International Day of Peace

   This titles included in this section are intended to help you broaden your scope in terms of discussing this topic with children. Seeing life from another person's perspective and culture, and reading how one person can make a great difference are ways in which we can help young people recognize our common humanity. Many of the titles in the Books for Younger Children section will provide a catalyst for discussion with older children as well.

   Use the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (www.childrenslit.com) to find award winning titles for discussion: The Jane Addams Award, The Mildred Batchelder Award and Notable Books for A Global Society (IRA) offer many ways to approach the topic.

   The UN General Assembly has set September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace, devoted to "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples." Students can get involved in a civics project by writing to their mayors, governors and legislators to request a proclamation of peace. Schools can hold assemblies and public libraries can present programs on peace and justice in the classroom, school, community and globally. Invite a storyteller to share tales of peace. For more information on the International Day of Peace, go to www.InternationalDayofPeace.org.

Contributor: Sharon Salluzzo

Reviews

Books for Younger Children:

Boxes for Katje
Candace Fleming
Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen
   This wonderfully illustrated story is based upon the experiences of the author's mother who sent a box with toothpaste, soap and socks, along with a note, to Europe after World War II. The European people were in desperate need of food, warm clothing and personal items, and groups such as the Children's Aid Society, Catholic Relief Services, and the American Red Cross came to the rescue. Many Americans sent boxes packed with goods to those in need. Katje was a little girl who lived in the Dutch town of Olst where the people were suffering during the aftermath of the war. When Katje received a box from a child in the United States, she and her family generously shared the contents with their neighbors. She wrote a letter of thanks to Rosie, the young girl who sent the package, and Rosie and her family and friends responded with more boxes. Katje, her mother, and her neighbors were finally able to send a box to Rosie in return. They sent a box of tulip bulbs, and before long the beautiful tulips were blooming all over a little town in Indiana. An informative, inspirational story of young people sharing with others. 2003, Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
Best Books:

  • Best Children's Books, 2003; Publisher's Weekly; United States
  • Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Capitol Choices, 2004; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
  • The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
  • Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
  • Notable Books for a Global Society, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
  • Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2004; NCTE Children's Literature Assembly; United States
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
  • Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 18, 2003; Cahners; United States
  • Teachers' Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
    ISBN: 0-374-30922-1

    The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
    Jeanette Winter
       This inspirational story was lost under the headlines about the war in Iraq. Alia Muhammad Baker, the librarian of the library in the city of Basra, is concerned that when the war comes the precious books in her library will be in danger. So every night she secretly moves some of the books to her home. As bombs begin to fall and parts of the city catch fire, her friend, the owner of a nearby restaurant, works with her and other friends to hide more books in his restaurant before the library burns. Alia waits patiently for peace, dreaming of a new library for the books she has saved. The visual tale is told rather formally with single-page acrylic paintings set in framed squares on colored backgrounds, first yellow anticipating war, then purple during the bombings, and finally blue during the time of waiting for eventual peace. There is almost too decorative a quality to Winter's depiction of what was a dreadfully destructive time in Basra. Even the fire-generated orange clouds that light up the skies have strong esthetic overtones. Alia is shown on the jacket/cover as a simple woman, in long skirt and head scarf, courageously and resolutely guarding her stacks of books. A note adds background factual information. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to help rebuild the book collection of the Basra Central Library. 2005, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 5 to 8.Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, January 2005; Cahners; United States
    ISBN: 0152054456

    Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Doreen Rappaport
    Illustrated by Bryan Collier
       Beautiful it its simplicity, this small biography of Martin Luther King shines forth. Rappaport's text portrays King's childhood in two pages with his discovery that in spite of the "whites only" signs, his mother's words that "You are as good as anyone" would sustain him. When he sang hymns and read from the Bible in church, he vowed that he would grow up to "get big words." His career as a minister, being influenced by Gandhi, participation in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and subsequent civil rights marches, winning the Nobel Peace Prize, threats to his family and his death are touched upon. Each short paragraph ends with a memorable quote relevant to the subject of the page and many are familiar to adult readers. Instead of drawing from the "I have a dream" speech the quote about judging people by the content of their character, the author has selected-"I have a dream that one day in Alabama little black boys and black girls will join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." It is more accessible to the intended audience, if less ringing and memorable to the adult reader. Collier's stunning collage and bold watercolor illustrations are layered with meanings, textures, light and shadow. Stained glass windows, which appear in many of the illustrations, serve multiple symbolic purposes including providing light and a way of looking past where you are, says the illustrator in a front note. This is obviously a work of great care and love for the subject, a fine introduction and a fitting tribute to the Dr. King and his work. A chronology of important dates includes 1986 when Dr. King's birthday became a national holiday, and a fine selection of additional readings and web sites are suggested. 2001, Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, $16.49 and $15.99. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Booklist Book Review Stars, Oct. 1, 2001; United States
  • Books About Relationships and Community-Building, 2002; Children's Book Council; United States
  • Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2001; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
  • Capitol Choices, 2001; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
  • Children's Books of Distinction, 2002; Riverbank Review; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Children's Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2001; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
  • Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2001; United States
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
  • Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
  • New York Times Notable Books, 2001; New York Times; United States
  • Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2001; Cahners; United States
  • School Library Journal: Best Books, 2001; Cahners; United States
  • Teachers' Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States
    ISBN: 0786807148
    ISBN: 078682591X

    Potatoes, Potatoes
    Anita Lobel
       In this reissue of a 1967 picture book, a mother living between two warring countries has walled in her home and potato garden and has kept her two sons out of the fray. However, when the two armies battle right outside her wall, both young men are taken with the excitement, the colorful uniforms, and the shiny medals and swords and leave home. One joins the army of the east and the other joins the army of the west. Both do well at soldiering and each become a leader. Over time, they learn of the many hardships of war and, when short of food for their troops, each leads his army to their mother's potato farm. Of course, their armies face each other in a battle over the potatoes; but the ensuing destruction causes them to realize the error of their ways and stop the fighting. All realize the values of family and peace and return to their homes. The story is well told and its lesson is timeless and certainly appropriate today. Lobel's original illustrations have been enhanced with full-color and give the book an updated look. They will help draw an audience to this well-done folktale. 2004 (orig. 1967), HarperCollins, $15.99 and $16.89. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-06-051817-0
    ISBN: 0-06-051818-9

    What Does Peace Feel Like?
    Vladimir Radunsky
       Children at the Ambrit international School in Rome were asked to comment on peace: what it smells, sounds, and tastes like; and how it looks and feels. The first names and ages of the children are listed on the page opposite the quotes. Their responses can encourage readers to add their own responses. Some are pithy, such as peace looks "like new babies just born yesterday…" and sounds "like no bad words." Others are more concrete, such as peace tastes "like your favorite food times two" and smells "like pizza with onions and sausage that just came out of the oven." This is a marvelous discussion-starter for home and classroom. Radunsky's illustrations, too, can be used to elicit responses from children. The word "peace" is presented in 189 languages at the back of the book. Part of the proceeds will be donated to CARE. 2004, Anne Schwartz Book/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $14.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
  • Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
  • Kirkus Book Review Stars, November 1, 2004; United States
    ISBN: 0-689-86676-3

    Books for Middle to Upper Grades:

    Esperanza Rising
    Pam Muñoz Ryan
       This exciting, well-written historical novel is based on the true-life experiences of the author's grandmother, Esperanza Ortega. Thirteen-year-old Esperanza and her newly widowed mother are forced to leave their fairytale existence at beautiful Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico, to live and work in a migrant worker camp in the San Joaquin Valley during the Great Depression. Adjustments to her new life are difficult for Esperanza--the harsh living conditions and hard labor are so different from her earlier life of privilege and wealth, especially after Mama becomes seriously ill with valley fever. But like the phoenix in her beloved grandma's story, Esperanza endures, "Rising again, with a new life ahead..." The author does a very good job of portraying the caring and solidarity, as well as the hardships, of Mexican-American labor camps of the era. An author's note is included. This book would be a great choice for a multicultural collection. 2000, Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Best Books for Young Adults, 2001 Top Ten; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
  • Eureka! California in Children's Literature, 2003; United States
  • Great Middle School Reads, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
  • Growing Up Latino in the U.S.A., 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
  • Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2000; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
  • Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Notable Books for a Global Society, 2001; International Reading Association; United States
  • Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
  • Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 2000; Cahners; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2000; Cahners; United States
  • Young Adults' Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States
  • Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 2000; Smithsonian; United States
    ISBN: 0-439-12041-1

    Iqbal
    Francesco D'Adamo
    Translated by Ann Lenori
       In Pakistan, child labor is a horrifying but common occurrence. Seven hundred thousand children are subject to unspeakable slave labor conditions, many of them literally chained to their rug-making looms. This story, translated from the Italian, is a fictionalized account of a real boy, Iqbal, whose courage and bravery provides hope for a better way of life. The story is narrated by a young girl named Fatima, who works for an evil carpet maker. The only path to freedom for these children is to work very hard and very fast, erasing the debt that their families have accumulated. Yet after four years the debt seems to grow no smaller. When Iqbal comes to live and work at the carpet maker's shop, his defiance and strong will infect the other children. Iqbal runs away but is recaptured quickly. His punishment is to spend six days in "the tomb," an old cellar that barely admits light. Iqbal runs away again, and this time locates authorities who liberate the children and punish the shop owner for his illegal activities. Iqbal becomes known worldwide for his tireless fight against child labor, giving speeches and traveling to America. We live shielded and sheltered, our eyes closed to atrocities and inhumanities. This book will open eyes. Iqbal was murdered in his hometown on Easter Sunday, 1995. 2003 (orig. 2001), Atheneum Books, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Christopher Moning (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
  • The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
  • Kirkus Book Review Stars, November 1, 2003; United States
  • Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2004, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Notable Books for a Global Society, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
  • Notable Children's Books, 2004; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
  • Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, November 10, 2003; Cahners; United States
  • Teachers' Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
    ISBN: 0-689-85445-5

    A Life Like Mine
       UNICEF and DK have worked together in publishing a fantastic book about the lives of 18 children from around the world. Set up in photo album style, the rich pictures, colors, and borders add to the delight of reading this book. Survival, Development, Protection, and Participation are the four sections included in the book, in which the challenges of the children and their nations are told and explained in a way that pulls the reader into their lives. Heart-warming stories of success over trials and hardships and children's quotes add authenticity and understanding to the text. Thought-provoking issues are shared, as seen through the eyes of children. This beautiful volume contains so much on every page that readers will want to look at it over and over again. This is a must for classrooms and homes. 2002, DK Publishing, $24.99. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson Notable Books for a Global Society, 2003; International Reading Association; United States
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
    ISBN: 0-789-48859-0

    Make Someone Smile: and 40 More Ways to Be a Peaceful Person
    Judy Lalli
    Photographs by Douglas L. Mason-Fry
       It is such a joy to read a book dedicated to peace making. Peace making is a skill, and with practice, it can be learned. Children; through their actions, show the simplicity of peace making strategies. Perhaps with a little practice, as the author says, someday-there will be peace on earth. 1996, Free Spirit Publishing, $8.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0915793997

    The Other Side of Truth
    Beverley Naidoo
       From the time that Sade hears the two shots that take her mother's life her world is turned upside down. She and her brother Femi are shipped off to England to be with their uncle for safety until their father can join them. Truth is what disrupted their lives. Sade's Papa, Folarin Solaja, is a journalist who works for a small, weekly newspaper dedicated to printing the truth about the corrupt military of his homeland, Nigeria. It has cost him his wife. The children's arrival in London does not go according to plans. The uncle who was to meet them is nowhere to be found. The woman who escorted them to England deserts them. After encounters with some savory characters, the children end up in a maze of agencies. Finally they are taken in by a foster family who cares for them. The school culture that they encounter is very traumatic for Sade and Femi. It is nothing like Nigeria. Children they come in contact with are rude to authority figures, to each other and of course, Sade and Femi are prime candidates for abuse. Papa finally arrives in London but is to be sent back to Nigeria. Sade and Femi devise a plan to save their father by letting the world know what happened to their family and why it happened. This is a story that grips you and doesn't let go, even after you've read the final words. 2000, HarperCollins, $16.99, $17.89 and $5.99. Ages 10 to 18. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 1, 2001; United States
  • Amelia Bloomer Project, 2002; American Library Association-SRRT; United States
  • Best Books for Young Adults, 2002; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2001; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
  • Capitol Choices, 2001; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
  • Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2001; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
  • Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
  • Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
  • Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2001; Cahners; United States
  • Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 2001; Cahners; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2001; Cahners; United States
  • School Library Journal: Best Books, 2001; Cahners; United States
  • Teachers' Choices, 2002; International Reading Association; United States
    ISBN: 0060296283
    ISBN: 0060296291
    ISBN: 0064410021

    Peace One Day: The Making of World Peace Day
    Jeremy Gilley
    Illustrated by Karen Blessen
       Wondering why it is so hard for the global community to live in peace the British film director, Jeremy Gilley, became determined to create a day of world peace. When he began his research, he discovered that the UN already had proclaimed world peace day to be the third Tuesday of September. The moveable date was a problem, so Gilley set to work to make it a set date. Naysayers scoffed at his goal but it did not stop him. The brief text presents his travels, disappointments and accomplishment to get the 21st of September to become the official UN day of peace. Blessen's marvelously creative collage illustrations combine photos, drawings, and a variety of fonts and letter sizes. These present quotes and visual statements that can be used as discussion starters. Gilley urges the reader to become active in the pursuit of peace as the reader peruses these images and photographs of scenes of war and people of peace. To that end, the web address for peace one day is included in the back of the book. 2005, GP Putnam's Sons, Ages 8 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
    ISBN: 0-399-24330-5

    Selavi, That Is Life: a Haitian Story of Hope
    Youme Landowne
       This is a true tale of children who face some of life's cruelest obstacles. It is both moving and engaging. The story of a little boy and other homeless children living on the streets in Haiti is told without pretense or flowery words. Violence, death, or poverty has left each child with no one to care. Without any family, Sélavi lives with children like himself until angry men in uniforms run them off. He flees to a church where he hears a man speaking to the people. "Alone we may be a single drop of water, but together we can be a mighty river." The truism becomes the theme for this story. Through the charity of the church people and by working together, the children eventually have a home and begin a radio station. Today the station is still staffed and operated by children and used to tell others of their plight. They have, indeed, become a mighty river. The author displays colorful illustrations and black and white photographs of young ones who continue to benefit from the courage of the first orphans. She rounds out the picture by incorporating a concise history of the beautiful, but tumultuous Haiti. An essay by a young woman who has risen above her own humble beginnings to become a published author adds substance to the Haitian story. This is an excellent choice not only for the intended audience, but also for anyone who cares about others. 2004, Cinco Puntos Press, $17.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Francine Thomas (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
  • Notable Children's Books, 2005; American Library Association ALSC; United States
    ISBN: 0938317849

    The Space Between Our Footsteps: Poems and Paintings from the Middle East
    Selected by Naomi Shihab Nye.
       Taken from the poem "Bethlehem" by Nathalie Handal, the title alludes to the secrets that lie between the footsteps of the people who live in the Middle East. Each one of the poems and paintings presented in this beautiful volume is one artist's view of these spaces; an artistic rendering of the secrets of what it means to live in that part of the world. Touching on subjects as deceptively simple as a class picture and as devastating as a child being shot in the eye for staring at a soldier, this anthology explores the complexities and simplicities of life. As with all art, this collection speaks on many different levels to a diverse audience. There are some things a child reader may not understand upon the first read, but they will still enjoy the poetry and the paintings for the things they do understand. Each time they return to the book, young readers will see new things. It's a wonderful collection that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. 1998, Simon and Schuster, $19.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999;
  • National Council of Teachers of English; United States
  • Best Books for Young Adults, 1999; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Booklist Book Review Stars, March 1, 1998; United States
  • Books in the Middle: Outstanding Books, 1998; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
  • Capitol Choices, 1998; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
  • The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
  • Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Third Edition, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
  • Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1998; United States
  • Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Notable Books for a Global Society, 1999; International Reading Association; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 1998; Cahners; United States
    ISBN: 0-689-81233-7

    A Stone In My Hand
    Cathryn Clinton
       Eleven-year-old Malaak lives with her family in Gaza, her daily life and her soul wracked by the violence that has become a way of life between Palestinians and Israelis during the first intifada in 1988. Malaak takes refuge on the roof of her house with a tiny bird she calls Abdo and tells her story poetically. "I live in Abdo's eyes...I soar out of the Gaza Strip..Someday I may fly away for good, but for now I watch and wait." The death of Malaak's father as one of the few Palestinians on a bombed bus bound for Jerusalem sent her into a long period of silence; throughout the story she fears her brother may join the stone throwers or other extremists, a possibility that brings tears of rage from her mother: "Words jag out from between her hands...How could you bomb someone?" Except for one compassionate Israeli soldier who spares Malaak's brother because he has sons of his own, the Israelis in the story are the enemy. They close borders and schools, impose curfews, bomb houses, arrest men and boys for showing even the colors of a Palestinian flag. There are references to a time long ago when Jews and Muslims lived together in peace, but this is the story of one Palestinian family very much not at peace. It is an extremely moving and beautifully written account of the deep love and concern between parents and children, the struggle between politics and peace, the challenge to find hope in a desperate situation. This is a touching and compelling novel. 2002, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
  • Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 15, 2002; United States
  • The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
  • Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
  • Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
  • Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 15, 2002; United States
  • Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
  • Notable Books for a Global Society, 2003; International Reading Association; United States
  • Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, November 4, 2002; Cahners; United States
  • School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2002; Cahners; United States
  • Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2003 Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
    ISBN: 0763613886

    Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak
    Deborah Ellis
       The author who brought us riveting fiction from the Near and Middle East, like The Breadwinner and Parvana's Journey, now talks to real children, Palestinian and Israeli. Each chapter features a different child from pre-teen to 18; each chapter opens with a few paragraphs of history or explanation. At the beginning, there are six pages of single-spaced names: 429 children under the age of 18 who have died from September 2000 to March 2003. The names are the stark reality behind the statistic Ellis cites that 15% of all casualties were civilians in World War I; up to 50% in World War II; in 2004, 90% of casualties in war are civilians. The depth of anger and hatred in people so young is frightening, but there are also young people who realize "both sides have to give up a little. No one will win completely." The similarity of fears on all sides is striking. Fear becomes anger which becomes ugly in actions like suicide bombings, demeaning checkpoints and newly built walls. One Palestinian girl talks of watching Israeli soldiers demolish her home three times and each time, Israeli volunteers help to rebuild it. Children from both sides talk about how their mothers worry for their safety and the apparent arbitrariness of the killings by the other side. There is a wealth of very personal, readable material that will generate thought-provoking discussion and even allow readers to debate each other by taking on the persona of the young people in the book. The book includes a short bibliography and a list of organizations working to promote peace or help children traumatized by war. 2004, Groundwood Books, $16.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
    Best Books:

  • Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
    ISBN: 0-88899-554-7

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