ISIS

November 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-A timely account of ISIS for high schoolers. Readers are given the nebulous history of the rise of ISIS from September 11th to the civil war in Syria, the Paris attacks of 2015, up to the present day. January highlights how ISIS has changed the way the world responds to terrorism. ISIS's recruitment of members and the global initiatives to stop terrorism are also detailed. Information on involved nations in the 20th century is less thorough. The role of Europe in destabilizing the Middle East after World War I, the Soviet war with Afghanistan in the 1990s, and the formation of the mujahideen are quickly covered. The Gulf War is not mentioned. The book contains stunning full-color photographs and maps on nearly every page to supplement the narrative. The reading level makes it a good fit for middle school students, but the nature of the content and the way it is presented makes it readable for upper grade levels as well. This title would be an ideal addition to a school library's reference collection and could be used by students for current event and research projects. VERDICT A concise work for students tasked with a report or who are interested in global politics.-Kevin McGuire, Woodland Hills School District, PA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2017
In this slim nonfiction volume, January traces the genesis, activities, and influence of the global terrorist group known as ISIS.This book draws readers in with a detailed description of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, then moves back in time to the U.S. invasion of Iraq as a setting in which divisions deepened in the Middle East and extremist leaders found followers. Next, ISIS leaders move to war-torn Syria, recruiting desperate, vulnerable people and terrorizing local populations. The organization's global recruitment scheme is presented as having dangerous appeal to young Western Muslims. The final chapter, "The Challenge of Our Times," presents debates such as barring Muslim refugees from Europe and the United States and discusses "Security versus Freedom: Trade-Offs" in the same impartial voice that dominates the text. The text depicts the devastation ISIS causes in the lives of Muslims and non-Muslims, and it mentions mainstream Muslim scholars' condemnation of extremism. It does not clarify the tremendous difference between ISIS' "radical interpretation of Islam" and traditional ways of practicing Islam. In particular, the book does not challenge ISIS' claims that they follow the example of the earliest Muslims. This omission leaves readers with the harmful (and false) impression that ISIS' mission and practice represent the original form of Islam. Paired with a quality volume on Islam, this book can be enlightening; for readers without a solid understanding of Islam, it will likely reinforce stereotypes. (source notes, further reading) (Nonfiction. 12-16)

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October 15, 2017
Grades 8-11 ISIS. Terrorism. Syria. Afghanistan. These words swirl in a litany of never-ending, constantly-changing, confusing media reports. It's daunting trying to keep up, but this balanced and well-documented overview does a good job of introducing student researchers to the history and reality of ISIS and other terrorist organizations (beginning around 2004). Manageable chapters flow into one another, covering topics such as how local insurgencies developed into a united caliphate, what it's like to live in the Middle East under strict Sharia law, how new followers are recruited, the aftermath of terrorist activities, and future challenges. Well-chosen scenarios (some involving young adults) help put issues into perspective. Accessible vocabulary (terms are defined within context), photos, quotes, sidebars, source notes, a glossary, index, bibliography, and further reading suggestions offer additional support. Coverage goes through early 2017, including speculation about possible policy changes from the Trump administration. Sadly, global terrorism is becoming a steadily increasing phenomenon. This selection provides background information and a foundation for approaching this emotional and multilayered subject.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)