Santa Claus in Baghdad and Other Stories about Teens in the Arab World - Softcover

Marston, Elsa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0253220041 ISBN 13: 9780253220042

Publisher: Indiana University Press, 2008

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description:

Independent Book Publishers Awards, Silver Medal, Multicultural Children's Fiction

From the Publisher:

"A window into often misunderstood and stereotyped Middle Eastern cultures. . . . Marston's sensitive tales feature compelling characters, interesting dilemmas, and vivid language that evoke a Middle East rich in tradition and filled with a love of poetry and learning." --Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Multicultural Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0253220041
• ISBN 13: 9780253220042
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 198