Jews suffering from discrimination in Ethiopia, Desta and the other members of her family, finally flee the country and attempt the dangerous journey to Israel. When 12-year-old Ethiopian Jew Desta learns there are camps in Sudan where transport for Israel is waiting, she sets out with her brother and younger sister on a journey to freedom. When her brother is killed, Desta must take the lead courageously as they travel to the promised land. - BOOKLIST. An ALA 1987 Best Book for Young Adults. National Jewish Book Award for Children's Literature (1988).