Against the Tide

A young Palestinian girl supports her family by becoming the first ever fisherwoman in Gaza in this uplifting middle grade novel about finding courage in the face of adversity.

Inspired by a true story–perfect for readers of Other Words for Home, A Long Walk to Water, Amina’s Voice, and Persepolis.

Against the Tide follows fifteen-year-old Yousra, whose family is changed forever after her brother is killed by an Israeli missile, and when the collapse of a tunnel between Gaza and Egypt leaves her father disabled and unable to support the family.

For a long time, Yousra is forced to beg for handouts from neighbors, but with the encroaching restrictions of an occupied Gaza, Yousra reaches a breaking point. Soon, an idea comes to her: to fix up her father’s fishing boat and take up his line of work. She becomes the first and only fisherwoman in Gaza, where she must abide by the rules imposed on their trade. 

One day, when Yousra accidentally goes past the designated three-mile zone where she is allowed to fish, she encounters the Israeli navy. Though she feels threatened, she decides to stand up for herself. Based on the true story of a young Palestinian girl named Madleen Kulab, Against the Tide is not only a middle grade story of resilience, but also a lesson on how the courage of one person can transform the world. Includes illustrations by Palestinian artist Aya Ghanemeh.