THE APPRENTICE’S MASTERPIECE: A STORY OF MEDIEVAL SPAIN by Melaine Little (Annick Press, 2007)
Set in Spain, 1485, this book tells the story of two teens in Cordoba after the reconquest: one is from a Jewish family that has converted to Christianity in the face of the Inquistion, the other a Muslim boy given to them as a slave. Through short passages written in verse, the tale of these two boys unfolds as they witness the end of Spain’s military campaign against the Moors and face their own uncertain futures in a country flush with nationalistic fervor that views them with suspicion. The book is simply written, but contains powerful and haunting imagery that will engage even adult readers. (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.
