Abarbanel, Brentwood School, Los Angeles From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr. 7^-12. Since her parents' fatal accident, 15-year-old Carlie has lived with her cousin, Mitch, and his parents, Vivian and Harry. Now, once again life sideswipes her. Her 18-year-old cousin is not returning from Israel, where he went to spend the summer. Previously oblivious to his Jewish identity, Mitch has become observant, is planning to study in Israel, and is even considering emigrating. An outraged Harry sends Vivian and Carlie to convince Mitch to return home. It is an awkward reunion, in the midst of which a terrorist bomb explodes and Carlie is injured. Afterward, family secrets are unveiled, Carlie and Mitch realize the depth of their feelings for one another, and Vivian recognizes her son's right to make his own choices. Told from Mitch's and Carlie's points of view, this plot-driven novel bristles with questions about faith, love, family, acceptance, and self-determination. --Karen Simonetti From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.