Theme: Middle East

The Book of Wonders

Sorcerers, Cyclops, Djinnis . . . Magic. Thirteen-year-old Zardi loves to hear stories about fantastical beings long banned from the kingdom of Arribitha. But anyone who is caught whispering of their powers will feel the rage of the sultan–a terrifying tyrant who, even with his eyes closed, can see all. When her own beloved sister [...]

Descriptors: Fantasy, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns

In simple rhyming text a young Muslim girl and her family guide the reader through the traditions and colors of Islam.

Descriptors: Nonfiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Third Gift

After harvesting an especially large “tear” of a resin known as myrrh, a young boy and his father visit a spice merchant whose three customers are seeking a special gift to bring to a baby. Includes biblical references and historical information about the Magi and myrrh.

Descriptors: Africa, Historical Fiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , , » 1 Comment

The Mesopotamians

Provides readers with an up-close look at the ingenuity of forward-thinking inventors and engineers from the early civilizations

Descriptors: Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

Beyond Bullets: A Photo Journal of Afganistan

Award-winning photographer Rafal Gerszak spent a year embedded with the American military in Afghanistan, where he used his camera to document everyday life in the war-torn country. While there, he developed a deep affection for the land and its people, and he later returned on his own. Despite the dangers around him, he continued taking [...]

Descriptors: Afghanistan, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Nonfiction » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

Ancient Egypt: Tales of Gods and Pharaohs

The stories of the Egyptian pharaohs and their ancient gods are full of mystery and adventure. In this retelling of nine tales of ancient Egypt, Marcia Williams uses her signature comic-strip style to capture the rich mythology and early history of this great civilization. Beginning with powerful Ra rising from the waters of the Nile [...]

Descriptors: Africa, Egypt, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Myth, Picture Book » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

Cleopatra Confesses

The last of the pharaohs before the beginning of the Common Era, Cleopatra ascended the throne at age eighteen following the death of her father. Charming as well as smart and ambitious, she made two Roman leaders fall madly in love with her. Her greatest challenge was not her kingdom but her own sisters, blinded [...]

Descriptors: Africa, Egypt, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Cleopatra’s Moon

“The Luxe” meets the ancient world in the extraordinary story of Cleopatra’s daughter. Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony–the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself. When war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of [...]

Descriptors: Africa, Egypt, Historical Fiction, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Goha: The Wise Fool

A collection of fourteen tales about the folk hero Nasreddin Hoca, also known as Goha, a man with a reputation for being able to answer difficult questions in a clever way.

Descriptors: Asia, Folklore, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book, Turkey » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

The Stone: A Persian Legend of the Magi

A retelling of the story told to Marco Polo about the Magi of Saveh, three wise men from a town in Persia, who followed a strange star and find a special child.

Descriptors: Asia, Folklore, Iran, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment