7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for middle school classrooms, October 25, 2007
This review is from: Iqbal (Paperback)
Iqbal Masih was a 4 year boy who was sold into child bonded labor for under $50 by his parents. He worked in a rug making factory in Pakistan under deplorable conditions. At the age of 10 he escaped and began crusading against illegal child bonded labor practices. His work won him the Reebok Human Rights Award and he came to the US to receive the award. Upon his return home Iqbal was murdered while riding his bike near his grandmother's home. While no one knows who murdered him, it is assumed that the "carpet mafia" wanted to silence him.
Iqbal is a fictionalized account of Iqbal Masih's life. It is written at a fifth grade level but the content is better suited for middle school students. We are reading this book as a kick off to our study of child labor practices around the world. The book is compelling and told from a adolescents point of view. It is advised that this book is read as a class and within context of classroom discussions and facts about child labor. A student reading this book without classroom support may have a difficult time with emotional and societal issues addressed in the novel.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An important read, December 31, 2003
By A Customer
A powerful book about a young boy from Pakistan who was influential in freeing children from slavery in the carpet trade. Translated from Italian, this book is a fast, easy read. It is an eye opener for those who are unaware of child bondage. It will also create in young readers the realization that great things can be accomplished by youth.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Iqbal by Annabel Massey, April 5, 2006
A Kid's Review
Iqbal, a great fictional novel, is written by Francesco D'Adamo.
Francesco D'Adamo wrote the story told through a girl, Fatima.
Iqbal's major award that it won was the Christopher Award in 2004. The
Christopher award was established in 1949. These awards are given to
directors of books, writers of books, producers, and television
specials. These awards goals are to encourage people to use their
talents and imagination to make the world more positive. This book is
set in Pakistan, at Hussain Khan's factory near a dry countryside.
Iqbal
Masih, a young Pakistani boy, comes to the carpet factory and brings
hope to all the other slave treated children. He tells the other
children that their family's dept will never be canceled. He meets
Fatima and promises her she will be free soon. He comes to the
factory and is the bravest boy there. He knows he can escape and be
free. He even has the courage to talk about the future. Fatima is a
Pakistani girl who is at the factory because she has to pay her
fathers debts. She meets Iqbal and they become close. He promises her
she will be free, and they will soon go kite flying together. Fatima
is used to the harsh conditions and when Iqbal shows up her hopes are
raised. This book is so intriguing it makes all the readers keep
reading. You not only get to read a great novel, you get to learn
some interesting facts about harsh working factories in Pakistan. The
reader's response to this book is very meaningful. Iqbal has become a
symbol to millions of children in the world, who have had hardship
and violence in their life.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
