Brown, Tricia. 2006. SALAM: A MUSLIM AMERICAN BOY’S STORY. Photos by Ken Cardwell. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 0805065385 [Suggested Grade Levels 1-4]
REVIEW
Imran is a young Muslim-American boy who wants people to know he is very much like other boys and girls in his school. “I am American.” “I take Karate lessons…..I dream about becoming a rock star when I grow up.” With child-like explanations, Imran tells about the many customs of Muslim people and the foundations of the Islamic faith. He even explains his blond mother’s conversion to Islam upon her marriage.
Brown has crafted a wonderfully inviting book to help youngsters be more informed and tolerant of the diversity in their communities. Likewise, Cardwell’s black and white photographs of Inman interacting with family and friends bring realism. Many of the pictures show the family in deep thought, or sharing a tender embrace, or poised in prayer. Readers of this book are likely to see that children of different faiths have much to offer in our schools, as friends, and to our entire society.
CONNECTIONS
Many children want to know about religions and cultures that are different from their own. Research these with simple nonfiction books. Celebrate World Peace Day and other international events. Invite readers to an international smorgasbord where each person creates a dish representing a different custom or dresses in different religious apparel.
RELATED BOOKS
Story books about customs and tolerance:
Fox, Mem. WHOEVER YOU ARE. ISBN 0152164065
Friedman, Ina R. HOW MY PARENTS LEARNED TO EAT. ISBN 0395442354
Books about religions:
Buller, Laura. A FAITH LIKE MINE: A CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS THROUGH THE EYES OF CHILDREN. ISBN 0756611776
Osborne, Mary Pope. ONE WORLD, MANY RELIGIONS: THE WAY WE WORSHIP. ISBN 0679839305
By Rebecca McKee
No comments:
Post a Comment