Ramadan: A Muslim Holy Day    Ramadan, the time of fasting and family renewal for Muslims, begins in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. In 2007, First Ramadan begins on September 13th. Followers begin the holiday at sundown on the evening before so the first day of fasting begins on the 13th. Not only is food and drink proscribed during the daylight hours, but followers are exhorted to cleanse their souls by avoiding other bodily needs. Refraining from gossip and other forms of disrespect for families and friends is part of the effort to re-evaluate one’s life within the guidelines of Islam; as is doing away with bad habits of thought and feelings in relationships: this is a time to settle disputes, and strengthen family ties. Restraint is the key word of Ramadan in that all aspects of thoughts, actions, and words must be monitored with purification in mind. The night after 26th Ramadan, Lailatul-Qadr, will fall on October 8, 2007 with Eid-al-Fitr, First Shawwal) falling on October 13, 2007. This three day celebration is called the Festival of Fast Breaking and is a time of joyous celebration on the completion of a month of blessings and joy. This period is an official government/school holiday in most Muslim countries. This special time includes visits to family and friends and gifts—particularly enjoyed by children.    The following selection of books reflects celebrations of Ramadan and other stories about Islam. Contributor: Sheilah Egan For more information about Ramada and Islam visit: http://holidayinsights.com/other/ramadan.htm Islam Ramadan Being Muslim Haroon Siddiqui    This small book with the innocuous title is much more than a recitation of the beliefs and practices of Muslims. It is a highly informative, thought-provoking and often opinionated discussion of Islam in its religious, social and political context. The chapter titles give a clear indication of the key issues--politics, European Muslims, the faith, women, jihad and terrorism, the future. Haroon Siddiqui, a Canadian newspaper editor and columnist, frequently makes comparisons to demonstrate similarities between Islam and other cultures, religions or historical periods. “What we have is not a clash of civilizations, but a clash of ignorance,” he writes, quoting a Muslim spiritual leader. There is a compelling description of the details of the pilgrimage to Mecca and a lengthy discussion of the role of women, including a section on the “hijab debate”--“There’s something about this small piece of cloth that unnerves democrats and despots alike.” There is considerable material here to generate thoughtful discussion and debate in a world studies or comparative religion class at the high school or college level. The back matter includes an index, essential reading and source notes. Other issues addressed in this small series are empire, genocide and climate change. Part of the “Groundwork Guides” series. 2006, Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, $12.95. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). Best Books: Booklist Book Review Stars, Dec. 15, 2006; United States ISBN: 978-0-88899-785-2 ISBN: 0-88899-785-X ISBN: 978-0-88899-786-9 ISBN: 0-88899-786-8 Ibn Al-Haytham: First Scientist Bradley Steffens    Right now many schools and libraries have an acute need for books accurately portraying Arab history and culture. Fortunately, Steffen’s biography of the remarkable medieval scientist-philosopher Ibn al-Haytham goes a long way towards filling that need. Born in the city of Basra, Iraq, in 965 A.D., Ibn al-Haytham grew up in an intellectually vibrant and ethnically mixed society. Though a devout Muslim, he was also an avid student of Greek philosophy. An encounter with Aristotle’s works as a student led him to believe that physical science and mathematics were as valuable in unlocking the mysteries of the universe as theology. Throughout his life he devised various experiments to test his observations of the physical world. Though his conclusions were not always correct, he did make some amazing discoveries related to the study of vision. His Book of Optics, written between 1011 and 1021, still stands as a classic example of the scientific method at work. Steffens deftly weaves an overview of Muslim history into this biography. His explanation of the differences between Shi’ah and Sunnah Muslims is especially welcome in the light of recent history. Some might quibble with his contention that Ibn al-Haytham was the world’s first scientist, an accolade that has often gone to others, notably Aristotle himself. No one, however, can dispute Ibn al-Haytham’s unique contributions to science in both Islam and western culture. A time line and bibliography are included. Numerous illustrations from Arab and European sources enhance the text. This book is part of Morgan Reynold’s “Profiles in Science” series. It would make an excellent supplement to units about world history and the history of science. 2007, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, $27.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Pat Sherman (Children's Literature).    Born in Basra, in what is now Iraq, in 965 A.D., Abu ‘Ali al-Hasan ibn al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham revolutionized the practice of science. His tribal name, Abu ‘Ali, indicates his ancestors were Arabs. He was a follower of the teachings of the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad. His early education took place at the mosque of Basra, where he studied theology and the nature of God and religious truth. As a devout Muslim, he spent most of his life trying to know and serve his God. However, he found in Aristotle a kindred spirit and an intellectual equal. Some say that Ibn al-Haytham received an appointment within the Muslim government as either a financial minister or revenue administrator. Other historians believe he might have been a civil engineer, in charge of public works projects. He wasn’t content with his role, however, and, some believe, thought up a scheme to simulate insanity. Whether real or fake, his mental breakdown removed him from his duties in the government, and allowed him to return to pursuits of mathematics, geometry, and philosophy. His studies must have been successful, for he was summoned to Egypt to build a dam on the Nile. The Egyptian leader was impressed with Ibn al-Haytham, and agreed to give him all the money and workers he would need. When he reached al-Janadil, he knew it would be the ideal place for a dam, but the scope of the project would exceed his resources. Nine hundred years later, the Egyptian government would build a dam across the Nile in that very place. The Book of Optics is Ibn al-Haytham’s most important work. Although there are crucial discoveries in the book, the way he arrived at and supported these discoveries is most significant. Although his achievements faded into history, at the beginning of the twentieth century scholars found his works, and now celebrate the contributions of this Iraqi scholar. 2007, Morgan Reynolds Publishing Inc, $27.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Karen Werner (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-59935-024-6 ISBN: 978-1-59935-024-0 Id-ul-fitr Jillian Powell    This is a colorful book with bright photographs and many quotes from Muslim children. Unfortunately, the information is not always accurate or complete. At one point it is noted that “Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated for one day,” although in many countries it is celebrated for three days. Ramadan, the month preceding the feast known as Id-ul-Fitr, is called a holy month, but there is no explanation of why it is holy (this is the month during which it is believed that the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed). The book is not well organized, with chapters bouncing back and forth from the celebration of the feast to Muslim beliefs to the practices of Ramadan and back to the celebrations. Photos are usually not identified by country, even though festival celebrations differ greatly depending on the country and culture. There are almost no pictures of Muslims celebrating the feast in western countries like the U.S. or England. Although transliterations from Arabic to English often vary, the better spelling especially for young children is “eid,” rather than “id,” because the closest English pronunciation is “eed” or “ay-eed.” Overall, there are many better choices for elementary school classrooms or libraries. Part of the “Why is This Festival Special?” series. 2006 (orig. 2005), Smart Apple Media, $25.65. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-1-5834-0943-5 ISBN: 1-5834-0943-2 Islam David Self    This book gives a clear summary of the religion of Islam for people of other faiths. History, family life, worship, learning, and art, along with the conflict today and fundamentalism are explained. Definitions of Shiite and Sunni, Sufis, the “Five Pillars” of Islam, arranged marriages, and other topics are explained in light green insets. “Other rules in the Koran teach Muslims always to be honest and generous, never to eat pork or drink alcohol, and never to gamble or lend money for profit. Muslims must also be ready to fight to defend their faith.” Clear colored photos show the different faces of Islam around the world. A map shows that the United States, Australia, China and others have growing populations of Muslims. This is part of the “Religions of the World” series and is a good reference book for any children’s library. 2006, World Almanac Library, $30.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8368-5868-9 ISBN: 0-8368-5874-3 ISBN: 978-0-8368-5868-6 ISBN: 978-0-8368-5874-7 Islam Fatma Amer    An excellent introduction to the fastest growing religion in America, this book includes chapters about the history, beliefs, and practices of Muslims around the world. The photographs are modern and informative--young girls wearing hijab and school uniforms in California, a boy in jeans and barefeet reading the Qur’an, another with men visiting the cave where the Prophet Muhammad meditated and received the words of the Qur’an as a revelation from God. There are photos from China, England, Indonesia, Jerusalem, Saudi Arabia, and more. Most of the text is printed on torn swatches of lined notebook paper, placed at various angles around the pages. This appears disjointed and disorganized to an adult reader but may appeal to youngsters more accustomed to multiple simultaneous images on computer and video screens. Many chapters include an activity or an appropriate recipe, including cookies for the feast at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a paper model of the central mosque in London, and decorated tiles of the type that adorn many Islamic buildings. The book includes a glossary, index, websites, and additional activities, any of which could be used in a religious or a secular classroom. Part of the “World of Faiths” series. 2006, QEB Publishing, $27.10. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-59566-208-1 ISBN: 978-1-59566-208-8 Islam Claire Alkouatli    Illustrations are rare but intriguing in this excellent study of Islam. On the cover a young boy is visibly trying so hard to memorize the Qur’an. On the back a person is using a stone slate and a handmade quill to copy the holy book of Islam. Inside, photos have been taken with unusual lighting or printed at a different angle. The text is similarly out of the ordinary, with frequent quotations from the Qur’an to demonstrate a point and explanations of theology that will prompt young readers to think and ask questions themselves: “Islam holds that whatever a person does, life should ultimately be devoted to a search for its essence.” The author, who converted to Islam and now lives in Saudi Arabia, has written an interesting narrative about the history and beliefs of Islam, including the “golden age” from 750 to 1250, when a “flowering of arts, science and philosophy affected the course and scope of modern civilization,” all “spurred by a simple directive found in the Qur’an: seek knowledge.” There is also a discussion of the ways Muhammad improved the lives of women in his own time, the early unity fostered between Jews and Muslims and the Islamic view of war. The book includes a thorough index, glossary and time line, as well as extensive additional books and web sites. It would be an excellent resource for comparative religion classes and anyone seeking a thoughtful and thought-provoking survey of Islam. 2007, Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, $27.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7614-2120-7 ISBN: 0-7614-2120-3 Islamic Stories Anita Ganeri Illustrated by Rebecca Wallis    The stories of Mohammed’s life as both a child and a prophet are included in this collection, along with stories of Moses, Abraham, Abraham’s son Ishmael, and Ishmael’s mother Hagar. They are not parables or legends with a message, but stories of the people and events that form the basis for the Islamic faith. The stories that pre-date Mohammed are common to all three Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Retold from the Qur’an and ancient writings by and about Mohammed, they are easy to read and understand. “Did you know” boxes on each page explain relevant aspects of geography or faith (e.g., five pillars of Islam, importance of Makkah/Mecca, the sources of the Islamic stories).The book acknowledges expert advice from both content and literacy consultants. The soft color washes on each page are far more interesting than the simple, colorful line drawings; there are also a few small photographs of Mecca, a Qur’an, and Muslims in prayer. This would be an excellent title for groups of children studying comparative religion at a beginning level, but like many books of Bible stories, it may be too religious for secular classroom use. 2006 (orig.2001), Picture Window Books, $17.95. Ages 8 to 15. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-4048-1313-6 ISBN: 978-1-4048-1313-7 Ramadan: Islamic Holy Month Terri Sievert    This is an accurate, simply written, and well-photographed discussion of the basic practices and beliefs around Ramadan. As more and more Muslim children come to class talking about this holiday observance at home, it will be helpful to have this type of book in school and classroom libraries. The photos include families in traditional and American-style clothing and surroundings, pre-teen children politely refusing snacks during the day while they are fasting, and large meals of ethnic food to break the fast in the evening. There are photos of a mosque in a Muslim country where hundreds of men are kneeling in prayer, as well as holiday carnival rides in Muslim communities where the Eid al-Fitr feast at the end of Ramadan is a major social event. One page features American Muslim Hakeem Olajuwon, an NBA superstar who played even while he was fasting. One important activity for Muslims during Ramadan is helping people who are poor. There are directions for decorating a collection jar to save or gather money--a craft that transcends any specific religious connection. This book also offers an introduction to a small glossary, resource list, and simple index. The Council on Islamic Education was a consultant for the book that is one of “Capstone’s First Facts--Holidays and Culture series.” The series also features Chinese New Year, Day of the Dead, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 2006, Capstone Press, $15.93. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-7368-5392-7 ISBN: 0-7368-5392-8 Salaam: a Muslim American Boy's Story Tricia Brown Photographs by Ken Cardwell    This interesting twist on Muslims in America is told from the point of view of a young boy whose father is a Muslim immigrant and his mother is an American who converted to Islam. We even learn that the boy’s American grandparents “weren’t too happy about her changing her religion. But they felt better when they came to understand that there are many similarities between Muslims beliefs and their own.” The story openly discusses anti-Islamic sentiments in the United States, although the young boy himself is shown with friends of many different backgrounds. He is often explaining details about his religion to his friends, like the placement of a prayer rug so he can face Mecca when he prays. Unfortunately, we do not learn where the boy’s father is from originally, so some of the cultural background is missing. The photography is black-and-white with the appealing spontaneity of a family photo album. There is a good glossary. In fact, that is the only place where the word in the title, salaam, is translated--it means peace. The non-standard typeface is an annoying detail that appears to be an attempt to have letters with a Middle Eastern flair. The book offers a good personal story about a very personable little boy who happens to be a Muslim American. 2006, Henry Holt, $17.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2007; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 978-0-8050-6538-1 ISBN: 0-8050-6538-5 Islam 19 Varieties Of Gazelle: Poems Of The Middle East Naomi Shihab Nye    In between the silly poetry of childhood (Mother Goose, Shel Silverstein) and the swirling, metaphoric, sometimes pretentious poetry of adulthood is the gray area of adolescence, when much of the reading done is required for school, and poetry is rarely touched. Many teachers often ask, "How can we make poetry a relevant medium for teenagers?" Naomi Shihab Nye may have the answer with her book of poetry from the Middle East. Teenagers are more interested in current events now than they have been since the Gulf War. This is poetry they can be interested in. The book starts with a tribute poem and an intro concerning the events of September 11. The Gulf War is mentioned explicitly once. The rest of the poems (60 in all) deal with the humanity of Arabs and their daily joys and struggles, so a new generation of readers can learn to appreciate this rich and ancient culture from a new perspective. Nye's words will always be slightly ahead of a teenage reader, but the reader will never feel left behind. These are excellent poems to start an even-handed dialogue on the daily struggle in Israel/Palestine. 2002 (orig. 1994), Greenwillow Books, $16.95. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Carey Ahr ISBN: 0060097655 ISBN: 0060097663 Best Books: Best Books for Young Adults, 2003; American Library Association-YALSA; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2002; Cahners; United States Colors of Israel Laurie Grossman Illustrations by Helen Byers    Using color as a unifying theme, Grossman introduces readers to the sights, sounds, textures and tastes of Israel. Each color highlights different facets of the country's geography, people and culture. In the gold of Jerusalem's sunset, Grossman paints a picture of a city sacred to Islam, Judaism and Christianity. In the Dead Sea's black mud and the tans of the desert, she conveys a sense of Israel's rugged terrain. And with the yellow robot that the bomb squad moves to an unattended backpack, she skillfully addresses the issue of terrorism and expresses hope for the future. The blues and whites of Israel's flag, the pinks of the raspberry-flavored petel, the welcoming greens of steps and doors, and the oranges of citrus groves carved from the desert become the palate for the soft watercolor illustrations. The name of each of the ten-featured colors is written in English as well as Hebrew and Arabic--reflective of the care given to present a balanced portrait of a land rich in tradition and history. One of the "Colors of the World" series of books. 2002, Carolrhoda, $19.93 and $5.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Ellen R. Braaf ISBN: 1575053829 ISBN: 1575055236 Daily Life in Ancient and Modern Jerusalem Diane Slavik    King David established Jerusalem as the Israelite capital in 1000 B.C. In 597 B.C., the city was destroyed by the Babylonians. Later, the Greeks invaded, then the Romans. The bulk of this book recounts Jerusalem's embattled past. Art reproductions, such as Rembrandt's portrait of the prophet Jeremiah weeping, are used in many places as illustrations. The ancient Jewish historian, Josephus, is quoted. Daily menus are described. For example, in King Herod's time, people considered cooked grasshoppers a special treat. The crucifixion of Jesus during Roman rule is given a double-page treatment. Muslim customs and family life are explained. The text clearly portrays Jerusalem's significance to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Modern Jerusalem is depicted as a bustling city, where the sound of loudspeakers call Muslims to prayer and Orthodox Church bells announce Christian services, while Jews fill the marketplace to buy food for the Sabbath. The prose is direct and readable, but not particularly memorable. There are few unusual facts like cooked grasshoppers to keep the reluctant reader involved. However, students already interested in this subject or in need of resources for a historical report will be satisfied with this offering. A timeline and index are included. 2001, Runestone Press/Lerner, $25.26. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf ISBN: 0822532182 Islam Neil Morris    Muslims make up almost a fifth of the world's population and a growing percentage of the American population. This book, in a series that includes Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism, would be a valuable addition to a school library or classroom. Short, highlighted paragraphs fill each page, surrounded in full color by elaborate illustrations—photographs, maps, artwork, crafts, and Arabic calligraphy. Although the text notes the Islamic restriction on painting or drawing people, there is a page of Turkish miniatures showing the life of Mohammed which many Muslims will criticize and may even find offensive. The wealth of information is presented in easily digested bites, although the pages jump rather randomly among history, faith, and culture. Women are shown in full conservative covering but also with fashionable yet modest head scarves as they hold professional positions in many Muslim countries. Historical sections cover the spread of Islam through Arabia and Asia, to the rich contributions of Islamic culture to art and science to current Muslim history in Bosnia, Palestine and Afghanistan. There is a short glossary and index, but no bibliography and no acknowledgement to any Islamic authority or expert who might have reviewed the text. 2001, McGraw-Hill Children's Publishing, $16.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0872266931 King of the Wind Marguerite Henry Illustrated by Wesley Dennis    For young readers who love horses, King of the Wind has long been a classic alongside Marguerite Henry's many other beloved horse stories such as Misty of Chincoteague. This one is the tale based on fact, of a swift and spirited Arabian horse sent by the Sultan of Morocco as a gift to Louis XV of France. Unfortunately, Sham (named for the sun), and his young groom Agba are undervalued by the French and end up in England, where they endure some grueling adventures before the Arabian's true value is understood. Readers will find it fascinating that this horse was an ancestor of many famous thoroughbreds, including Man o'War. Children today may find the style a bit ornate and the story rather too heart-rending, but it's still an absorbing tale with a triumphant finish. First published in 1948 and winner of the 1949 Newbery Medal, King of the Wind has been reissued as part of a "Marguerite Henry Library" in a deluxe edition that is essentially the same as the one in print for so long, but with a few useful additions. The original expressive monochrome watercolors by Wesley Dennis are included, and Henry's publisher at Rand McNally has contributed his personal recollections. These features and a "King of the Wind Scrapbook" with photographs and manuscript notes make it a useful addition to a library and an attractive gift for a thoughtful young horse-lover. 2001 (orig. 1948), Simon and Schuster, $21.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft ISBN: 0689846975 Awards, Honors, Prizes: John Newbery Medal Winner 1949 United States Young Reader's Choice Awards Winner 1951 Pacific Northwest Muhammad of Mecca: Prophet of Islam Ella Marston    Now that Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, library shelves need books that introduce students to this faith and its prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 A.D. He was a trader with a wife and family when God (Allah in Arabic) revealed to him the words of the Islamic holy book, the Koran, changing his life forever. Persecuted by the existing authorities in Mecca, Muhammad fled to the town now called Medina, where he built the first Islamic community. The Muslim calendar is timed from this flight, or hijirah. The pilgrimage that is a duty for each devout Muslim includes a re-creation of this flight between Mecca and Medina. Ella Marston discusses the difference between fact and legend about historical and religious figures like Muhammad. Islam specifically forbids worshipping any human, including Muhammad. It was Muhammad's mission, in fact, to bring people back to the worship of one God and away from paganism. Muhammad built on both Arab and Jewish traditions to make Islam more familiar and appealing to potential followers. This biography also includes many pages of battle strategy, as Muhammad fought to keep and expand Islamic territory. Marston concludes with a brief look at the leadership disputes that followed Muhammad's death, resulting in the split between Shi'ite and Sunni sects of Islam. Part of a "Book Report Biography" series that focuses on people who have changed their own cultures and the world, including Jesus, Michelangelo, Confucius and W.E.B. DuBois. 2001, Grolier Publishing, $22.00 and $3.99. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0531203867 ISBN: 0531155544 Muslim Child: Understanding Islam Through Stories and Poems Rukhsana Khan Illustrated by Patty Gallinger Sidebars by Irfan Alli    Many young children can identify with the trauma of being lost from their parents at a shopping mall or in a park and that is the point of empathy for Rukhsana Khan's story about the Muslim pilgrimage, or hajj, to Mecca. Mecca is crowded with hundreds of thousands of people. A little American boy tells the story of being lost in the midst of the throng and the kindly old man who helps him find his parents. Along the way, young readers learn about this important obligation of the Muslim faith. Congenial, touching, and even humorous stories describe Islamic beliefs as they are practiced by children in America, accompanied by definitions or explanations in the margins. There are several poems, a few short readings from the Quran, a craft and a recipe, as well as a guide to Arabic pronunciation and a timeline for the life of Mohammed. Soft black and white sketches illustrate the text. The stories are very accessible for Muslim and non-Muslim children, read aloud or independently. Several of the stories would be appropriate for school use as an introduction to cultural and ethnic diversity, including one about the difficulty of avoiding pork products as a Muslim in America and another about a Muslim child and his non-Muslim friend who come to understand and accept a mother who dresses head-to-toe in a flowing black robe. "A big black ghost!" said Danny; until the "big black ghost" climbed a tree to rescue Danny when he had climbed too high and pulled a lollipop from the pocket of her black dress. 2002 (orig. 1999), Albert Whitman, $14.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett    A window opens on the Muslim world through a child's eyes as one reads the varied stories and poems comprising this book. We learn that, more than a religion, Islam is a way of life for Muslims, who gain peace and status among their people by observing strict rules and rituals in their daily lives. Yet these very processes leave them open to misunderstanding by others who are unaware of their significance. Is that really a black ghost, or could it be simply a child's mother who dresses in black cape and head covering? Is it okay to pretend to complete the complicated washing before prayers five times a day, or may one pray even if not quite perfect in washing? Might one be excused for eating something containing forbidden pork products if one has already bought it and is really hungry? The book presents a sympathetic picture of children stretching to embrace the ways of their religion while fitting into modern life in many countries. This reviewer found the constant refrain of "peace be upon him" following every mention of any of the prophets (including Moses, Abraham, Jesus and Mohammed, among others) rather disconcerting, however, since this book is intended for general audiences rather than Muslim religious instruction. But the sidebars on nearly page, as well as materials following chapters and at the back of the book, provide excellent information while stressing the ties between Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their universal desire for peace. Includes appealing black-and-white illustrations throughout and a pronunciation and script guide. Sidebars by Irfan Alli 2002 (orig. 1999), Whitman, $14.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Chernak ISBN: 0807553077 Religion in Twentieth Century America Randall Herbert Balmer    In 1910, two California oilmen published a series of booklets about conservative Christian theology called The Fundamentals. The term "fundamentalist" was born and is widely used to this day, and not just for Christians. Although the book's title refers to "religion" in general, it concentrates overwhelmingly on Christianity and particularly on conservative, or fundamentalist, Christianity. There is only fleeting mention of Eastern religions or Islam, now the fastest growing religion in the United States. Jews are highlighted for their role in the civil rights movement, and there is an interesting discussion of the notion of a common "Judeo-Christian tradition," suggesting "a kind of moral consensus between Christians and Jews that has never really existed...but functioned as a code for exclusion." The book is very heavy on text and the few photos are all black-and-white and usually small. This makes for a book that is not immediately appealing, but there are fascinating bits of history and trivia for the student willing to work at finding them. There is a timeline for twentieth century American religious history, a lengthy reading list and a thorough index. 2001, Oxford University Press, $22.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0195112954 Best Books: Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies; United States Sacred Places Philemon Sturges Illustrated by Giles Laroche    In a prefatory note, the reader is introduced to five religious traditions (Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, and Muslims) so as to be grounded in what follows. And what follows is a beautifully illustrated selection of places that are inspired by faith. The author and illustrator depict buildings such as temples, cathedrals, mosques and abbeys, and places such as the Ganges River, Ghats and Jerusalem. But they end with a moving evocation of the nighttime sky and the statement that "some sacred places aren't made by people at all." The text is two-tiered with a bold, ongoing and simple explanation of how people use sacred places. Near each illustration of a place is a paragraph of nine or ten lines about what goes on there and interesting facts about the building's construction, symbolism and significant events that the place marks. What sets this book apart from other religious overview books are the stunning, collage illustrations, intricately composed to capture shadow, light, perspective and detail in a manner unusual for the medium. Laroche is especially adept at rendering the human face in collage, but the many, tiny architectural and landscape features speak to the care and time it must have taken to produce this work. It is the kind of book a reader pores over rather than uses as research, but with a little patience, an alert reader will find much to add to a report. All in all, a beautiful, peaceful, informative and contemplative book. 2000, G. P. Putnam's Sons, $16.99. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0399233172 Best Books: Books About Relationships and Community-Building, 2002; Children's Book Council; United States Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States Salaam: A Muslim American Boy's Story Tricia Brown Photographs by Ken Cardwell    This interesting twist on Muslims in America is told from the point of view of a young boy whose father is a Muslim immigrant and his mother is an American who converted to Islam. We even learn that the boy's American grandparents "weren't too happy about her changing her religion. But they felt better when they came to understand that there are many similarities between Muslims beliefs and their own." The story openly discusses anti-Islamic sentiments in the United States, although the young boy himself is shown with friends of many different backgrounds. He is often explaining details about his religion to his friends, like the placement of a prayer rug so he can face Mecca when he prays. Unfortunately, we do not learn where the boy's father is from originally, so some of the cultural background is missing. The photography is black-and-white with the appealing spontaneity of a family photo album. There is a good glossary. In fact, that is the only place where the word in the title, salaam, is translated--it means peace. The non-standard typeface is an annoying detail that appears to be an attempt to have letters with a Middle Eastern flair. The book offers a good personal story about a very personable little boy who happens to be a Muslim American. 2006, Henry Holt, $17.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-0-8050-6538-1 ISBN: 0-8050-6538-5 Updated 8/24/06 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.