Product Description
What is it like to be a young person in the Arab world today? This lively collection of eight short stories about Arab teenagers living in Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and a Palestinian refugee camp engagingly depicts young people’s experiences growing up in the Middle East. The characters, drawn from urban and rural settings and from different classes as well as a mix of countries, confront situations involving friends, family, teachers, and society at large. Along with some specifically Middle Eastern issues, such as strife in Iraq, the hardships of life in a Palestinian refugee camp, and honor crimes, the young people deal with more familiar concerns such as loyalty to friends, overcoming personal insecurities, dreams of a future career, and coping with divorcing parents. Coming of age in a complicated world, they meet life with courage, determination, and, not least of all, humor. With accompanying notes that provide contextual information, Santa Claus in Baghdad brings a fresh perspective to youth literature about the Arab world.
Santa Claus in Baghdad and Other Stories about Teens in the Arab World
Half a world away, are children really all that different? “Santa Claus in Baghdad: And Other Stories about Teens in the Arab World” is a collection of stories that although fictional, express the real thoughts and beliefs of many Arabic Teens in the modern world. Showing the issues that Arabic students face, American readers will learn to empathize with these teens and not be scared of something they don’t understand. “Santa Claus in Baghdad” is a unique anthology of stories, highly recommended to young adult readers everywhere.
Rating: 5 / 5
Got the book for my 14 yr-old granddaughter. She had heard of it in school and seemed delighted to receive it. She has several Indian friends and an Iranian cousin and hopes to learn more about their countries.
Rating: 5 / 5