FIGS AND FATE (more recent expanded edition entitled SANTA CLAUSE IN BAGHDAD) by Elsa Marston (George Braziller, 2005) received the award for youth literature. Five short stories about growing up in the Arab world today are told from the perspective of young Arib teens living in Syria, Lebanon, Palestinian camp, Egypt, and Iraq. Marston beautifully details the rich culture of thse youths and their families, in the process helping to dispel negative stereotypes associated with young adults living in these societies. Readers will discover that their personal strugggles, ideals, goals, and dreams are surprisingly familiar. (Middle and High School)
The Middle East Outreach Council established the Middle East Book Award in 1999 to recognize books for children and young adults that contribute meaning-fully to an understanding of the Middle East. Books are judged on the authenticity of their portrayal of the Middle Eastern subject, as well as on their characterization, plot, and appeal for the inteneded audience. Awards are announced in Novemenber for books published during the period from January of the previous year through September of the current year. For the purposes of this award, “The Middle East” is defined as the Arab World, Iran, Isreal, Turkey, and Afghanistan.
