Syria (ENCHANTMENT OF THE WORLD SECOND SERIES)

Beaton, Margaret

ISBN 10: 0516027085 ISBN 13: 9780516027081

Publisher: Childrens Pr

Synopsis

Discusses the geography history, people economy and customs of the ancient land of Syria

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- These books are welcome, especially given the generally admirable and evenhanded treatment that they receive at the hands of their respective authors. Each book is well organized, covering history, geography, climate, religion, politics, the economic base, and the current economic situation of the country. The authors are straightforward in covering potentially uncomfortable topics in nonjudgmental ways. For example, in Syria, Beaton discusses the totalitarian government objectively, explaining both the good that President Hafez-al-Assad's government has done Syria and the drawbacks of his regime. She does not flinch from discussing Syria's backing of terrorism, but her factual presentation gives a political and international context to it, fitting it into a larger arena. Although Martin Mulloy's Syria (Chelsea House, 1988) covers the same material, it is a less attractive book, less readable, and not as comprehensive. Fradin's lengthy discussion of Ethiopia's history is a bit dry at times, but he does an excellent job of setting the stage for a candid discussion of the excesses of both Haile Sellassie's and Mengistu Haile Mariam's regimes. Treatment of the famines that have ravaged Ethiopia is likewise evenhanded. The causes are clearly presented, while not glossing over the suffering of the Ethiopian people. This is vast improvement over Barbara Nolen's Ethiopia (Watts, 1971; o.p.) which is badly out of date, and it is more comprehensive than Ethiopia in Pictures (Lerner, 1988). In Bolivia , the cocaine trade receives open discussion, with a good tie-in to its roots in the impoverished Bolivian economy. Morrison does make one rather jarring statement regarding religion when she states that "Most Indians acknowledge the Roman Catholic faith, but have retained their pagan beliefs." The use of the word "pagan" seems a bit pejorative and stands in rather stark contrast to the respect with which both Beaton and Fradin treat native religions. This is, however, a minor quibble. Morrison's Bolivia is a more thorough and comprehensive treatment, though for slightly older readers, than Jetty St. John's A Family in Bolivia (Lerner, 1986). All three books contain excellent current political and topographic maps and well-placed black-and-white and color photographs and drawings. The texts are lucid, and the use of white space gives a non-thretening look to the page. Any of these books can help to contribute to greater understanding of life and social conditions in poorer countries, while giving insight into the effects of international politics. These are excellent sources for report material and, with a little encouragement from teachers or librarians, for browsing. --Ann Welton, Lake Dollof Elementary School, Auburn, Wash.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Childrens Pr
• ISBN 10: 0516027085
• ISBN 13: 9780516027081
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 125