Figs and Fate: Stories about Growing Up in the Arab World Today Paperback – April 11, 2005

This is a sorely needed book to help counter the ubiquitous images purveyed on popular media of "the other". Thank you, Elsa Martin. I am envious that you have DONE, what I have only thought of doing. Regards, Mary Ellet Shehadeh

A gem of a short story collection about Arab teenagers living in modern-day Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Iraq. Like Marston's nonfiction title Women in the Middle East: Tradition and Change (Scholastic, 1996 - available from AWAIR), these stories dispel many stereotypes about this part of the world. These young people are facing some specifically Middle Eastern issues such as the U.S. embargo on Iraq and the hardships of life in a Palestinian refugee camp, but they also have concerns that will be familiar to American teens: they possess the same angst that yearns for good friends, crushes, and teachers who respect them.These short but very informative glimpses will expose readers to the similarities between young Middle Eastern teens and American teens, and will offer a glimpse into a culture commonly misunderstood. The characters are complex and interesting, and the Middle Eastern settings are described in rich detail. Each selection is followed by a note in which the author explains social issues specific to the story that may be unfamiliar to readers.This collection will appeal to those who enjoyed Naomi Shihab Nye's Habibi (also available from AWAIR - and with a Teacher's Guide) and would also be a good choice for classes discussing this part of the world or multicultural issues in general. As School Library Journal states: "Figs and Fate will make a mark in Young Adult literature."Teachers/Librarians: 5th - 9th social studies / language arts. Look online for a 10-page set of teacher notes - with five wonderful ideas for classroom discussion of each of the five stories. Students will be interested to know that "movie rights" have been bought for the story Santa Claus in Baghdad.

This is a delightful collection of five modern-day short stories from Arab teenagers living in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Iraq. It serves to break down stereotypes while showing that children all over the world have similar dreams, hopes and ambitions. This book would be a good way to teach children tolerance and acceptance for other cultures

"FIGS & FATE" has a colorful cover with an image from antiquity: a handsome wood panel from the pulpit of a Cairo mosque. Elsa Marston's collection of stories suggest that teens in the Middle East are trying hard to keep their balance on shaky ground, yet are perhaps more reasonable than some of the parents.She has written extensively of concerns that may raise the blood pressure of citizens of this world - but she also has influenced many to work toward amity. How easily we make judgments from lives of comparative ease & often with a narrower appreciation of culture. If that assessment makes you bristle consider how willingly we undergo *true life make-overs* in time of war when leaders become bereft of humor and compassion. Is it any wonder teens are more confused and unwilling to live within parameters set by adults?Among the youth of the five countries which provide the background of Marston's stories, universal emotions often fester. Readers can do their part to nurture intelligent understanding despite the forces driving wedges between people. One suggestion would be to build individual *Reading Lists* to include literature (especially poetry & art), archaeology and history; THEN READ WITH A FLEXIBLE SPIRIT. "Try to live in Peace even if you must run after it & hold it" !Reviewer mcHAIKU hopes these delightful and important stories by Elsa Marston will re-ignite your desire to pursue Peace. "Figs and Fate" is an excellent book to steer us toward that path, and is a challenge for all ages

I used this book to help add multiculturalism in my short-story unit. Most of the 9th graders enjoyed the book, even if they only liked one of the stories.