The Flag of Childhood: Poems From the Middle East

The Flag of Childhood: Poems From the Middle East

Compiled by: Naomi Shihab Nye

"In this stirring anthology of sixty poems from the Middle East, honored anthologist Naomi Shihab Nye welcomes us to this lush, vivid world and beckons us to explore. Eloquent pieces from Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Iraq, and elsewhere open windows into the hearts and souls of people we usually meet only on the nightly news. What we see when we look through these windows is the love of family, friends, and for the Earth, the daily occurrences of life that touch us forever, the longing for a sense of place. What we learn is that beneath the veil of stereotypes, our human connections are stronger than our cultural differences."

Publishers Weekly Review

19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East

19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East

Written by: Naomi Shihab Nye

"Beginning with a work inspired by the events of September 11, Naomi Shihab Nye brings together 60 of her poems in 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East including "Different Ways to Pray," "The Palestinians Have Given Up Parties" and "Football." Many of the poems, which focus on the Middle East and the Arab-American experience, have appeared in previous collections; others are published here for the first time. An excellent way to invite exploration and discussion of events far away and their impact here at home."

Publishers Weekly Review

Online Resources:
http://www.pbs.org/now/classroom/poet.html

When the Horses Ride By: Children in the Times of War

When the Horses Ride By: Children in the Times of War

Written by: Eloise Greenfield
Illustrated by: Jan Spivey Gilchrist

"Wherever we are / we search for a place / to be unafraid / wherever we are." From Native Americans displaced from their land to young protesters in apartheid South Africa and a Muslim girl in Iraq, the clear, stirring words and beautiful mixed-media collage illustrations in this picture book show particular wars across time and place and also suggest the universal fears, dreams, and courage of children caught up in terrifying conflict."

Booklist Review

http://www.leeandlow.com/p/greenfield.mhtml

Voices: Poetry and Art From Around the World

Voices: Poetry and Art From Around the World

Written by: Barbara Brenner

"Voices: Poetry and Art From Around the World juxtaposes poetry and visual art from around the world. The poems and artworks vary from ancient to modern, urban to folk, with different styles displayed on the same pages. Whether they’re environmental, political, historical or simply loving, the messages of the words and images are generally uplifting, lending them to multiple applications in many classroom settings."

National Geographic Society

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4545

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

Written by: Janet Wong

"With a sense of pride in her Korean, Chinese, and American background, Janet Wong's poetry reflects some of the differences between Chinese and Korean customs and culture and the American way of life. Divided into three sections – Korean, Chinese, and American – and with the author's own explanation as to how the poems developed from experiences in her own life, these poems speak directly and simply to young people of many ethnic backgrounds."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.janetwong.com/books/suitcaseofseaweed.cfm