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Featuring the Middle East We get tabbouleh in the grocery store, pita at the deli and histories of Muhammad and Qatar at the public library. Not all that long ago we'd never heard of any of it even though they are all ancient. Ever since the 9-11 tragedy , Americans are devouring anything that might help explain the terrorists' motivation, the apparently deep-seated hatred of America and just the history of a part of the world so foreign - yet suddenly in our face. Publishers jumped to the task and the past year has seen series after series of country studies, political biographies and picture book introductions to various faiths. Quality varies widely, both in basic accuracy and in presentation, but here are a few questions to help you judge the series and titles for your own library, store or classroom:
The good news is that there is a wealth of books to choose from in all formats - picture books, historical fiction, nonfiction, books with religious or secular perspectives, books perfect for research, books better for stimulating discussion. We are making up for decades, even centuries of ignoring the rich world beyond Europe and America. Choose carefully and a whole new-old part of the world is waiting to be discovered by both young readers and the adults around them. Web Links of Interest History of Iran History of Children’s Literature in Iran Contributor: Karen Leggett Reviews
Awards, Honors, Prizes: State and Provincial Reading Lists: Afghanistan Jeffrey A. Gritzner The cover of each title in the series features a country photo and the national flag. We soon learn that Afghanistan's flag changed twenty times during the twentieth century. Internal feuds and battles generated by colonial interests have kept Afghanistan in turmoil for decades. Traditional Islamists have always had a powerful hold on many Afghans--that was not a new phenomenon with the Taliban. Jeffrey Gritzner compares the Taliban to the rigid European Calvinists, but there is very little discussion of the violent and oppressive aspects of the Taliban regime. Gritzner points out the contradictions between this often aggressive and vengeful people who nonetheless spark a comment by Justice William O. Douglas that the Afghans "have warmth of human relations that is often missing all the way from New York City to San Francisco." This volume in the "Modern World Nations" series is among the least interesting to read--there is far too much attention to details of history and place. The chronology and index are thorough so it is useful for reference and student reports, although the bibliography is primarily adult books not likely to be readily available to young people. There is a geographer consultant for the entire series and each title is written by a geographer or area expert. The series includes titles on nearly two-dozen countries from Georgia and Germany to Bahrain, Bermuda and Cuba. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $24.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6774-2 Afghanistan Ann Heinrichs It is a pleasure to review an area studies book for children that has factual correctness, appropriate photographic illustrations, and manages to condense a complex bulk of information to a digestible form without oversimplifying or misinforming the reader. Together with a Harvard University based consultant, the author seems to have accomplished that in this short work on Afghanistan for younger children. Ancient history, modern history, and a taste of culture are offered here, with a balanced view of the roles of external powers in shaping events. There are only a few absences noticeable- in discussing older periods, the significance of the cultural confluence of the silk road was not discussed, favoring an emphasis on military incursions. The aspect of Afghanistan as a former part of the Persian Empire is also missing, most noticeably in the discussions of the Persian poet Rumi, and the Persian holiday "Nowruz" (Noruz) which are mentioned as if they were of Afghani origin. The largest question of this book is who is the intended audience? The type size seems to be set for the youngest reader, which would repel the middle school reader, but the content is better suited to the middle schooler. If the type were set at least one point smaller, more information could have been included, (Silk Road, medieval period, modern writers, etc.) potentially better establishing this book as a useful research tool. Part of the "A True Book Series." 2003, Children's Press/Scholastic, Ages 6 to 10, $23.50. Reviewer: Kate Pourshariati ISBN: 0-516-22775-0 Afghanistan: The Culture Erinn Banting Vivid photographs with simple text paint a different picture of a world that we know. Of course, war has destroyed many lives as well as great buildings in this humble Country called Afghanistan, but the culture has survived. Rich in tradition, the Muslims thrive on celebrating festivals, studying the Qur'an, and going on Pilgrimages. For many years, games, festivals, listening to music, dancing, and sports were against the law. Now they are finally free to do these things that Americans take for granted. Don't be surprised to glance up in their sky and see colorful kites gracing the heavens. It is now their favorite pastime. Their poetry, pottery, and their folktales will find their way into anyone's heart as well if time is taken to discover them. Erinn Banting depicts Afghanistan in way that opens our minds and allows us the opportunity to explore their world. He also captures how life has changed for the better in this once dark and forgotten place. 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 8 up, $7.95. Reviewer: Julia Beiker ISBN: 0-7787-9337-0 ISBN: 0-7787-9705-8 Aziz the Storyteller Vi Hughes Illustrated by Stephan Czernecki Beginning with "Long ago, in the east...," this is a simple but rich story of a young boy who receives "a carpet of enchantment" into which all the stories of the world have been woven. The boy is very poor and has the responsibility of providing for his father who is growing old. Aziz has traded their donkey for the carpet and knows he will face his father's anger. He is filled with guilt for what may have been a grave mistake. But the carpet is truly magic and Aziz grows to fulfill the prediction of the old storyteller who traded the carpet to him, "you are a storyteller too, by telling stories you will provide for your father". Aziz leaves his father with enough coins to last the rest of his life and then travels the world east to west with the carpet as his only possession. His fame as a storyteller precedes him with crowds eagerly awaiting "all the stories of the world, unraveled by the magic of the storyteller". Eventually when he is old and weary he passes on the carpet. The story blends well with the hand lettering by Elisa Gutierrez, but the black--line illustrations, with a computer-graphic look, are jarring and give a cartoonish appearance to what is a magical story. The circular heads with spring-coiled hair seem to distract from, rather than enhance, the story. This text calls for imagination, color and flow, none of which are achieved by the illustrations. Thematic Links: Multicultural Stories, Middle East. Picture Book. Resource Links Rating: A (Average, all right, has its applications), Grade K-3. 2002, Tradewinds Books, Ages 5 to 8, $22.95. Reviewer: Linda Irvine (Resource Links, June 2002, Vol. 7, No. 5) ISBN: 1-896580-45-9 Bahrain Carol Ann Gillespie "Bahrain is the place to go in the Persian Gulf region when you want to attend a rock concern, an opera or a ballet!" Conservative Saudis call Bahrain a" touch of America," yet it is still a country where women wear skirts to their ankles and may even be fully veiled. There are signs of prehistoric civilizations in this island nation yet today it boasts a thriving modern skyline. The book is sprinkled with intriguing, eye-catching photos and interesting text that flows easily. It is one of the few books about the Middle East that notes that most of the rest of the world--especially the Middle East--refers to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Sea. Bahraini wealth comes from pearls and oil, but unlike many other oil-rich countries, Bahrain diversified early. As an important defense partner of the United States, Bahrain is worthy of study by American students. This book is an excellent introduction. Because of its size and organization, it looks like a middle school book but the reading level is more appropriate to high school. There is plenty to discuss and individual chapters may be read independently. The chronology and index are thorough so it is useful for reference and student reports. There is a geographer consultant for the entire series and each title is written by a geographer or area expert. The "Modern World Nations" series includes titles on nearly two-dozen countries from Georgia and Germany to Bahrain, Bermuda and Cuba. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $24.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6779-3 Camel Bells Janne Carlsson Translated by Angela Barnett-Lindberg Afghanistan has been in the headlines ever since the September 11, 2001 terrorists' attacks on the United States. But it is a country that has struggled for more than twenty years. This gripping novel takes place in the late 1970s when a left-wing group supported by what was then the Soviet Union took over Kabul, the Afghan capital. With his father dead, twelve-year-old Hajdar is the man of his family, its primary provider. He dreamed of life beyond his small farming village whenever he heard the Nomad's camel bells. One day, an opportunity comes up to go with his friend, Saber, to stay with Saber's uncle Mir who works as a banker in the capital city of Kabul. The boys find Kabul in turmoil as the upheaval that will ultimately spread to Hajdar's village begins. This short novel conveys a sense of place and present-day history while presenting a compelling coming-of-age story. 2002, (orig. 1985), Groundwood Book/Douglas & McIntyre, Ages 11 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Maria Salvadore ISBN: 0-88899-515-6 Children of Israel Laurie M.Grossman This attractive title in the Carolrhoda series "The World's Children" describes Israel from the perspective of different cultural groups. The lifestyle of Ori, who lives in Holon outside of Tel Aviv and wears a key to his apartment around his neck, can be compared to Tadela, an Ethiopian Jew, who lives in a caravanim, a trailer park for new immigrants. Rawan, an Arab Israeli girl celebrates the holiday of Ramadan with her family in Tsur Bahar, while Abba, an Orthodox boy, poses proudly in front of his family's Torah library in Jerusalem. Ethnic foods, such as "hom-homs," the Sephardic dish of fried dough dipped in honey, are described in mouth-watering detail. Each double-page spread is accompanied by large full-color, captioned photographs. The text flows in a smooth narrative, beginning with four pages of historical background that acknowledges Israel as an ancient homeland of the Jews. Holocaust survivors are mentioned as a large group who found refuge in Israel after World War II. While there are no bold subheadings for quick reference, an index leads readers to specific information. Students should enjoy this book as both an informative read and a rich resource for assignments. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, $23.93. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf Best Books: ISBN: 1575054485 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 
Coming to America: A Muslim Family's StoryBernard Wolf This is a brightly photographed, realistic portrayal of a family's arrival in the United States from Alexandria, Egypt. The father arrives first, after winning a "green card lottery" offered to Egyptians who want to work in America. He worked long hours as a grocer in Queens until he was able to bring his family. We see the children in American schools with American teachers and school work, but returning home to Muslim and Egyptian traditions - regular times for daily praying, a mother who covers her hair and fixes familiar and plentiful Egyptian dishes for dinner. But the mother also heads out to English classes as soon as the children are finished with school for the summer! Although it might have been appealing to have more of an actual story line, the Mahmoud family demonstrates optimism and determination in making their new life work while saving the best of their old life. It is a good message for children whose families have been here for many generations as well as those just arriving. 2003, Lee & Low, Ages 8 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 1-58430-177-5 Creation of the Modern Middle East: Kuwait Susan Korman The book opens with the drama of Mubarak al-Sabah's decision to murder his half-brothers--one of them sleeping on the roof--to become sheik of Kuwait. Mubarak would build Kuwait into a state ready for a profitable relationship with Britain and ultimately, independence. After the excitement of the opening pages, however, the history is marked by a long series of rulers with too many dates and all the politics of conquest and empire. The last few chapters, however, provide very good background on the longstanding issues between Iraq and Kuwait, which is critical to understanding Saddam Hussein and the American role in this region. Like most of the books in this series, this one is heavy with unbroken text as well as old photos that bear little relation to that text. Some of the vocabulary will be challenging for younger readers and the book may be most useful for student reports where the thorough index and timeline will be useful. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today: the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions of the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features titles on other individual Middle Eastern countries as well as individual books on the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds. Although some volumes are stronger than others, the series is an important contribution to giving American young people a broader understanding of this key region of the world. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6512-X Creation of the Modern Middle East - Oman Calvin H. Allen A few stories of ancient daring are surrounded by page after page of sultans and imams with almost identical names (especially to an American eye), always consolidating power and challenging and consolidating again. There is an interesting introductory account of a twentieth century filmmaker who used high-resolution space imagery to find the ancient trading city of Ubar, where Oman is now situated next to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. For nearly forty years during this century, Oman was ruled by a man described as an "arch-reactionary of great personal charm...who did all he could to isolate his country form the world." However, in a problem typical of this series, on the page after a coup and a new sultan usher in a new era in 1970, there is a 1910 photo of an old well in Muscat. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today: the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions about the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series features numerous titles on Middle Eastern countries as well as the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds. Although some volumes are stronger than others are and all have too many old photos that bear no relation to the text, the series is well indexed and useful for research. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6508-1 Cultures in Conflict: The Arab-Israeli Conflict Calvin Goldscheider With the developments in the Arab-Israeli conflict since the fall of 2001, any book published now would be quickly outdated. In this publication, the extensive, helpful time line goes up to 2001, but the analysis section and the document section do not. Analysis concentrates on how immigration has changed Israel, as well as discrepancies between the birth, mortality, and education rates of the Arab-Israeli, Palestinian, and Jewish-Israeli people. Documents include letters, essays, and fiction from people in the region. Also included are discussion questions, official documents, and a listing of Web sites to access information that is more current. This book provides a clear picture of the difficulties of Arab-Israeli and Palestinian life under Jewish-Israeli rule. Jewish-Israeli thinking is not laid out as clearly. For instance, the author describes Arab-Israelis being moved from their homes into segregated Arab cities because the Israeli government defined them as a security risk. It would have been helpful to include a section dealing with the reason(s) Jewish-Israelis believe that the Arab-Israelis pose such a security risk that they needed to be uprooted. A glossary or footnotes to define Hebrew and Arabic terms would have made this book more accessible to high school students, but as is, it reads like a college textbook. Nevertheless the time line, letters, and documents might be useful for a high school discussion of the topic. This book is recommended for public and high school libraries where additional information on this topic is needed. (Cultures in Conflict). Index. Photos. Maps. Charts. Biblio. Chronology. Appendix. VOYA CODES: 2Q 3P S A/YA (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2002, Greenwood, Ages 15 to Adult, $45.00. Reviewer: Melissa Potter (VOYA, October 2002, Vol. 25, No. 4) ISBN: 0-313-30722-9 Daughters of the Desert: Stories of Remarkable Women from Christian, Jewish and Muslim Traditions Claire Rudolf Murphy et al Several women have collected and created stories about women in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Some are very well known, like Mary the Mother of Jesus, the Jewish Queen Esther, Hagar and Khadijah from the Muslim faith. All the women are at least mentioned in either the Jewish or Christian Bible or the Koran, but the authors acknowledge right in the introduction that they used their "imaginations and careful research to explore between the lines of each religion's sacred writings." These are stories. We know from the Christian Bible, for example, that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb after Jesus' crucifixion, but this story recounts how she "clenched her teeth to still her trembling" and how "Peter begged me not to go. They're afraid all of us will be arrested." Dialogue, emotion and details of setting have been superimposed on the often scanty information from sacred texts. The book follows storytelling traditions more than any nonfiction writing protocol. The stories may make these women more real than the often mysterious language of sacred texts, but readers need to understand exactly where "careful research" ends and "imagination" begins. The book is interesting reading and the stories are often compelling. They will be appreciated and enjoyed by young people of faith, young feminists and also by comparative religion students who might wish to understand the varied role women have played in the history of the world's major monotheistic religions. 2003, Sky Light Paths Publishing, Ages 12 up, $19.95. Reviewer Karen Leggett ISBN: 1-893361-72-1 
Devil's BargainJudith Tarr In this novel set in 1191, Tarr fictionalizes the historical account of the third crusade, Richard the Lionheart's attempt to capture the Holy Land. Richard is aided by his half-sister, Sioned, who is gifted with magical powers. He is also aided by his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who makes a deal with a devil to secure her son's victory. Sioned, trained as a physician, follows Richard to the battlefield. Saphadin, the brother of Saladin, the Muslim leader, recognizes Sioned's magical powers: "You were the prince of mages that I saw before Arsuf." He apprentices her to his wife, Safiyah, who is a gifted sorceress. As her magic grows, Sioned becomes aware of Eleanor's bargain with "The Old Man of the Mountain." Her brother asks her to use her powers to defeat this devil, and she does so, as Richard successfully captures Jerusalem. Tarr's knowledge of her subject is impressive, and she brings it to life by fleshing out the historical account with believable characters, romance, and intrigue. As in her earlier novels, the world of magic and the spirits is infused throughout the mortal world. Those who are able to successfully summon the powers of both attain victory. Despite the complexity of the subject matter, the novel is readable and geared to a broad audience. It would be appropriate for most high school and public libraries. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P S A/YA (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2002, Roc, Ages 15 to Adult, $16.00. Reviewer: Christine Sanderson (VOYA, April 2003,Vol. 26, No. 1) ISBN: 0-4514-5896-6 Egypt Clarissa Aykroyd Egypt has played a unique roll in the history of civilization. This textbook will bring Egypt alive to young readers. This book is part of the "Modern Middle East Nations and their strategic place in the world" series. Topics covered in the textbook include the land, the history, the politics, the people, communities and foreign relations. The descriptions in the book are fair and accurate. The book covers ancient Egypt as well as modern rulers. The book is filled with beautiful photographs of the country, the people and the rulers. An excellent description of the politics from Ancient Egypt to the present day is covered as a major part of the book. Also included is a description of the Muslim religion, complete with a history of how it started and the reasons that it split into various sects. The book will be a perfect reference for a research paper on Egypt or as a classroom text for a world history, geography, or politics class. The back of the book contains a glossary, chronology of Egypt, and a page of websites and books for further information. 2004, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 10 to 12, $24.95. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson ISBN: 1-59084-505-6 The Flag of Childhood: Poems from the Middle East Selected by Naomi Shihab Nye Originally published in 1998, this collection of 60 poems from the Middle East demonstrates that despite cultural and religious differences, young people are basically the same no matter where they're from. The poems range from descriptions of commonplace occurrences, such as getting class pictures taken and sunsets, to heart-breaking images of war and its aftermath. The language used is simple and lyrical, and creates a sense of joy--even though some of the stories it tells are sad. A new introduction by Naomi Shihab Nye, written after the tragedies of September 11, 2001, implores readers to learn all they can about each other's lives, for this is one way to achieve lasting peace and understanding. In a world where so much is uncertain, the thoughts and feelings shared in these poems will be reassuring. 2002 (orig. 1998), Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 to 12, $3.99. Reviewer: Joanne Draper ISBN: 0-689-85172-3 Best Books: 
The Handbook of the Middle EastMichael G. Kort This 300-page handbook is so current that there are several references to the September 11World Trade Center disaster, but the book went to press when casualty figures were still believed to be more than five thousand. The handbook begins with an excellent discussion of the difficulty of defining the "Middle East," followed by detailed chapters on Egypt, Libya, Israel, the Palestine Authority, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Because these chapters are almost entirely unbroken text, the more useful section may be the encyclopedia and chronology at the back. The maps are large and colorful, although the political map does not identify the current "hot spots" such as Gaza, Golan Heights, the Palestine Authority or the West Bank. The encyclopedia offers photos and biographical sketches of each national leader as well as many other historic figures in the region, including everyone from Yasir Arafat and Hosni Mubarak to Ehud Barak, Ariel Sharon and Turkish pop star Tarkan. There are also brief discussions of nuclear and nonconventional weapons in the region as well as Islamic fundamentalist and Palestinian organizations and a history of Palestine's boundaries since ancient times. This is a good reference book for teachers or students to seek out in a library when they need background information on current events. 2002, Twenty-first Century Books, Ages 12 up, $39.90. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7613-1611-6 Awards, Honors, Prizes: Hosni Mubarak Vicki Cox Hosni Mubarak is such a private man that it was difficult to write a thorough biography, so this book is more a history of modern Egypt than an "up close and personal" look at the President of Egypt. Mubarak was a pilot and military leader, picked from the ranks to be Anwar Sadat's Vice President and then tossed by fate into the presidency. He is portrayed as a scrupulously honest man who dislikes the pomp and ceremony of office. "When every chicken lays an egg, must I be present for the photographer," he once asked. Mubarak, however, while still respected as an Arab leader, has not been able to solve the issues that have plagued Egypt for decades--abject poverty and dependence on foreign aid as well as the rise of Islamic fundamentalism at home and the Israeli-Palestinian issues abroad. The information is thorough and useful for student reports and both the index and chronology are good. But there are few interesting photos, human interest anecdotes or even attention-getting subtitles, so it is not likely to be read cover to cover. The series covers a wide range of leaders from Yasir Arafat and Menachem Begin to Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Vladimir Putin and Vicente Fox. The opening essay on leadership by noted historian Arthur Schlesinger is intellectually demanding and unappealingly printed in small type with small margins. This would be valuable primarily for generating discussion or writing projects by very advanced students. Part of the "Major World Leaders" series. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $23.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6942-7 Iran Miriam Greenblatt Greenblatt's Iran presents 8000 years of history and culture with clear explanations and broad strokes. The text is accessible and usable in the classroom. Greenblatt opens the door to this very other world and allows the reader to peek through. With so much information to convey it is surprising and helpful that the author includes small cultural oddities from the old myth of the volcano Demevand that spews the bad breath of an evil tyrant to a teenage girl's lament about her home country. Nor is the author shy about highlighting Iran's shameful history of depleting the environment. The chapter on Iranian history is extensive and worthwhile. Students may need help negotiating here. There is a good explanation of Islam and a disturbing, yet factual look at women. This is a particularly good text for grade and middle schoolers in the West to simultaneously learn something about another culture and something about themselves, namely the freedoms they enjoy. Even children of Persian descent can use this as a basic text about their homeland. Greenblatt ends with a comprehensive timeline. Titles and web-sites are provided for more information. Teachers may want to provide generous classroom support to navigate through the many difficult topics presented. 2003, Children's Press/Scholastic, Ages 12 up, $34.00. Reviewer: Elizabeth Colbroth ISBN: 0-516-22375-5 Iran Heather Lehr Wagner The United States supported the Shah of Iran, then abandoned him and still paid the price for supporting him in the first place. Mohammed Reza Shah, the shah most familiar to Americans, took control of the country at the age of 21 after his father fled the country when it was invaded by British and Russian troops in 1941. Like so many countries in the Middle East, Iran squirmed angrily under the British thumb for many years and oil was often the sorest point. There were even drinking fountains in the Iranian oil fields that said "Not for Iranians". The political infighting and alliance building make for tedious reading, but the book is thorough and explains the popularity of a man like the Ayatollah Khomeni as well as the sentiments that led to the storming of the US embassy in Tehran. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, provides the backdrop for many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today: the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions about the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features numerous titles on Middle Eastern countries as well as the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds. Although some volumes are stronger than others are and all have too many old photos that bear no relation to the text, the series is an important contribution to giving American young people a broader understanding of this key region of the world. Part of the "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6514-6 The Iran-Iraq War David Schaffer This information book's aim is a straight foreword look at the history of the Iran-Iraq war, excluding more recent events in the Persian Gulf. This work has a general grasp of facts, and tangential history, and at the same time glaring mistakes. As with other titles recently reviewed from this publisher, some of the fault lies in the selection of photographs, and lack of specific credits to the photos. As an example, the cover photograph, meant to illustrate the war of the title, is clearly of Afghani guerillas in Afghanistan, undated and unattributed. It seems that the editor has relied upon the stock photo house a bit too much. There is certainly room for skepticism overall, as the scope of the sources quoted contains no Middle Eastern authors, favoring American pundits. It is interesting to see the spin given to the Iran-Contra affair; no mention is made of the "contra" (Nicaraguan counter-revolutionary and drug running) side of the affair. Similarly, in tables describing which countries contributed weapons and military funding to Iraq, the United States is absent. Egypt, a poverty stricken nation, is said to have contributed 1-3 billion, actually U.S. funds. Why the author chose to eliminate most of the United States' role in the conflict is unknown, these are commonly known facts, which again threatens the credibility of the text. Part of the "World History Series." 2003, (orig. 1991), Lucent Books/Gale, Ages 12 to15, $27.45. Reviewer: Kate Pourshariati ISBN: 1-59018-184-0 Iraq Angelia L. Mance A reader's first impression of Iraq would be more complete if the cover photo of fully covered peasant women leading donkeys shared space with the first inside photo showing the ultra-modern Baghdad skyline. There are far too few photos of modern Iraq. Included are chapters devoted to Iraq's natural geography, government, economy, daily life and history. A section on "Conflicts with Neighboring Countries" explains that "Iraq is bounded by six neighboring countries and has had resentments and conflicts with most of them in recent years." There are explanations of many of those conflicts--the Iran-Iraq war, Iraq's relations with the West, the Kurds ("always helpless victims at the hands of their powerful neighbors") and the "botched leadership…that has made Iraq…one of the world's tragedies." This book would not have been acceptable in Saddam Hussein's Iraq! The last sentence leaves room for discussion of the latest war in Iraq--"It appears that Iraq will never realize its full potential while Saddam Hussein is in power." Because of its size and organization, the book looks like a middle school book but the reading level is more appropriate to high school. The chronology and index are thorough so it is useful for reference and student reports. The "Modern World Nations" series includes titles on nearly two dozen countries from Georgia and Germany to Bahrain, Bermuda and Cuba. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 to 15, $24.90. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6928-1 Iraq Heather Lehr Wagner Iraq is the ancient land of Mesopotamia and its history since those ancient days has been both proud and troubled. Many of the seeds of today's anti-Americanism in the region were sown after World War I, when the League of Nations carved up the Middle East into protectorates to be governed by victorious European nations--"the fate of the Middle East was seemingly decided without Arabic participation or consultation. When the news reached the people of Mesopotamia, they were outraged." The seeds of Saddam Hussein's outrage may have been born in his childhood as well. His father died before he was born; he was raised by an uncle and brutalized by a stepfather. As an adult, he learned quickly that the way to power was to eliminate every enemy or competitor along the way. The text is heavy with dates and names, but there is drama and intrigue at almost every turn. All the illustrations are sepia-colored historical photos with overly long captions, but there is a gallery of cultural photos at the back of the book that provides fascinating details about the Iraqi lifestyle in different regions and historical periods. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today: the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions of the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features titles on other individual Middle Eastern countries as well as individual books on the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds, another proud people also split across two countries at the end of World War I. The book is thoroughly indexed and includes a chronology and additional resources. It is a valuable source of information for students or teachers and captivating reading for students of history. Part of the "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series. 2003, Chelsea, Ages 10 up, $30.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6506-5 
Iraq: Old Land, New Nation in ConflictWilliam Spencer Iraq is a nation that few westerners of previous generations would have given much thought. However, the events of the past two decades have brought Iraq, and its ruling Ba'th Party, to the forefront of world attention. First, the involvement of Iraq in the eight-year-long and extremely brutal war with its neighbor, Iran, caused the Persian Gulf region to become a hotbed of instability. Then, after that inconclusive, bloody, and exhausting war Iraq's leadership chose to turn the might of its military machine against its own Kurdish and Shia minorities via a program of genocide. After these acts of brutality the Iraqis chose to invade Kuwait and occupy and brutalize that neighbor. This action led to the involvement of a United Nations military force led by American soldiers and technology in a campaign for Kuwaiti liberation, culminating in Operations Desert Shield and Storm. Though that conflict saw the Iraqi invasion force crushed and driven out of Kuwait, Iraq, and in particular its dictator Saddam Hussein, remain an independent source of discord in the Middle East. The history of this puzzling land is well told in this work of history. As the author points out, westerners focus their attention upon the last two decades of Iraqi history. However, the saga of that land and its people goes back over eight thousand years. It is this multi-millennial epic that is told in this readable and scholarly work. It is important to note that Iraq is a land that encompasses far more features than the well-known visage of Saddam Hussein. This is a land that has a long history and many elements that will surprise the reader. For example, while modern Iraq is certainly a dictatorial state, it is also one of the least sexist of the Arab nations. Women in Iraq have had far more opportunities to enter into professions, work outside the home, and dress in an independent and individual manner than in many other Arab lands. This is also a nation that has relegated religious fundamentalism to a secondary position, unlike other Middle Eastern nations that have become theocracies. Iraq remains a nation shunned by much of the world. This situation will not go on forever, nor is it beneficial to the Iraqi people. This message, and a wealth of other facts about the Iraqi nation and its people, are discussed in this insightful historical work. 2000, Twenty-First Century Books, Ages 14 up, $23.90. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck ISBN: 0-7613-1356-7 Israel Frederick Fisher This selection from the "Countries of the World" series is sharp and classy. It covers Israel's geography, culture, political structure, history, and famous sites with well-written text and stunning pictures. The color photographs are as enticing as a travel brochure. Readers will close this book with a desire to see the Dome of the Rock, the Dead Sea, and the Mediterranean Coast with their own eyes. Picture captions provide enough information that readers will be enriched by simply scanning this appealing book. The text is balanced and straightforward. Israeli minorities and the PLO are discussed in neutral terms. The U.S. role in the Middle East peace process is clearly presented. Israel is depicted as a modern country with a rich history and vibrant cultural life. Readers will find information on famous Israelis, Kibbutz life, the Israeli military, and the Jewish religion. Teachers will appreciate a glossary, a fact page, an index, and a bibliography including videos and web sites. The back matter also contains two maps--one detailed color map with a key and a black-and-white reproducible map. This is a worthwhile, up-to-date resource that educators and students will enjoy. 2000, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $26.60. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf ISBN: 0-8368-2319-2 Jordan Hal Marcovitz The first chapter reads almost like a best-selling thriller, with the protagonist--King Hussein--seeking thrills as a pilot and race car driver, and repeatedly fighting off assassination attempts, even engaging in a dogfight in midair with two Russian MiG fighter planes. It is a dramatic portrait of the King that quickly fades into long, undivided chapters that bounce back and forth through history and are not likely to engage young readers. The author does discuss Jordan's precarious position across from Israel, full of Palestinian refugees and in between the much stronger Arab states of Syria and Egypt. There is also a lot of background on the great differences and animosities among these various Arab states. There is a marvelous description of King Hussein's grandfather Abdullah by the English adventurer T.E. Lawrence, but there is no photo of the old King--only a picture of an old fort. This problem occurs repeatedly. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today: the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions about the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features numerous titles on Middle Eastern countries as well as the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds. Some volumes are stronger than others are and all have too many old photos that bear no relation to the text. The series, "Creation of the Modern Middle East," will serve adequately as reference material covering the modern era until books are written with a more appealing look and feel for young people. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6507-3 Jordan Anna Carew-Miller The introduction to this volume of the "Modern Middle East Nations and Their Strategic Place in the World" series points out that while the Middle East has been the birthplace of many of the world's major religions and "cradle of civilizations," much of the region remains a mystery to the western world. In an effort to remedy this, Carew-Miller has provided a very clear, comprehensive and interesting look at the people, places and history that make up modern Jordan. In addition to the basic facts and figures, Jordan's place in the modern world is explored and the impact of Middle Eastern politics on the world community is discussed. The book is complete in its presentation of factual information without being dry. Photos of modern people and places are juxtaposed with photos of more traditional Jordan. One photo shows three Jordanian women sitting in a very modern looking library wearing very traditional dress and the incongruity is startling. Readers should come away with some understanding of not only Jordan's facts and figures, but also a clear picture of what Jordan is today and how the country evolved. An excellent addition to middle and high school libraries. 2004, Mason Crest, Ages 13 to 18, $24.95. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver ISBN: 1-59084-507-2 
Kofi Annan: The PeacekeeperJohn Tessitore In 1938, in the African country of Ghana, a young boy was born who was destined to become a peacekeeper for all nations. Kofi Annan was elected Secretary General of the United Nations in 1998, in the midst of rising conflicts in the Middle East. Many people believed that this African leader was the last hope for peace. Black-and-white photographs and text present this modern international leader to readers. Kids also learn about his formal education and the influence the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s has had on his views. A chronology, index, and list of supplemental resources including Internet sites provide the reader with additional information. 2000, Franklin Watts, Ages 10 to 14, $22.00 and $6.95. Reviewer: Joyce Rice ISBN: 0-531-11706-5 The Kurds Heather Lehr Wagner Introduction by Akbar Ahmed A concise summary of the history of this complicated culture offers essential background for understanding the issues surrounding these nomadic people with no nation of their own. When nationalistic lines were drawn at the end of World War I, the territory occupied by the Kurds became part of four conflicting nations: Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The 1920 Treaty of Sevres contained provisions for establishing a Kurdish nation, but none of the existing nations was interested in implementing the plan. The wandering tribes were forced to settle into villages within political boundaries. All efforts by Kurdish nationalists to establish a separate country were squelched as persecution and atrocities by the various governments increased. Black and white photographs from the early 1900s, taken mainly from the files of the Royal Geographical Society Picture Library, are interspersed throughout the text and included in a gallery of twelve pictures near the end of the book. A few recent photographs in color also appear. Useful reference aids include maps, a table of contents, a chronology, bibliographies of books and internet sources, and an index. Part of the "Creation of the Modern Middle East" Series. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 to 16, $31.95. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer ISBN: 0-7910-6505-7 The Kurds of Asia Anthony C. LoBaido, Yumi Ng, and Paul A. Rozario This beautifully produced First Peoples series, appropriate for children up to and including the first year of middle school, covers a wide range of indigenous peoples. Other volumes deal with the Bedouin, the Navaho, and the Zulu, whereas earlier series titles center on the Hmong, the Inuit, the Masai, the Ainu, and others. In short chapters, mixing brief informational paragraphs with beautiful color photographs, maps, and other addenda, the authors cover the history, geography, art, social customs, religious traditions, economic conditions, and other important topics connected with the particular indigenous group to which each book is dedicated. The Kurds of Asia, for example, discusses the role of Islam in Kurdish culture, the importance of tribes and clans, and the holiday of Nowruz. It also devotes several chapters to the problems involved in being a people whose homeland is split between three nations-Iraq, Iran, and Turkey-all of which are hostile to Kurdish culture. Although the authors do not go into the more gruesome aspects of what has been done to the Kurds-Saddam Hussein's use of biological and chemical weapons is not mentioned-they make the hardships under which the Kurds labor fairly clear and particularly emphasize all three nations' attempts to suppress Kurdish culture and language. These books positively glow with brilliant photographs of the countryside and the people. The text, although occasionally a bit repetitive and not always well aligned with the photos, is clear and to the point. This excellent series is a welcome and useful addition to the list of a company long considered one of the best publishers of contemporary nonfiction for children and young adults on multicultural topics. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2003, Lerner, Ages 11 to 14, $23.93. Reviewer: Michael Levy (VOYA, April 2003, Vol. 26, No. 1) ISBN: 0-8225-0664-5 Lebanon Linda Hutchinson This information book about the nation of Lebanon has many useful reference points and seems in general to give a good overview of the country. Among the book's strengths is the fact that the author has used an Arabic historian, Kamal Salibi, as her primary source for modern history, giving a more indigenous view. There are a few particular problems that need to be mentioned. While the modern period is very well covered, the medieval period and particularly the atrocities of the crusades by European invaders is glossed over. Saladin is mentioned briefly in a later section, but an opportunity was lost to discuss his importance in this period of history. Images are problematic, particularly when credits mention only the image bank from which they are purchased. There is a picture on page 20 of "the prophet Muhammed," which seems to be a European etching, with no sense of awareness that Muslims believe imagery of their prophet to be sacrilegious. The image is unnecessary, since it adds nothing to the text. The sections on modern authors are excellent, other than a typo on p.85 (Hanan al-Shakn, later spelled correctly as al-Shaykh in the bibliography). An excellent section on Khalil Gibran makes one thirst for more information on Lebanese Americans, the largest Arab-American populace. The webliography is commendable. This book is recommended as a general source of information on modern Lebanon, with a wish for more information and editing in the next edition. Part of the "Modern Nations of the World Series." 2003, Lucent Books/Gale, Ages 12 to15, $24.75. Reviewer: Kate Pourshariati ISBN: 1-59018-116-6 Masada Neil Waldman The dramatic story of the city of Masada has been passed down through Jewish folklore for nearly two thousand years. Josephus Flavius, an ancient historian, had recorded this tale of tragedy, but it was not widely accepted as an actual historical event until relatively recently. Two American scholars located the site in 1838, but excavation did not begin in earnest until 1963. Results of the excavation supported Flavius's account and Masada has become symbol of Jewish bravery and commitment. Waldman begins his story with an explanation of Herod's extreme paranoia that caused him to build castle fortresses for protection. One of these was Masada located on a high plateau near the Dead Sea. It was constructed about 30 years before Jesus was born. The Roman Empire still covered all of the area around the Mediterranean Sea in the year 66. At that time there were many Jewish uprisings. All were quickly squelched, except for the fortress at Masada. When the Roman armies came five years later, the people were ready for them and rolled large boulders down the steep cliffs. Many Roman soldiers were killed, but Commander Silva was prepared with assault towers and battering rams. As the walls fell, the Jewish people took their own lives. Husbands killed their wives and children. The men then drew lots as they killed each other. It was a hollow victory for the Romans as they ascended into the city and found all were dead. In modern times, many people visit Masada to honor those ancient people and find inspiration for their own lives. Waldman's black and white illustrations are based on relics, sculptures, and photographs. 2003, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 8 to 11, $18.95. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer ISBN: 1-59078-063-9 Mecca and Other Islamic Holy Places Mandy Ross With the Middle East in the news everyday, American young people now regularly hear words like "hajj" and "Mecca" and this book represents a worthy beginning in explaining these places and practices. There are some inaccuracies that will certainly aggravate Muslim readers - there are no graves at the Ka'bah in Mecca, for example; Muslims pray toward Mecca but mosques themselves don't face in any particular direction; and Muhammad recited the Quran, he did not read it. But the book does find the common ground among Jewish, Christian and Muslim stories and holy texts; photographs are colorful, current and plentiful, and all the text follows the Muslim practice of writing "pbuh" (peace be upon him) after the name of the prophet Muhammad. There is an explanation of the pilgrimage to Mecca and a short essay by a young Muslim woman from England who had just completed her first hajj: "all the prayers and rituals help you to find peace inside yourself." There is a brief description of the Muslim year as well as the importance of Muslim sites in Jerusalem and Medinah. A short but thorough glossary and an easy-to-use index will help students just learning to use nonfiction books for research. Other titles in the "Holy Places" series visit Bodh Gaya, the Ganges, the Golden Temple, the Vatican and the Western Wall. 2003, Raintree, Ages 8 to 12, $24.28. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7398-6080-1 The Middle East Gerard Cheshire and Paula Hammond The Middle East book from the "Cultures and Costumes: Symbols of their Period" series is a very good book to introduce children to the garb common to that part of the world. Chapters explain the geography and history of each region before describing the costumes of men and women of that area. Explanations of the reasons for types of clothing are included when required, such as religion and environment. The regions included in the book are Egypt, the Assyrian Empire, Arabia, Persia and Iran, and Israel. There are no photographs, but numerous illustrations and some reproductions of 18th and 19th century art give the reader a clear picture of the clothing, jewelry, and other items characteristic of each region. Possible unfamiliar words are written in bold type and appear in a glossary, allowing the child to be introduced to new vocabulary in context. A timeline of the Middle East from 3100 B.C. to 1972 A.D. organizes the history mentioned earlier in the text into an easy-to-follow outline. This book is more than just pictures and descriptions of clothing: it explains very well the reasons behind garb particular to different countries and people, be they religious, environmental, or traditional. 2003, Mason Crest, Ages 7 to 10, $19.95. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck ISBN: 1-59084-434-3 Modern World Nations: Pakistan Samuel Willard Crompton "What is this life of yours, tell me its mystery - Trampled in dust is your ages-old history!" The book opens with poetry from Muhammad Iqbal, an Indian poet who wanted Muslims to "rise and become a great force in the world, as was their destiny." When India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1947, Pakistan did become the Muslim homeland in the region. It is identified as one of the cradles of civilization along with Egypt and Mesopotamia. Geographic details which can often be mundane and meaningless are given some life by such details as Heinrich Harrer's attempt to climb Nanga Parbat, a mountain now in Tibet. Harrer's experiences gave rise to the movie Seven Years in Tibet. The author also offers an interesting discussion of rivers as one of the "key ingredients of civilization". The Indus River is as great as the Nile, in this author's opinion, just less well known to Americans. Young readers will also learn that even though the word Pakistan means "land of the pure" in Urdu, there is an incredible diversity of tribes and traditions within this small Islamic country. Once again, as is so often the case in the Middle East, boundaries were drawn by colonial powers with little regard for tribal and ethnic realities. The series does an excellent job of providing context and explanation for the modern states, rather than just a long narrative about dates, names and battles. Because of its size and organization, the book looks like a middle school book but the reading level is more appropriate to high school. There is plenty to discuss and individual chapters may be read independently. The chronology and index are thorough so it is useful for reference and student reports. The series includes titles on nearly two dozen countries from Georgia and Germany to Bahrain, Bermuda and Cuba. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $24.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-7098-0 Modern World Nations: Saudi Arabia Robert A. Harper "Suppose you are a camel herder in the desert..." This intriguing beginning is next to a marvelous close up photo of a camel's face, with a rare mouthful of greenery. Not only do we learn about what happened to those Saudi camel herders when foreigners discovered oil in their desert, we also learn about the camels themselves. They can go four to six weeks between drinks of water and then drink up to 50 gallons at one time. The "Modern World Nations" series does an excellent job of providing context and explanation for the modern states, rather than just a long narrative about dates, names and battles. Throughout its recent history there has been a constant tension between tradition and modernization, foreigners versus natives, how to spend the oil wealth. The author offers the Saudi perspective without taking a political stand on such issues as the status of women or segregation of foreigners. Students become aware of Saudi economics with startling factoids: before oil, Saudi sold almost nothing but dates and Arabian horses. The amount of oil produced in Saudi Arabia jumped from 500,000 barrels a day in 1949 to 10 million barrels a day in 1980. Oil brings in so much money that Saudi Arabia is one of the few nations in the world to distill huge amounts of ocean water in very expensive desalination plans. Because of its size and organization, the book looks like a middle school book but the reading level is more appropriate to high school. There is plenty to discuss and individual chapters may be read independently. The chronology and index are thorough so it is useful for reference and student reports. The series includes titles on nearly two dozen countries from Georgia and Germany to Bahrain, Bermuda and Cuba. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $24.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6935-4 Muhammad Demi The title of Muhammad is gilded on a royal purple background dusted with gold. Brilliant yellows, greens and blues fill each page as Demi re-creates the look and feel of ancient Persian miniatures. Muhammad is shown from infancy to adulthood to that glorious cover as a silhouette in gold. "In keeping with Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad and his family have not been depicted in this book." However, even though the book is endorsed by several Muslim scholars and speakers, just the silhouette of Muhammad will offend other Muslims. This in itself reminds Americans that the Muslim faithful are as diverse as people who practice other major religions. Muhammad's name in the text is always written as devout Muslims would write it, followed by "peace be upon him" in Arabic. The vocabulary will sometimes be above the youngest readers ("eternal and infallible word of God"), but Demi's dramatic artwork does indeed illustrate the text. There is a reference to the "will of God, who is one being, not a Trinity" without explaining this Christian term, which even some Christian children may not understand. The book is not simply the description of Islam that you would find in a textbook, but a biography of Muhammad from a religious perspective. While Muslims will disagree about details of the presentation, the book is intended to honor the life and accomplishments of Muhammad as the prophet who first established the Islamic faith. The book is appropriate for elementary and middle school libraries, classroom use during holidays, and comparative religion classes even at the high school level. 2003, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-689-85264-9 The Nile James Barter Without a doubt, the Nile River is even more essential to the lives of modern day people than it was hundreds upon thousands of years ago. Prepare to be dazzled by the depth and breadth of information about the world's longest river, including its physical attributes, its role in history, how it has been used and abused and what attempts have been made to remove some of the problems it encounters today. Fact boxes highlight bits of unusual information that add to the highly comprehensive text. The bibliography, or "works consulted" section near the end of this volume is fabulous, and will give readers desiring more information about this topic numerous resources. The only unfavorable aspect of this volume pertains to the less than scintillating black and white photography and graphics. An excellent choice for a research book. The author has written numerous nonfiction books for students in middle school. He has studied and traveled extensively and currently lives in Rancho Santa Fe, California with his daughter. Part of the "Rivers of the World" series that also includes the titles of The Amazon, The Ganges, The Mississippi and The Rhine. 2003, Lucent Books/The Gale Group, Ages 12 up, $27.45. Reviewer: Cindy Carolan ISBN: 1-56006-935-X The Nile David Cumming This installment from the "Great Rivers of the World" series is an in-depth look at the Nile river. An introduction provides basic facts about the river, its history, and current conflicts over the water. Chapter One, "The Course of the Nile," explains the geographic history of the river as well as detailing the different areas. Chapter Two, "The Nile in History" describes the ancient Egyptians as well as French and British occupation. Chapter Three, "Cities and Settlements," describes villages and major cities along the Nile. Chapter Four, "Farming, Trade, and Industry," explains the major industries of the area. Chapter Five describes the various plants and animals native to the Nile region, and Chapter Six explores the numerous environmental issues affecting the region (dams in particular). Chapter Seven, "Leisure and Recreation," describes tourism along the Nile River. Chapter Eight discusses the future of the area, and a glossary, timeline, and list of further sources completes this text. The book is illustrated by both maps and numerous pictures of the land, animals, and people of the Nile area. This would be a good supplemental text for a class dealing with ancient Egypt or the modern Middle East. 2003, World Almanac Library, Ages 8 to 12, $26.60. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck ISBN: 0-8368-5445-4 Oman Calvin H. Allen A few stories of ancient daring are surrounded by page after page of sultans and imams with almost identical names (especially to an American eye), always consolidating power and challenging and consolidating again. There is an interesting introductory account of a twentieth century filmmaker who used high-resolution space imagery to find the ancient trading city of Ubar, where Oman is now situated next to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. For nearly forty years during this century, Oman was ruled by a man described as an "arch-reactionary of great personal charm…who did all he could to isolate his country form the world." However, in a problem typical of this series, on the page after a coup and a new sultan usher in a new era in 1970, there is a 1910 photo of an old well in Muscat. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today: the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions about the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series features numerous titles on Middle Eastern countries as well as the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds. Although some volumes are stronger than others and all have too many old photos that bear no relation to the text, the series is well indexed and useful for research. Part of the "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6508-1 Pakistan Samuel Willard Crompton "What is this life of yours, tell me its mystery - Trampled in dust is your ages-old history!" The book opens with poetry from Muhammad Iqbal, an Indian poet who wanted Muslims to "rise and become a great force in the world, as was their destiny." When India and Pakistan were partitioned in 1947, Pakistan did become the Muslim homeland in the region. It is identified as one of the cradles of civilization along with Egypt and Mesopotamia. Geographic details, which can often be mundane and meaningless, are given some life by such details as Heinrich Harrer's attempt to climb Nanga Parbat, a mountain now in Tibet. Harrer's experiences gave rise to the movie Seven Years in Tibet. The author also offers an interesting discussion of rivers as one of the "key ingredients of civilization". The Indus River is as great as the Nile, in this author's opinion, just less well known to Americans. Young readers will also learn that even though the word Pakistan means "land of the pure" in Urdu, there is an incredible diversity of tribes and traditions within this small Islamic country. Once again, as is so often the case in the Middle East, boundaries were drawn by colonial powers with little regard for tribal and ethnic realities. The series does an excellent job of providing context and explanation for the modern states, rather than just a long narrative about dates, names and battles. Because of its size and organization, the book looks like a middle school book but the reading level is more appropriate to high school. There is plenty to discuss and individual chapters may be read independently. The chronology and index are thorough so it is useful for reference and student reports. The series includes titles on nearly two-dozen countries from Georgia and Germany to Bahrain, Bermuda and Cuba. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $24.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-7098-0 Pakistan: The Land Carolyn Black From country facts at a glance to the flora and fauna of Pakistan's varied landscapes, this is one of three books about this important South Asian nation. The books are part of the publisher's "Lands, Peoples, and Cultures" series, in which each featured country is represented by three volumes (others in the Pakistan set are Pakistan: The People, and Pakistan: The Culture). As in all of the books, the photographic selections that illustrate this volume are thoughtfully chosen and well placed. A brilliantly decorated truck, for example, embodies the idiosyncrasies of a sort of hodgepodge, pragmatic fusion, combining traditional vibrant color with contemporary modes of travel. For young readers this approach will effectively combine the familiar with the unfamiliar to put a human face on the region. Chapters in the book present information about geography and history, climate, diverse aspects of urban and rural life, industry, and transportation. An eminent array of consultants is listed in the frontmatter. A glossary and an index are included. 2003, Crabtree Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $22.60 and $7.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami ISBN: 0-7787-9346-X ISBN: 0-7787-9714-7 Pakistan: The Culture Carolyn Black Part of the publisher's "Lands, Peoples, and Cultures" series (examples of other titles are Japan, Egypt, and Nigeria) ,this volume focuses on both historical antecedents and present-day practices of Pakistan's diverse cultural groups. Differentiating between the relatively new nation and its very ancient traditions, the book is divided into chapters on faith, festive days, family traditions, artistic and architectural designs, and more. An effort has been made to include material drawn from contemporary trends and everyday life. Examples include information on art and artists, evolving musical trends (e.g, the fusion of traditional bhangra dance and music with techno rhythms), and the nuances of the Urdu language. Some stereotypical elements appear to have slipped through, however, particularly with reference to the practice of Islam. An example is the description of the Muslim prayer times. These hold much more subtle significance, with reference to the sun's position in the sky, than is implied in the simplistic breakdown here of dawn, noon, afternoon, right after sunset and before bedtime. In fact, Muslims do not pray at noon, but after the sun hits zenith. References to the ablutions before prayer and the muezzin's call to prayer are similarly diluted by oversimplification. A sample retold-story at the end is a nice touch, although it would have been helpful to provide a source, even an oral one, for the traditional tale. A glossary and an index are included. 2003, Crabtree Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $22.60 and $7.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami ISBN: 0-7787-9348-6 ISBN: 0-7787-9716-3 Pakistan: The People Carolyn Black This is the third book in the Pakistan trilogy of the publisher's "Lands, Peoples, and Cultures" series. The other volumes are Pakistan: The Land, and Pakistan: The Culture. Other countries in the series include China, Greece, and Brazil. Beginning with the naming in 1947 of the newly created nation, the book briefly describes Pakistan's early history. The format necessitates a highly condensed version, with everything from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Mughal Empire presented in just a couple of spreads. This overview is an effective introduction, with one interesting aside. Akbar the Great is hardly Pakistan's favored monarch among the Mughals, being often viewed as heretical and an appeaser of the Hindu princes of his time. The quick sketch of him here appears more akin to colonial-era (and more recently liberal Hindu) viewpoints, than to widespread Pakistani opinion. Of course, this begs the question of whether history is fact or perception--a question that the partitioned regions of the world have ignored at their peril! Visually, this volume is stunning. The cover photograph of the laughing camel-herder simply bursts forth with energy and life. The images also show a rich diversity across the landscape of Pakistan. Clothes, urban and rural settings, school, food, and recreation are all shown here in the context of a wide range of lifeways. On the whole, Black offers readers worthwhile glimpses into a complex and evolving country and its people. 2003, Crabtree Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $22.60 and $7.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami ISBN: 0-7787-9347-8 ISBN: 0-7787-9715-5 The Palestinian Authority John G. Hall This book is a great disappointment on a topic about which Americans of all ages need to know and understand more. Long pages of text, unbroken by headings or bolded keywords, offer too many dates and names and study commission results. There is no glossary to explain words like "dispossessed," "irrevocable" or "inexorable." Strongly sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, the book lays out the details of the Palestinians' long history of frustration and betrayal by the West, especially the United States, France and Britain. It would be a perfect book to demonstrate that even "objective" history books have a point of view. Significant events are completely left out, for example, early PLO-sponsored terrorism or a more complete record of what happened to several recent peace plans, including the Oslo accord and the last Israeli proposal from former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. There is no discussion of events after 1996, including the current intifida or the divisions among Palestinians who nurture suicide bombers and those who continue to pursue diplomatic paths to statehood. There is a totally unacceptable number of grammatical errors--incomplete sentences, improper punctuation, mismatched verbs and nouns. The one bright spot is an excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, which explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today--the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, media stereotypes, and the distinction between Muslim/Arab feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features other individual Middle Eastern countries and peoples, and some titles are much stronger than this particular one. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6515-4 
Pancake DreamsIngmarie Ahvander Illustrated by Mati Lepp Now that he has moved from Sweden to Jordan, young Stefan misses his grandmother and her special pancakes. He is thrilled when his Aunt Martha comes for a visit and agrees to take along an empty box, perfectly shaped for pancakes, and pass it along to Grandma. Once Stefan's grandmother receives the box and Stefan's plea for her divine treats, she places an ad in the newspaper to locate a traveler willing to deliver the box of pancakes to her waiting grandson. Mr. Zetterkvist agrees, meets Grandma at the airport to pick up the goodies, and transports them safely to Stefan who devours all but a few for his family and friends. Stefan decides to save the last pancake for his grandmother who will surely, he hopes, come to visit soon. The unique setting of this novel gives an international flair to a story that could happen anywhere. The illustrations show images of Arab culture as a part of the daily lives of Stefan and his family; men in turbans, exotic foods, and friends with names like Ahmed, Mayank, and Deniz live on the pages of the text. Readers are exposed to cultural differences without being explicitly told. Originally published in Sweden, this first American edition provides a fun, thoughtful, and, ultimately, educational story. 2002, R & S Books/Stockholm, Ages 6 to 11, $16.00. Reviewer: Wendy Glenn ISBN: 91-29-65652-4 Ramadan Kieran Walsh This book provides a straightforward description of the Islamic celebration of Ramadan. Balanced pictures from both the United States and the Middle East show Muslims in various acts of celebrating Ramadan. Key words appear in bold and also in a glossary and index at the back of the book. Well-captioned color photos help illustrate the text's descriptions of new concepts and bring a personal face to the traditions. Additional reading is provided at the back along with two Web sites. Unfortunately, the first of the two appears to no longer be on the Web, and the second is from the rather generic About.com site. Part of the "Holiday Celebrations" series, this simple book provides the facts young children wonder about without getting into complex theology. However, even the shortest nonfiction book for young children can benefit from an expert consultant, which this book apparently did not have. It is not the case that "Ramadan usually takes place in the fall or winter." Islam follows a lunar calendar in which each month is slightly shorter than the months on a western calendar, so Ramadan gradually rotates through the entire year. Even young readers could discuss the interesting differences brought by a major holiday that is celebrated sometimes in the winter and sometimes in the summer, especially when the exact starting date of the holiday isn't even known until the moment the new moon is sighted. 2003, Rourke Publishing, Ages 6 to 9, $19.27. Reviewer: Sarah Seage and Karen Leggett ISBN: 1-58952-223-0 
Samir and YonatanDaniella Carmi Translated by Yael Lotan Samir, a Palestinian boy from the West Bank, needs an operation on a shattered knee and must spend time in a Jewish hospital in a room with four Jewish children--Tsazi, Ludmilla, Razia, and Yonatan. Samir loves Ludmilla and privately says the three English sentences he knows as magic to break the spell he believes she is under, so she will awake and be well again. He is also drawn to Yonatan, who includes Samir in his quest for knowledge of the stars and planets and his computer-adventure game to Mars. He is afraid of Tsazi, however, and his soldier brother, but is later accepted in Tsazi's escapades. Students unfamiliar with the conflict in Palestine will still understand the feelings of Samir, terrified and alone in a room with four strangers. But the background information will help them understand Samir's life outside the hospital--the curfew, the constant fear of being shot, his barber father no longer having customers, and his younger brother dead from a Jewish soldier's bullet. It is a story first of fear of the unknown, and then of tolerance and acceptance, as Samir learns to love these Jewish children as if they were his own siblings. 2000 (orig. 1994), Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, Ages 12 to 15, $15.95. Reviewer: Janet L. Rose ISBN: 0-439-13504-4 ISBN: 0-439-13523-0 Best Books: State and Provincial Reading Lists: Saudi Arabia Robert A. Harper "Suppose you are a camel herder in the desert..." This intriguing beginning is next to a marvelous close up photo of a camel's face, with a rare mouthful of greenery. Not only do we learn about what happened to those Saudi camel herders when foreigners discovered oil in their desert, we also learn about the camels themselves. They can go four to six weeks between drinks of water and then drink up to 50 gallons at one time. The "Modern World Nations" series does an excellent job of providing context and explanation for the modern states, rather than just a long narrative about dates, names and battles. Throughout its recent history there has been a constant tension between tradition and modernization, foreigners versus natives, how to spend the oil wealth. The author offers the Saudi perspective without taking a political stand on such issues as the status of women or segregation of foreigners. Students become aware of Saudi economics with startling factoids: before oil, Saudi sold almost nothing but dates and Arabian horses. The amount of oil produced in Saudi Arabia jumped from 500,000 barrels a day in 1949 to 10 million barrels a day in 1980. Oil brings in so much money that Saudi Arabia is one of the few nations in the world to distill huge amounts of ocean water in very expensive desalination plans. Because of its size and organization, the book looks like a middle school book but the reading level is more appropriate to high school. There is plenty to discuss and individual chapters may be read independently. The chronology and index are thorough so it is useful for reference and student reports. The series includes titles on nearly two-dozen countries from Georgia and Germany to Bahrain, Bermuda and Cuba. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $24.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6935-4 Saudi Arabia Heather Lehr Wagner The ruling Saud family began this century as a band of refugees in the Arabian Desert. The family's empire had been decimated by the Ottoman Turks and they were about to embark on a century of western deceit, family squabbling and the politics of oil and power. It is a dramatic story and Heather Lehr Wagner writes it almost like a novel, beginning with a chapter about T.E. Lawrence. One of the stronger books in this series about the modern Middle East, this one offers good explanations of the choppy development of American relations with Saudi Arabia, starting with oil companies and moving through U.S. support for Israel, the establishment of OPEC and the current stationing of thousands of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia. There are multiple viewpoints at each new threshold and Wagner touches on them all. Franklin Roosevelt, for example, promised the Saudis "Arabs in Palestine would be protected and involved in any decisions about the settlement of their land." But then FDR died and "Harry Truman made his own set of promises: to support the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine." An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today--the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions about the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features numerous titles on Middle Eastern countries as well as the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds. Although some volumes are stronger than others and all have too many old photos that bear no relation to the text, the series is an important contribution to giving American young people a broader understanding of this key region of the world. Part of the "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6510-3 The Saudi Royal Family Jennifer Bond Reed In 1901 at the age of 21, Abdul Aziz bin Saud took control of Riyadh and proclaimed himself ruler of all Arabia. He held that position until his death in 1953 and his sons have ruled ever since. Chapters on each of these brother-kings--Saud, Faisal, Khalid and Fahd--offer glimpses into each man's character and his impact on the nation that carries the family name. "As in any family...some have big hearts and grand ideas while others can't seem to do anything right." The story of the Saudi Royal Family is also the story of the evolving relationship with the United States, punctuated by conflicting priorities on all sides and repeated deception by Britain, France and the U.S. The book is well written, but dry, especially for a young audience. The series covers a wide range of leaders from Yasir Arafat and Menachem Begin to Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Vladimir Putin and Vicente Fox. The chronology and index are thorough, making the series more useful as a reference source than for straight reading. The opening essay on leadership by noted historian Arthur Schlesinger is intellectually demanding, and unappealingly printed in small type with small margins. It would be valuable primarily for generating discussion or writing projects by very advanced students. Part of the "Major World Leaders" series. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $23.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-7063-8 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, Ages 10 up, $15.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7636-1388-6 Best Books: 
A Stone in My HandCathryn Clinton Here is a book that will have American child readers thinking about "others"--others whom they may have considered enemies, perhaps thought about as "less than" themselves, even less than human. Malak is eleven, living in Gaza City with her mother, older brother, and younger sister. Their father left to look for work in Israel and has disappeared. Every day Malak climbs up to the roof, cares for the doves, and imagines flying over the city to Jerusalem, where she would surely find her father. As she becomes more withdrawn, her brother becomes more active in the outside world. Caught up with a radical terrorist gang, he is in constant danger, but no one seems to notice. Malak's family is falling apart--how will the story end? Not happily, that's for sure. An unusual book, it is very moving in its realistic picture of a society at the opposite side of life. 2002, Candlewick, Ages 11 up, $15.99. Reviewer: Judy Silverman ISBN: 0-7636-1388-6 Best Books: Syria John Morrison The author is a journalist and this history of Syria has the sprightly writing of a good newspaper rather than a textbook: "Before (Hafez) Assad, government officials could barely get comfortable in their chairs before they were kicked out in favor of another equally incompetent group of leaders." John Morrison portrays Assad as brutal and intensely opposed to the state of Israel but also the leader who brought "stability and a sense of dignity to the Syrian people." There are frequent references to print and broadcast news reports, especially for the most current history of Syria. There are good explanations of the conflicting loyalties and priorities of both the U.S. and various Middle Eastern nations. Like most of the books in the "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series, this one is heavy with unbroken text as well as old photos that bear little relation to that text. Some of the vocabulary will be challenging for younger readers and the book may be most useful for student reports where the thorough index and timeline will be useful. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today--the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions of the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features titles on other individual Middle Eastern countries as well as individual books on the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds, another proud people also split across two countries at the end of World War I. Although some volumes are stronger than others, the series is an important contribution to giving American young people a broader understanding of this key region of the world. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 12 up, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6509-X Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354 James Rumford Traveling--it gives you a home in a thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land." This quote captures the essence of Ibn Battuta, a 14th century Muslim scholar who spent 30 years traveling over 75,000 miles throughout parts of Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Based on Battuta's actual retellings to a Moroccan court secretary and the author's careful research about the languages, maps, travel and artifacts of the times, this biographical picture book is a complex artistic marvel. Each double-page spread highlights an event from Battuta's travels and carries a title as a chapter book might, for example, "At the Edge of the World," or "Death as Black as Night." Typically, on one page is a first person journal-like entry, the text presented formally inside a colorfully framed box; on the facing page a lush Persian miniature style painting illustrates the event, such as Battuta riding a camel across part of Africa or sailing a boat in the Maldives. Backgrounds for the illustrations and boxed text feature calligraphy in Arabic, Chinese, Persian or English and are detailed with artifacts, designs and patterns associated with the various historical locales and cultures. Translations of the calligraphy appear with the endnotes but were difficult to use. A glossary, maps and author's note authenticate the depth of the writer's knowledge and research. The endpapers, formatted and captioned like a sort of ancient photo album, have gorgeous inky blue renderings of the places Battuta visited and the various companions he met along the way. Without sacrificing the flavor and accuracy of the era, Rumford's freshly imagined use of color, design and format move his work beyond illustration into the realm of museum-quality painting. Traveling Man is a 2002 Robert F. Sibert Informational book honor recipient. 2001, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 12 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Darcy H. Bradley ISBN: 0-618-08366-9 Best Books: 
Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354James Rumford This picture book biography tells the story of a man who inspires wonder and wisdom and provides another means of combating stereotypes of the Middle East. James Rumford writes, illustrates and illuminates Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuata 1325-1354. Battuata, a medieval pilgrim to Mecca travels for almost thirty years from Morocco to China, through Russia and Tanzania, some 75,000 miles. Rumford has chosen perfect visual techniques to tell this unusual story. A ribbon of text travels through the book like the path of this pilgrim, through full-page watercolors, illuminated Persian miniatures, bits of ancient Arabian maps, and Chinese, Arabic and Persian sayings. The text does the same with a refrain that repeats as Battuata meets bandits, illness, sultans, holy men, and crocodiles. At the book's start, Battuata notes, "Traveling--it offers you a hundred roads to adventure, and gives your heart wings." He later comments, "Traveling-- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." And finally, arriving home to find his parents dead, his reflective refrain remarks sadly, "Traveling--it gives you a home in a thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land." These visual and written representations tell magnificently the story of a man whose travels became his life and his writings a metaphor for living. 2001, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 7 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Susie Wilde ISBN: 0-618-08366-9 Best Books: Turkey Tamra Orr Turkey is presented as a fascinating country with a 3,000-year history. Beautiful color photographs of ancient sites and present day wonders, as well as many pictures of the people, the land, and the wildlife cause this book to read almost like a tour guide advertising the unique aspects of this extraordinary country. Ancient history, including the Legend of Troy and the many empires that have ruled in the area, is summarized. Modern day cities are described. Abundant shopping opportunities are available in the markets with Turkish rugs a favorite purchase for tourists. The daily life of Turkish people, their spiritual practices, and their culture provide a sense of the essence of the nation. Maps give a sense of place throughout the book. Other reference aids include a table of contents, a timeline, a list of fast facts, a bibliography, and an index. An excellent introduction for those who know little about this part of the world and part of the "Enchantment of the World" Second Series. 2003, Children's Press, Ages 9 to 13, $34.00. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer ISBN: 0-516-22679-7 Turkey Heather Lehr Wagner Introduction by Akbar Ahmed Turkey is a nation still shaping its identity," concludes author Heather Wagner, after describing the constant tug between the Islamic foundations that governed Turkish culture and politics through the end of the Ottoman Empire and the secular reforms initiated by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The book bounces around in time in a confusing way for the first few chapters until Wagner begins focusing on the life and accomplishments of Ataturk himself, which provides a dramatic high-interest story. There are probably more details about political infighting than most young readers will understand or appreciate, and the many sepia-tone photographs, while often interesting in and of themselves, do not relate directly to the text. Wagner covers the brutal decimation of the Armenian and Kurdish populations as well as Turkey's ongoing dispute with Greece over Cyprus. She effectively explains the background to Turkey's important role as an ally of the U.S. and a key player in Middle Eastern politics. There is an excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, which explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today--the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, media stereotypes, and the distinction between Muslim/Arab feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series features titles on the major individual Middle Eastern countries as well as people like the Kurds and Palestinians. Although some volumes are stronger than others, the series is an important contribution to giving American young people a broader understanding of this key region of the world. 2003, Chelsea House, Ages 10 to 15, $31.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6504-9 United Arab Emirates Byron Augustin This book provides an interesting and wonderful look inside the United Arab Emirates. It touches on just about everything from climate and animals to history, religion, and education. Most importantly, Byron shows how the UAE evolved into a federation in a matter of a decade after it began exporting oil. Also, it's amazing to learn of the development of this desert area into a cosmopolitan federation with leaps in technology, health care, education, jobs, and all-around way of living. And throughout all of this Westernization, it's interesting to note that the UAE is still able to preserve some of its old traditions. This book is highly recommended to anyone who wants to know about other cultures and would be particularly helpful for a geography student as a supplement. There is much in the way of culture to learn from this book, a lot of which is shown through the many colorful photographs. (Enchantment of the World) Nonfiction (953.57), Highly Recommended. 2002, Children's Press, Ages 7 to 12, $34.00. Reviewer: Jackie Carroll (Heart of Texas Reviews, Vol. 15, No. 2) ISBN: 0-516-20473-4 Welcome to Saudi Arabia Graeme Cane and Dynise Balcavage Part of the "Welcome to My Country" series, this reference text provides an overview of the land, history, government and economy, people and lifestyle, language, arts, leisure, and food of Saudi Arabia. It also includes a list of quick facts, a glossary, references to useful books, videos, and Internet sites, a map, and a useful index. Color photographs abound and give readers a sense of life in a distant land; readers see images of young children eating, playing, and attending school, the buildings in which Saudis live and work, and the celebrations that punctuate daily life. Due to the extent of differences between American and Saudi youth, some young readers may find it difficult to make sense of alternate traditions and beliefs. Learning, for example, that Saudi girls are not encouraged to go to school and that prisoners are punished in front of large audiences may shock American sensibilities (but should nevertheless be learned). At times, the authors introduce a concept and leave readers wondering about the details. For example, readers are told that the king runs the country according to Islamic law, but no explanation of Islamic law is provided. The text succeeds in taking readers to a far-off place and exposing young people to alternate perceptions and ways of life. 2002, Gareth Stevens, Ages 10 to 14, $23.93. Reviewer: Wendy Glenn ISBN: 0-8368-2538-1 The Western Wall and Other Jewish Holy Places Mandy Ross The Western Wall is all that is left of a great Jewish temple in Jerusalem built three thousand years ago by King Solomon. It was attacked and rebuilt twice and finally destroyed by the Romans in 70 C.E. (Common Era - which is used throughout the series along with B.C.E. as an alternative to B.C. or A.D. which are specifically Christian terms). The book explains what Jews do at the Wall, including regular prayers, dancing on Friday nights, reading from the Torah and especially celebrating Bar and Bat Mitzvah services for 13-year-old boys and girls. One 13-year old English boy writes a brief but moving account of his Bar Mitzvah at the Wall. The importance of Jerusalem and the shared roots of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths are emphasized in all the books of this series. The series, "Holy Places," covers Bodh Gaya, Mecca, The Ganges, The Golden Temple, and The Vatican--all holy places used to help explain each faith. The quality and breadth of each book in the series varies and unfortunately, there are no expert consultants or any indication that anyone practicing each faith has reviewed the accuracy of the information. But the text is simple with an appealing presentation, complimented by numerous interesting photos and small boxes of additional information. The glossary and index are thorough, but easy to use and understand. This is a good series for teachers to use when they would like to explain various holidays and practices of students in our increasingly multi-ethnic schools. 2003, Raintree, Ages 8 to 12, $24.28. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7398-6082-8 
What About Me?Ed Young In this simple, but expressive retelling of a traditional Sufi fable, a young boy seeks knowledge from a Grand Master. He is told he needs to bring him a small carpet. But in this cumulative tale, the carpetmaker cannot weave without thread, the spinner woman cannot spin without goat hair, and so he goes on, energetically searching, until he finally finds the needed wife for the carpenter, who gives him wood to pen goats for the goat seller, who gives him goats for the goat keeper, who gives him the hair. When he finally brings the carpet to the Grand Master, of course he is told that he already has knowledge. He is also given two lessons or morals to set the reader pondering. Young designs his bordered pages with elegant simplicity. Subtly textured backgrounds hold blocks of text and figures without any context. Collage combines patterned and solid colored shapes with watercolor touches to create character and surprising activity. A note on the Sufi is included. 2002, Philomel Books/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-399-23624-4 Best Books: What About Me? Ed Young A boy's quest for knowledge starts with a visit to the Grand Master who tells the boy to bring him a small carpet. The boy goes from carpet maker to spinner woman and others to obtain a carpet. Each person the boy approaches has his or her own need, each asking the boy, "What about me?" When the boy finally presents the carpet to the Grand Master, the Grand Master helps him realize that the quest itself has provided the boy with unexpected knowledge--that the experience of helping others and figuring out how to achieve his goal presented the chance for the boy to acquire knowledge. Richly textured collage and watercolor illustrations present varied, colorful patterns and clear shapes on subtly flecked and framed pages. Boxed and bordered text is inserted on each page, culminating with the tale's moral. The slim, handsomely illustrated book captures a sense of the Middle Eastern Sufi tradition from which the satisfying cumulative tale was drawn. 2002, Philomel/Penguin Putnam, Ages 6 to 9, $16.99. Reviewer: Maria Salvadore ISBN: 0-399-23624-4 Best Books: What You Will See Inside a Mosque Aisha Karen Khan Except for the small round dome instead of a steeple and the lack of cross, the mosque featured in this book looks like any small modern house of worship in an American suburb. Similarities like that throughout the slim volume helped take away the other-ness that has always been attached to Islam in America. The author is the principal of an Islamic school in New York's Hudson Valley, eager to impart every detail of her faith and the places where that faith is practiced publicly. The text reads a little too much like a formal guidebook but the photos are bright and elegant and the information is thorough and accurate. There are insets on each page to explain even more details, like the qibla - an often beautifully decorated indentation in the wall of every mosque that directs prayer toward Mecca - or the topee, the small cap often worn by Muslim men and boys. Young readers learn that men and women pray separately so that women will not have to worry about their modesty when they bend down, often touching their forehead to the floor. There are discussions of other Muslim requirements and traditions, feasts and beliefs. This is an excellent classroom book to be brought out and shared when any classmates are celebrating Muslim holidays or to provide a general understanding of this rapidly growing religion. 2003, SkyLight Paths Publishing, Ages 6 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 1-893361-60-8 Women in the Middle East: Tradition and Change Ramsay M. Harik and Elsa Marston The opening photograph shows two women walking arm in arm in Morocco, one fully veiled with only slits for her eyes, the other in a brightly colored jump suit with no head covering at all. These choices and the contrasts are the subject of this updated edition of Women in the Middle East. The update primarily includes a new chapter on the Taliban in Afghanistan. There are quotes from the Quran that elevate women and their opportunities in society ("The seeking of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim man and every Muslim woman") and there are ancient proverbs that suggest that Islam was sometimes a liberating force for women, not an oppressive one ("Every daughter is a handful of trouble"). Some chapters are a dry recitation of differing social customs in different countries but others offer discussions of the relative influence of cultural tradition versus religion on marriage customs, veiling and a woman's role in society. There are also fascinating chapters on the ways women express themselves even when rules are oppressive--regular gatherings of women writers in Egypt at the turn of the 20th century, political organizations, and efforts to educate women and girls, even secretly if necessary. Black-and-white photographs show the range of women's dress and activity. There are ample footnotes, a thorough index and bibliography and a short glossary. This is a valuable research volume for high school students and above, and interesting reading for anyone who seeks a broader understanding of one of the most misunderstood aspects of Middle Eastern and Islamic life. 2003, Franklin Watts, Ages 13 up, $29.50. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-531-12222-0 Yasir Arafat Colleen Madonna Flood Williams Yasir Arafat was born in Jerusalem. Or Cairo. No one is really sure and the enigma of his birth follows the Palestinian leader throughout his life. He grew up in a dysfunctional family and came of age just as Israel was created, leaving 1.3 million Palestinian refugees. He was a student leader protesting British operation of the Suez Canal but he soon created Al Fatah to work for an independent Palestinian state. The book is replete with details about the Palestinian independence movement, Arafat's growing leadership of that movement and the way it always seemed to be the playing field for animosities among other Arab nations. Most of Arafat's critical first speech before the United Nations in 1974 is recorded here and there are numerous opportunities for students to discuss the paths taken or rejected by Arafat, Al Fatah and later the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The story is well told and perhaps most compelling just because Arafat is such a mystery, characterized throughout his life as both freedom fighter and terrorist. The "Major World Leaders" series covers a wide range of leaders from Yasir Arafat and Menachem Begin to Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Vladimir Putin and Vicente Fox. The opening essay on leadership by noted historian Arthur Schlesinger is intellectually demanding, and unappealingly printed in small type with small margins. It would be valuable primarily for generating discussion or writing projects by very advanced students. 2003, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 12 up, $23.95. Reveiwer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6941-9 Yemen Sandra Weber Most Americans had probably never heard of Yemen, to say nothing of placing it on a map, until the USS Cole was attacked in a Yemeni harbor in 2000. That in itself is a good reason for young Americans to begin knowing about this country that borders Saudi Arabia and is home to a strategic refueling depot for the American military. That American involvement was not popular with Islamic extremists, but like so many countries of the Middle East, Yemen has a long frustrated history of foreign rule and betrayal. As a result, while "Yemen's fame in the ancient world came from frankincense and coffee, today it comes from guns and terrorists." By 1986, it had the lowest per capita income in the Middle East and a full quarter of the gross domestic product came from a million Yemenis living and working abroad. Oil was discovered and harnessed in the late 80s and North and South Yemen - created in another post-World War I decision by the British - were not peacefully reunited until the mid 1990s. A few modern pictures are scattered through the heavy text; there is a chronology and additional resources as well as an index. The index, however, includes proper names but not a key word like "oil". The series is adequate for research but not a friendly read-through for young readers. An excellent introduction by Akbar Ahmed, School of International Service, American University, explains the background behind many of the social and political realities in the Middle East today: the lack of democracy, the need for education reform, opinions of the media, and the distinction between feelings toward Jews and Israelis. This series features titles on other individual Middle Eastern countries as well as individual books on the Palestinian Authority and the Kurds, another proud people also split across two countries at the end of World War I. Part of the "Creation of the Modern Middle East" series. 2003, Chelsea, Ages 10 up, $30.95. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7910-6513-8 
Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for FreedomZoya, with John Follain and Rita Cristofari The horrors perpetrated by the Taliban and the Mujahideen and the inhuman restrictions imposed on all girls and women are recounted in this first-person narrative by a young woman from Afghanistan. The Soviet occupation of her country defined Zoya's earliest memories, but these were also her happiest times. She remembers flying kites, eating candy, watching television, and sneaking a dab of her mother's perfume. With the exit of the Soviets came the crushing, violent rule of the Mujahideen, the fundamentalist warlords. They were responsible for killing Zoya's parents for speaking out about the oppression. Zoya's adoptive grandmother then decided to flee with Zoya to Pakistan. In exile, Zoya's future began to take shape. She attended a girls' school and formed her resolve to fight for women's rights. She grieved for her country when the Taliban seized control in Afghanistan and turned it into a religious state where women were stripped of their humanity. In addition to wearing the burqa, women were banned from education, from dealing with male shopkeepers or being treated by male doctors, from traveling unaccompanied, from wearing shoes that make any noise, and from laughing or doing laundry in public-the list goes on. Zoya joined the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), dedicated to improving the lives of women, and she began working in a refugee camp and speaking abroad. It was on one of these overseas trips that Zoya was persuaded to write down this story of the suffering of her people, especially the women. This book will be useful for units of study on women's rights, Arab culture, Asian history or geography, or Islam. It can also be read as a biography. Girls especially will identify with Zoya's pain and her fight to change the lives of the women in her homeland. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2002, Morrow, Ages 15 to Adult, $24.95. Reviewer: Leslie Carter (VOYA, February 2003, Vol. 25, No. 6) ISBN: 0-06-009782-5 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. Updated 12/13/2003
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19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East
