Kid's Guide to the Middle East

Afghanistan has long been one of the world’s most war-torn countries. Beginning in ancient times, one invader after another tried to conquer it, but only a few succeeded. And even those who did seize the country did so with tremendous difficulty. In part, this is because the Afghans are tough, independent-minded folk who do not like being told what to do by foreign intruders. Indeed, they are proud of their traditional customs, including their main religion Islam and their native literature and music. Yet, while they often fight to maintain their time-honored way of life, many of them are willing to try some new ideas. After US forces helped them expel the brutal Taliban in 2002, for example, the Afghans installed a democratic government. It still struggles to control all of the country s far-flung tribes. But a majority of Afghans hope that it will eventually bring their ancient land unity, peace, and prosperity.

In all the Middle East, there s no other country quite like Iran. For one thing, its people are almost all Shiite Muslims. That s rare in a region where most Muslims are Sunnis. Iran s Shiite religion affects nearly everything that happens there. That s because the nation is a theocracy one run by religious leaders and based on religious principles. And there s much more to Iran than religion. Colorful and varied as any Persian carpet, Iran is a rich pattern of peoples and customs. It s a large and beautiful country, too. Its mountains, deserts, and plains are home to some of the world s most endangered and special creatures. Iran s Persian past is still evident. In fact, Persian, not Arabic, is the official language. Iran s people make the nation truly special. As part of their Persian heritage, they re among the most generous and kind-hearted in the world. Just step inside and say Salaam That s your key for a fascinating visit to Iran.

Understanding Israel Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Israel with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary reader’s grades 3-6. The Israel title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade level students.

Understanding Palestine Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Palestine with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary readers grades 3-6. The Palestine title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade level students.

Spanning the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey is an amazing country. Its beautiful beaches and incredible architecture attract visitors from around the globe. Over the course of its history, modern-day Turkey has been part of the Hittite, Roman, and Ottoman Empires. People from Europe and Asia have made this land their home. Come celebrate Children s Day or the Sugar Festival with Turkey s kids. Find out what it’s like to be a student in Istanbul. Imagine yourself strolling through the Grand Bazaar in search of the freshest spices. Learn to cook Turkish food and try your hand at paper marbling (known as ebru) as you experience the wonders of Turkey for yourself!

Understanding Iraq Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Iraq with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary readers grades 3-6. The Iraq title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade level students.

Understanding Jordan Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Jordan with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary readers grades 3-6. The Jordan title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade level students.

Understanding Saudi Arabia Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Saudi Arabia with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary reader’s grades 3-6. The Saudi Arabia title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade level students.

Understanding Lebanon Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Lebanon with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary readers grades 3-6. The Lebanon title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade level students.

An ancient land, Syria is continually ripped by civil war and strife. That s one way to look at Syria. History and today s news certainly prove it to be true. But if we stop to look closer, beyond the fighting and politics, we can find another Syria. This is also a land of kind and generous people. For centuries Syrians have welcomed visitors from all over the world. They love to share their spicy food, rich crafts, and colorful culture. The world has always followed well-worn paths to their door. Aleppo s shops and markets draw people now, as they have since before recorded history. Damascus, with its Umayyad Mosque and Old City, is a time machine. Visitors there step through gates that lead back to the time of camel caravans and Ottoman sultans. Syria, beyond the burst of bombs and gunfire, is the glory of ancient empires mixed with the throb of modern cities. Old and new customs mingle. Guided by Sabeen, a refugee from the war, you ll discover the real Syria as it was and still can be.