Children's Literature
The "Globetrotters Club" series is designed to introduce late elementary or early middle school students to various nations of the world. In this volume the subject is Saudi Arabia—a nation that holds a significant strategic place in the world's economy. Situated in the Persian Gulf region, Saudi Arabia is a land of surprising size. Covering an area roughly the same size as all of the United States east of the Mississippi, Saudi Arabia has a relatively small population. Since the vast majority of Saudi territory is made up of arid desert land it is a nation of seemingly limited natural resources. However, the true wealth of Saudi Arabia lies beneath its land surface. Fully one fourth of the earth's known oil reserves lies under the desert sands of the Saudi nation. With this hidden treasure, Saudi Arabia has become one of the wealthiest nations in the world. As the author relates, this influx of wealth has helped the Saudis to develop an efficient educational, commercial, and cultural life. A Muslim nation, Saudi Arabia is also home to the land of Mecca—the religious center of Islam. Saudi Arabia is a land of great prosperity and promise, and is a nation of marked contrasts of the traditional and modern. A land with an ageold heritage, Saudi Arabia also is strongly grounded in the present as can be seen in its technological advances. It is the contrasting nature of Saudi life, language, and culture that is told in this informative book. A basic text augmented by numerous colored illustrations, this book serves as a good introduction to the Saudi nation. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 10 to 12, $22.60. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
Children's Literature
- Children's Literature
This entry in the "A Ticket to..." series presents the people, geography, society, economy, history and culture of Venezuela. While sharing the same pictures, format, and maps with the "Globe Trotters Club," Venezuela, appeals to a younger audience with simplified text and a less dense presentation. Readers may investigate the South American country, note its location, the varied land from high mountains to plains, vast river deltas, and rain forests. The people mix of indigenous, Spanish, and other backgrounds is presented along with a brief mention of the country's history. Venezuelan holidays, religions, clothes, school and ranch life, music, baseball, bullfights, and other entertainment are also mentioned. A glossary, Spanish words, well-captioned pictures, suggested reading, and a small index make this useful to young researchers while still appealing to the general reader as well. 2000, Carolrhoda, Ages 6 to 9, $22.60. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-There are few books about Middle Eastern countries for this audience, and this one has some good things about it. The attractive and engaging format consists of two-page topic treatments that have photographs and drawings as well as insets to explain details mentioned in the text. Simplifying the contents for this audience, however, results in some broad generalizations, e.g., "Saudi women are more comfortable in the company of other women. Saudi men can relax more around other men." The tone is positive throughout, and controversial issues are not dealt with. Despite this, Anderson offers a good, basic introduction to the country and its people. There are a few caveats. Most Saudi women do not wear veils that cover their whole face as shown. The photo of the wealthy businessman sprawled out in his limousine will draw children's inquiries by its over-the-top lushness. Also, the use of American slang throughout, such as "kids" and "hang out," is jarring.-Carol Johnson Shedd, National Outreach Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
