Summary: Valerie has just graduated from high school in Israel, which means she must go and serve a compulsory two years in the military. She doesn't want to leave her friends, but she has just broken up with her boyfriend, and is kind of looking forward to the distraction. Upon her arrival at the base, she is immediately thrust into the disciplined lifestyle. She is in training for 16 hours a day with only 20 minute breaks for less than palatable meals. After general training, she undergoes specialty intelligence training to monitor the Jordanian air force, where she is drilled relentlessly day after day. In the meantime, a seeming reconciliation with her boyfriend goes awry, and Valerie falls apart. But, in the tough Israeli manner displayed in this book, she is soon able to pick up the pieces, then continues to excel at her post.
Interest Level: 6th-12th Grades Note: While his title is written for older teens, the writing style and content make it accessible to tweens as well. There are some references to sex, but nothing explicit.
Zenatti, V. (2005). When I was a soldier. (A. Hunter, Trans.). New York: Bloombury. (Original work published 2002.
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