From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6. A handsome, easy-to-read overview. Dhanjal discusses the founding of Sikhism in 15th-century India; the lives of the group's inspired leaders, beginning with founder Guru Nanak and the 10 Gurus who succeeded him; and the Sikh Holy Book, the Guru Granth Sahib. The religion's major tenets are summarized and the central role of the Golden Temple in Amritsar is addressed. Life-cycle events, distinguishing dress, festivals, foods, artistic heritage, and characteristic symbols are mentioned. Good-quality full-color photographs and illustrations appear throughout. However, the book's title and chapter headings are awkward and condescending. Questions such as "Do Sikhs enjoy music and dance?" and "Do Sikhs like stories?" are puerile. The author downplays political and religious tensions between Sikh militants and the Indian government. The assault on the Golden Temple in 1984 is touched upon only in the time line. The complicity of Sikh militants in the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is ignored. A number of better titles cover the same ground.?Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NYCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
An entry in the What Do We Know About series that intends to enlighten but here only confuses. Dhanjal sets out to answer questions readers may have about this religion and its followers in double-page spreads. The answer to the first question, ``Who are the Sikhs?,'' appears without context or background: ``Sikhs believe in one God. They also believe in the ten Gurus (founding teachers) and the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book prepared by one of the Gurus). Some Sikhs believe that they should also belong to the Khalsa, the special community set up by the tenth Guru. . . .'' Other perplexing questions: ``What happened after the last Guru died? Are the Sikhs great travelers? Do Sikhs enjoy music and dance? Do Sikhs like stories?'' The presentation is circular and unfocused, making the information inaccessible and leaving much of the theology and vibrancy of Sikhism unnecessarily mysterious. Full-color illustrations and photographs show Sikhs dressed in their customary, brightly colored turbans and veils; also included is a recipe for making a special food to be handed out in the prayer hall. For patient, scrupulous readers, some sense of Sikhism will emerge, but this is by no means a standard text on the religion. (maps, chronology, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Book Description
This book takes an exciting look at the religion of Sikhism and answers questions about what Sikhism followers believe, where and when Sikhism began, where the followers pray, and what the major holidays of Sikhism are. Using color photographs and detailed illustrations, this book helps young people form a better understanding of Sikhism and its believers.

Card catalog description
An illustrated guide to the origins, history, practices, and beliefs of Sikhism.

ANNOTATION

An illustrated guide to the origins, history, practices, and beliefs of Sikhism.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This book takes an exciting look at the religion of Sikhism and answers questions about what Sikhism followers believe, where and when Sikhism began, where the followers pray, and what the major holidays of Sikhism are. Using color photographs and detailed illustrations, this book helps young people form a better understanding of Sikhism and its believers.

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA - Judy Ehrenstein

Originally published in England, these three books in the What Do We Know About...? series follow a general outline, presented in double-page spreads, of briefly defining who the religious practitioners are, establishing a timeline, and explaining the historical events marking the beginning of the religion. The belief structure, including family practices, lifecycle events, and holidays follows, along with a look at religious objects, holy places, and leaders. The cultural aspects of each religion are introduced through their art, music, and stories. Color illustrations and photographs create a visually appealing book. The book on Judaism suffers from inaccuracies and bias. The Jewish world, except for a brief mention of Conservative Judaism on one page which seems to have been written for the American edition, is divided only into Orthodox and "Reformed" (the correct term is "Reform"), with the Orthodox point of view receiving more emphasis and almost a nod of sole legitimacy in the text. Reconstructionism, a growing movement begun in the U. S. in the 1920s, remains completely unmentioned, although it is responsible for the introduction of the bat mitzvah into modern Jewish life. The author succeeds when presenting aspects common to all movements: holidays, religious objects, lifecycle events, and Israel. Doctrine differs between the movements and actual practice even more, something hard to present in a forty-five page book. The books on Sikhism and Hinduism offer readers a look into two religions they may not know much about. While in all three books there is a recognition that there is a range of practice, it is seen much more clearly in these two books on religions from India. Maps illustrate where practitioners live, showing the worldwide spread of non-Christian religions. Differences from the Judeo-Christian practices that readers may be familiar with are explained along with similarities. The layout in this series is modeled on the "Eyewitness" style, although with more text and a better progression for the eye to follow. The books on the two Eastern religions may find their places in collections, but the book on Judaism should be passed over in favor of one with a more impartial and American focus. Glossary, Index, Illustrations, Photos, Maps, and Chronology included. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P M J (Readable without serious defects, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8 and Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9).

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6A handsome, easy-to-read overview. Dhanjal discusses the founding of Sikhism in 15th-century India; the lives of the group's inspired leaders, beginning with founder Guru Nanak and the 10 Gurus who succeeded him; and the Sikh Holy Book, the Guru Granth Sahib. The religion's major tenets are summarized and the central role of the Golden Temple in Amritsar is addressed. Life-cycle events, distinguishing dress, festivals, foods, artistic heritage, and characteristic symbols are mentioned. Good-quality full-color photographs and illustrations appear throughout. However, the book's title and chapter headings are awkward and condescending. Questions such as "Do Sikhs enjoy music and dance?" and "Do Sikhs like stories?" are puerile. The author downplays political and religious tensions between Sikh militants and the Indian government. The assault on the Golden Temple in 1984 is touched upon only in the time line. The complicity of Sikh militants in the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is ignored. A number of better titles cover the same ground.Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Kirkus Reviews

An entry in the What Do We Know About series that intends to enlighten but here only confuses. Dhanjal sets out to answer questions readers may have about this religion and its followers in double-page spreads. The answer to the first question, "Who are the Sikhs?," appears without context or background: "Sikhs believe in one God. They also believe in the ten Gurus (founding teachers) and the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book prepared by one of the Gurus). Some Sikhs believe that they should also belong to the Khalsa, the special community set up by the tenth Guru. . . ." Other perplexing questions: "What happened after the last Guru died? Are the Sikhs great travelers? Do Sikhs enjoy music and dance? Do Sikhs like stories?" The presentation is circular and unfocused, making the information inaccessible and leaving much of the theology and vibrancy of Sikhism unnecessarily mysterious. Full-color illustrations and photographs show Sikhs dressed in their customary, brightly colored turbans and veils; also included is a recipe for making a special food to be handed out in the prayer hall. For patient, scrupulous readers, some sense of Sikhism will emerge, but this is by no means a standard text on the religion.