Teen Life in the Middle East (Teen Life around the World) [Hardcover]

Ali Akbar Mahdi (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2003 | ISBN-10: 031331893X | ISBN-13: 978-0313318931

This unique volume offers unprecedented insight into the typical day, interests, and familial, social, and cultural lives of Middle Eastern teens. Each chapter includes a resource guide to teach teens more about the 11 profiled countries: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Numerous photos accompany the text. This book provides teen readers in the West with a window into the everyday lives of their counterparts in the East, fostering a better understanding of both their similarities and differences. The current population of the Middle East is young, and their future is critical in our worldview. Teen life in the Middle East is marked by extremes. In some countries, especially those that are Westernized, teens share the benefits of globalization with material and social comforts such as private schooling and vacations abroad. In other countries, political instability, religious and cultural repression, war and occupation, earthquakes, and poverty are ongoing crises. Many teenagers must endure a difficult, and sometimes nearly impossible, path to adulthood.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up–This book examines adolescence in 12 countries. Topics include geographic, demographic, and historical facts; daily life; food; school; social life; recreation and entertainment; and religious practices and cultural ceremonies. Each chapter is written by a different set of authors, all of whom are teachers, journalists, or academics in the U.S., U.K., or Middle East. There are a few minor errors–mostly typographical, but at least one factual–as well as some repetition from chapter to chapter, but they are not major problems. A bigger concern is the coverage in the two areas in which students will probably be most interested: Afghanistan and Iraq. In the introduction, the editor says that conditions in Afghanistan at the time of writing were not conducive to having researchers collect information, so it is not included at all. The chapter on Iraq describes the country as it was before Saddam Hussein was captured and does contain some valuable background information on the Ba'th regime, which may be helpful to students studying the current conflict. Overall, even with its flaws, this is a unique and interesting resource that helps describe the cultures of the various countries in terms that are relevant to young people.–Alison Ching, North Garland High School, Garland, TX
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Review

“[F]ills a very serious gap in our knowledge about the region. Recommended. All levels and collections.”–Choice

“[T]his is a unique and interesting resource that helps describe the cultures of the various countries in terms that are relevant to young people.”–School Library Journal

“[A] wealth of interesting and certainly relevant information for high school students seeking to learn about life in these countries.”–Multicultural Review

“Starred Review This is an excellent introduction to the life of 13- to 19-year-olds in other countries, some aspects of which will seem very familiar to American students and others of which will seem extremely remote. While ideal for supplementing the curriculum, this book would also be interesting for students to read on their own for information or for pleasure. Highly Recommended.”–Library Media Connection

“[A]n excellent job of presenting life in an even-handed way....At a time when so many images of the Middle East focus on violence, it reassures readers that teens everywhere are similar.”–VOYA

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (May 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031331893X
• ISBN-13: 978-0313318931
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,506,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars wealth of accurate information, October 1, 2005

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Grut - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teen Life in the Middle East (Teen Life around the World) (Hardcover)

We know little about the Middle Eastern people and their family life. This book, though basic and intended for younger readers, provides a great deal of information on thougths, feelings, and the day-to-day activities of teenagers in these countries. Good source of background information.