I really really loved this one! I did not see that little bit of a twist coming!
Tally and Max, such great characters! I also liked all the side characters too; Sammy, Saron, David, Joshua, & Gabriel. I liked the look into each of their lives and how they connected with Tally and Max while in Israel.
I liked the look at what it means to be a Jew and how Jews are told crazy things all the time about how they aren't Jewish. I loved this because I myself am Jewish and have been discriminated against.
I liked the look at anxiety and at sexuality and figuring what that means to you.
I have been to Israel and I felt like I was there again while reading this book! Neil does a great job of describing and connecting you with these beautiful places.
I am excited that this book will be out in the world soon! It is so needed!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This is a sweet story of self discovery taking place on a high school trip to Israel. I hope that readers will give it a chance; it should have broad appeal to middle grade students.

Youth group Israel trips are such a huge part of the high school/college experience for so many American Jews, myself included. I can't believe I've never read a novel taking place during one! This captures the experience perfectly -- the travel, the sights, the relationships. It was the perfect setting for Tally's self discovery journey. The author brings up the contested history and current issues in Israel in a contextually appropriate way. Highly recommended for grades 8 & up.