From School Library Journal
Gr 6-10-Cooper covers aspects of Bahraini society and daily life from the history, religion, government, and economy to the people, the arts, dress, and food. A particularly interesting chapter addresses the ancient findings of the prehistoric era. Good-quality, full-color photographs are well-matched to the text. Sidebars offer additional information, as does a short glossary and a convenient "Quick Notes" page. The index is thorough and useful. One small drawback is with the organization; the chapter on religion comes halfway through the book, well after terms and discussion of Muslims, the Koran, and Shiites have been used in the text. Also, the statement that "Mohammad received messages from God when he was in a trance" is incorrect. Muhammad received messages as he meditated, and was terrified when they first began. He had to be convinced that they were genuine revelations from God. Women's dress is always a big issue in books on Islam. Unfortunately, the two photos in the section on a "lady's wardrobe" show a woman in a fancy costume reserved for special occasions and rural women in a tent wearing face veils. The text itself, however, and other pictures of a nurse and a salesgirl, show women in western-style dress. Women dress modestly but with great variety. Quibbles aside, this is an attractive, comprehensive introduction to this Persian Gulf state.-Carol Johnson Shedd, National Outreach Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Children's Bookwatch, February 2001
"Grades 5 and older will benefit from...geography titles which blends bright contemporary color photos with social and geographical insights."

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

The island nation of Bahrain rests in the Persian Gulf approximately seventeen miles off the coast of Saudi Arabia. A small but prosperous land, Bahrain has a population of approximately 700,000 people. Of these people about two thirds are native to Bahrain, while the remaining residents are guest workers. A land that is thought to be one of the potential sites of the Biblical Garden of Eden, Bahrain is a land of both history and foresight. A primarily Muslim nation, Bahrain is considered to be one of the more liberal Arab lands. Women are permitted greater leeway with dress, entertainment, and social access than in some nearby nations. A nation that was one of the first domains to exploit the natural wealth of oil, Bahrain has moved to diversify and enrich its economy. With a well-developed economy, school system, and health care system, Bahrain exists as a pleasant place to live. The story of Bahrain, its history, and its people make up this volume of the "Cultures of the World" series. Laced with beautiful photography, the illustrated text provides a vital overview of this nation. A useful and informative book that children and adults will enjoy. 2000, Benchmark Books, $35.64. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal