Navigating Childhood and Conflict in 'The Cat at the Wall'

is a thought-provoking novel that invites middle school students to delve into themes of empathy, conflict, and cultural understanding through the eyes of a cat observing life in the war-torn environment of the Occupied West Bank. The story encourages discussions about perspectives and the ultimate impact of war on individuals and communities. Teachers can use this book to foster critical thinking and compassion in their classrooms, making it an excellent choice for literature circles or thematic units. A teacher’s guide will be provided.

Deborah Ellis is an award-winning author and peace activist. She penned the international bestseller The Breadwinner, as well as many works of fiction and nonfiction about children all over the world. She has won the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Ruth Schwartz Award, the Middle East Book Award, Sweden’s Peter Pan Prize, the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award and the Vicky Metcalf Award for a Body of Work.

She donates most of her royalty income to worthy causes — Right to Learn Afghanistan, Street Kids International, the Children in Crisis Fund of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) and UNICEF.

This event is presented in partnership with the at UW-Madison.

Host or Publisher IRIS NRC