Gulf

Narrated by Tom, the story centers on his younger brother, Figgy, who begins to experience 'fits' where he believes he is Latif, an Iraqi boy living through the 1991 Persian Gulf War. While doctors dismiss it as a psychological break, the family witnesses Figgy manifesting physical and linguistic traits of a child half a world away. As the war intensifies, Figgy's health mirrors the trauma of the battlefield, forcing Tom to protect his brother from both a skeptical medical establishment and the literal violence of a distant war. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with the trauma of war and mental health. The approach is direct and gritty, though the 'connection' between the boys leans toward a mystical or supernatural explanation rather than purely clinical. The resolution is realistic and somber, reflecting the true nature of war. EMOTIONAL ARC: The book starts with domestic unease and builds into a high-stakes psychological thriller. It is intense throughout, ending on a note of survival that is more haunting than traditionally happy. IDEAL READER: A 12-to-14-year-old who is deeply affected by the news or history, and who has a protective relationship with a sibling. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child becoming obsessed with a global tragedy or expressing that they 'feel' the pain of others to an unhealthy degree. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of descriptions of bombing and war casualties. It is best read with some historical context about the 1991 Gulf War. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the 'mystery' of Figgy's behavior, while older readers will grasp the political commentary on how we perceive the 'enemy.' DIFFERENTIATOR: It is unique for its use of a psychic or empathetic link to bridge the gap between a safe Western upbringing and the reality of a war zone, humanizing the opposing side in a way few children's books dare.