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NEVE SHALOM/WAHAT-AL-SALAM: OASIS OF PEACE

In a remarkable community outside Jerusalem, 20 families—Jews and Arabs—demonstrate the possibility of peaceful coexistence, working and living together in a cooperative village that is seen here through the eyes of two ten-year-olds, a Jewish boy and an Arab, among the first from outside the village to be admitted to its bilingual, bicultural school. Dolphin clearly shows not only the differences between the boys' family lives and customs but also their many similarities, and provides a succinct explanation of Israel's status as the Jewish homeland and of the conflict that has riven the country since its founding. The text is concise yet inspiring, showing the boys—wary at first—learning about each other's history, beliefs, and languages and becoming friends. Also included is background information about the village, as well as about Israel's history and the diversity of its land and population. The many color photos are so tightly integrated with the text that captions are unnecessary; fittingly, an olive branch is the decorative motif throughout. Glossary; comparison of words common to Hebrew and Arabic. (Nonfiction. 6-10)

Pub Date: March 1, 1993

ISBN: 0-590-45799-3

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Scholastic

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1993

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WILD, WILD WOLVES

At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)

Pub Date: April 1, 1992

ISBN: 0-679-91052-2

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992

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GOONEY BIRD GREENE

Gooney Bird Greene (with a silent E) is not your average second grader. She arrives in Mrs. Pidgeon’s class announcing: “I’m your new student and I just moved here from China. I want a desk right smack in the middle of the room, because I like to be right smack in the middle of everything.” Everything about her is unusual and mysterious—her clothes, hairstyles, even her lunches. Since the second graders have never met anyone like Gooney Bird, they want to hear more about her. Mrs. Pidgeon has been talking to the class about what makes a good story, so it stands to reason that Gooney will get her chance. She tells a series of stories that explain her name, how she came from China on a flying carpet, how she got diamond earrings at the prince’s palace, and why she was late for school (because she was directing a symphony orchestra). And her stories are “absolutely true.” Actually, they are explainable and mesh precisely with the teacher’s lesson, more important, they are a clever device that exemplify the elements of good storytelling and writing and also demonstrate how everyone can turn everyday events into stories. Savvy teachers should take note and add this to their shelf of “how a story is made” titles. Gooney Bird’s stories are printed in larger type than the narrative and the black-and-white drawings add the right touch of sauciness (only the cover is in color). A hybrid of Harriet, Blossom, and Anastasia, irrepressible Gooney Bird is that rare bird in children’s fiction: one that instantly becomes an amusing and popular favorite. (Fiction. 6-9)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2002

ISBN: 0-618-23848-4

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Walter Lorraine/Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2002

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