Islamic Fundamentalism

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-In Countries, Gunderson highlights Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, noticeably omitting Kuwait and Qatar among other countries frequently mentioned in the news. The large map that pinpoints major cities is helpful but the regional map that places countries in relationship to each other lacks detail and appears unclear in its simplicity. There is one color photo per country. The second book highlights believers of radical fundamentalism. One quibble with it: after an entire chapter on the five pillars of Islam, the author states that, "Some Muslims consider the greater and lesser jihad to be the sixth and seventh pillars of Islam." Without any further explanation, this statement leaves more questions than answers. Religions discusses Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, as well as Hinduism and Druze. Because these books are so general in nature, they won't date quickly, but their use will be limited to brief reports. In all three books, the full-color photos are of good quality, and many are full page.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.