What Makes Us

High school student Eran Sharon and his Israeli mom, Devorah, live in small town suburbia in Texas. Passionate and political in his classes, Eran organizes a protest against excessive police power that gets wildly out of hand. When Devorah pulls him away from it, she is recognized by the press and the identity of Eran's long-lost father is revealed as a terrorist who committed murder 15 years ago when Eran was just a toddler. Their lives soon dissolve into chaos as readers witness the progression of hateful thought, speech, and action against them and their synagogue through no fault of their own. Terrifyingly realistic and timely, the perspectives and opposing viewpoints of mob mentality and Eran's innocence are detailed and disturbing. The central question, derived from the Talmud, is "If someone can stop injustice but doesn't, then is he to blame for that injustice?" Feeling attacked on all sides by media, fellow students, and neighbors, Eran finds support from his friends, Declan and Jade, as he struggles with his resemblance to his father. There are layers of deep meaning in this taut novel that feel like it came directly from the headlines with all the frenzy of social media. The well-drawn characters and believable dialogue are sure to inspire critical thinking and impassioned debate, for students will see themselves clearly in both the character of Eran and the maelstrom of current events that will be all too relevant to them.