Mackenzie, Lost and Found
by Deborah Kerbel

    MACKENZIE, LOST AND FOUND by Deborah Kerbel
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  11/17/08
    Publisher:  Dundurn
    Reviewed by:  Breanna F.
    Rating:  4 Stars


    15-year-old Mackenzie Hill is still recovering from the loss of her mother when her father announces that they're
    moving to Israel because he was offered a position at a university there.

    Being torn away from the only home she has ever known in Toronto, Canada, is not Mackenzie's idea of a good
    time. Her father promises that if after three months she still doesn't like it there, she can move back to Canada, and
    she plans to do just that.

    But soon Mackenzie meets an American girl named Marla who has lived in Israel for a few years. They discover that
    they have something in common, and she helps to show Mackenzie around. In no time at all, the two become best
    friends.

    Also, Mackenzie discovers an amazingly cute boy named Nasir who works at a little shop near her apartment. Soon
    (even though Nasir's parents would forbid it if they knew) Mackenzie and Nasir start dating, little to the knowledge
    of Mackenzie's father and Nasir's parents.

    Soon the three-month period is up - and Mackenzie doesn't mention going back home. Things are going so well and
    Mackenzie is actually happy with her life. But one day something happens that will quickly change everything..

    First off, I have to say that this book was pretty intense. There was indeed a point where I cried. The whole book
    moved at a pretty fast speed, and near the end it was action-packed, which was a surprise (but it was a good
    surprise). Not one part of MACKENZIE, LOST AND FOUND was dull to me.

    After the first few chapters of just Mackenzie talking it switches, and most every other chapter after that is a chapter
    told from Nasir's point of view. So the story is told from two different points of view, which I always like.

    Ms. Kerbel is a strong writer and I definitely look forward to reading something else by her. I'd recommend this
    book to anyone who's interested in what's going on in the Middle East, and to readers who don't mind a heart-
    wrenching story.