Osama Bin Laden

Children's Literature

Since 9/11 no single terrorist figure has assumed a more significant aspect than Osama Bin Laden. The expatriate son of a wealthy Yemeni immigrant to Saudi Arabia, Osama Bin Laden remains one of the most widely pursued fugitives in the world. The coordinator of many terrorist assaults, Osama Bin Laden remains most famous or infamous, depending upon you political worldview, for the bloody aerial attacks of 9/11. In this book readers are provided an anthology of writings dealing with various aspects of Osama Bin Laden's life and philosophy. Subjects such as Bin Laden's youth, family life, religious beliefs, political agenda, near capture in Afghanistan, and the nature of al Qaeda all are presented in a lucid manner. Each of the many writers whose work is anthologized in this publication adopts a differing perspective regarding the nature of Bin Laden and his worldview. This book offers a balanced and informative account of the life and times of a man who has become one of the most beloved and hated public figures in modern times. It is a fascinating look at this jihadist leader and the terrible actions he has undertaken. 2006, Thomson Gale, Ages 14 up.
—Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal

Gr 11 Up-Despite the editors' claims to the contrary, this collection of articles, book excerpts, speeches, and documents is far above the interest and ability of most high school students, and many adults will find it both difficult and flawed. The glossary is incomplete both in terms and definitions, omitting such important entries as Allah and the Koran. The maps are so limited as to be nearly useless; the one of the Middle East only identifies countries (no cities), and many places crucial to bin Laden's career are nowhere to be found. No explanation is given for alternate, seemingly contradictory spellings-until readers get to the back matter. Other internal inconsistencies aren't addressed, while numerous allusions, phrases, and references ("leftist and quasi-Marxist students," "holistic hermeneutics," etc.) go undefined. There are also a few outright errors (Aden is in Yemen, not Somalia; Amman is in Jordan, not the Sudan). For teens who merely want to learn more about the subject's life, Bill Loehfelm's Osama bin Laden (Gale, 2003) is a better choice.-Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.