Soumchi by Amos Oz

Soumchi, which can be read as a sequel to Oz's A Panther in the Basement (but doesn't have to be), is a very short, very accessible novel.  The book tells the story of one day in the life of Soumchi, an eleven-year-old growing up in British occupied Jerusalem shortly after WWII.  When Soumchi's uncle gives him a bicycle, he trades it for a train set.  He then continues trading items until he finds exactly what he wants.

Lower-level students, especially younger readers, will find this book engaging and accessible.  Students need very little background information to understand the plot, although a brief history of Jerusalem would be helpful.  Teachers may feel that the novel doesn't have enough depth to it, but I believe Soumchi's story revolves around a desire for love to which many students will relate.

Panther in the Basement is another novel that lower-level students may enjoy, but the narrator (Soumchi) seems too adult-like to be believable, especially since Panther's plot comes before Soumchi's.  Teachers who are looking for a quick novel to share with their students would do better with Soumchi, but those wanting to do a short author study could easily pair these two books with background information on Amos Oz.