The 2011 MEOC Middle East book awards recognize books written in a variety of styles and covering a wide range of topics. From a picture book recounting a story by Rumi, a 13th century Persian writer, to a graphic ‘novel’ that describes the author’s recent trip to Israel, from a fictional story set in Palestine/Israel to a history of medieval Arab inventions, these books offer something for people of all ages and interests.

Award recipients were announced at the MEOC annual business meeting at the Middle East Studies Association conference held in Washington DC in December 2011.

Established in 1999, the Middle East Book Award recognizes quality books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to an understanding of the Middle East and its component societies and cultures.

Books are judged on the authenticity of their portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience. For this award, the Middle East is defined as the Arab World, Iran, Israel, Turkey, and Afghanistan.

The 2011 MEOC award recipients are:

PICTURE BOOK

WINNER: Mirror by Jeannie Baker, Candlewick Press, 2010.

Jeannie Baker’s Mirror uses creative binding to show the lives of Moroccan and Australian families side-by-side.  Despite their differences, both families have similar routines and needs, therefore, the metaphor of a mirror. An introduction and author’s notes are provided in Arabic and English, however, the textless story is told through exquisitely detailed collages. Reviewers were highly impressed with the message, layout, and subtle teachings of Mirror with its opportunities for comparison, cultural analysis, and countering stereotypes.

HONORABLE MENTION: The Secret Message by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Bruce Whatley, Disney/Hyperion Books, 2010.

Based on a story by Rumi, Mina Javaherbin’s The Secret Message describes an encaged parrot who finds a way to freedom and enlightens his keeper.  The book will appeal to younger readers through its gorgeous presentation and a tale that could lead to discussion of the Silk Road and other folktales.  Reviewers commented that the story makes the Silk Road personal, raises questions about captivity, loyalty, and fairness, and makes Rumi relevant for 21st century youth. [MEOC presented a 2007 book award to The Rich Man and the Parrot by Suzan Nadimi, which is based on the same story by Rumi. These two books might make a nice comparative set for teaching about other popular and often re-told stories from the Middle East region.]

HONORABLE MENTION:  Time to Pray by Maha Addasi, illustrated by Ned Gannon, Boyds Mills Press, 2010.

Time to Pray by Maha Addasi provides clear explanation of Muslim prayers and aspects of Islamic practice such as performing ablutions prior to prayer and praying five times daily.  The story revolves around a loving relationship between a girl and her grandmother and is enhanced by beautiful illustrations, including calligraphy. Reviewers commented that Time to Pray helps readers to learn about Islam in the rhythm of daily life, has strong educational value, and is a good story with females as the main characters.

YOUTH LITERATURE

WINNER: Where the Streets Had a Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah, Scholastic Press, 2010.

Abdel-Fattah’s Where the Streets Had a Name offers an intriguing story set in today’s Palestine, where political realities press in on daily life. The narrative is real, sensitive, and often very funny. The young main characters (both Muslim and Christian) are well-developed and easy to relate to, and their adventures on the way to Jerusalem will appeal to young readers. One teacher reviewer commented, “I appreciated the fact that the author’s telling showed multiple perspectives on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but did so without sounding preachy from any one perspective.”

NON-FICTION

WINNER: The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World by Bryn Barnard, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2011.

The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World by Bryn Barnard is an excellent introduction to the inventions and innovations of the medieval Muslim world. Rather than attempting a thorough chronicling of the subject, Barnard highlights a few representative topics – for example, optical science, the development of paper, and calligraphy. Late elementary, middle school, and even older readers will love the book’s wonderful illustrations and organization into short, manageable topics.

WINNER: How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less by Sarah Glidden, Vertigo, 2011.

Sarah Glidden’s How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less is a graphic “novel”/true account in which the author, a Jewish American, describes her heritage trip to Israel and her attempts to come to grips with the complex social and political situation in that country. High school readers will appreciate the colorful illustrations and the travel story; more discerning readers will also respect the thoughtful, balanced look at modern Israel.