Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam

Meeting the high standards set by her previous picture-book biographies, Stanley here forcuses on the 12th century ruler known as "The Muslim Saint-King" who was praised by his enemies as "the marvel of his time" and crystalized many of the issues still at the root of conflicts today.Here is Saladin, the Kurdish warrior who liberates Jerusalem from the crusaders. A devout Muslim, a young Saladin upon learning of Jerusalem's importance to the "three great religions" asks simply "couldn't everyone just share it?" In her vibrant narrative and magnificently detailed illustrations inspired by the Islamic art of the time, Diane Stanley presents a hero whose compassion, piety, tolerance, and wisdom made him a model for his time - and for ours.Teachers/Librarians: this is a great book for 4th - 7th grades, Social Studies/Language Arts/Art.And look also for an unexpected Diane Stanley work, Fortune, the story of a young Persian woman who teaches her fiance (and us) important lessons. Is this an unusual female for this part of the world? Not to anyone who knows Middle Eastern women! In true Stanley detail, the illustrations are like fine Persian miniature paintings! Long out-of-print (but available from amazon!) this is a favorite of this reviewer.

Having finished "The Crusades of Richard the Lionheart" by Fiona Clarke, I thought it was important that my seven year old get the opportunity to see the other side of the story. Diane Stanley's "Saladin: The Noble Prince" is a first rate biography of the Muslim hero who took and then defended Jerusalem from the Christians. Seeing that there is always another side in history is a great lesson for a young child. But note, this is definitely not a book for those who see the West engaged in a manichean struggle with Islam. Saladin is just too sympathetic a character to fit into this world view. This is a great book and I would highly recommend it for anyone studying the Middle Ages.

Once again Diane Stanley has written a splendid, gripping, dramatic history. Once again the illustrations are gorgeous. Once again the book dares to challenge children to grasp complex and deep content. Once again the prose and flow make the book hard to put down.The author is careful and tactful in handling certain rather gruesome and brutal details. She does not bowdlerize, or skip or gloss over; nor does she dwell on the horrors. They are quietly and neatly related as required to understand the story; then she moves on.Also recommended: by the same author, biographies of Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth

Very picturesque book.,I gave it to my 8 year old grandson for His birthday..he said he liked the book, and Saladin ...I think Saladin isn't taught in American schools because of western countries prejudice against Islamic people..That's shameful..

words cannot, explain what this book and this mans life mean to me, excellent reading and a great source of knowledge

My son needed this book for a book report. It was written perfectly for his grade level and he found the information he needed for his report.

Beautifully produced piece of literature/art specifically for young people. A rarity amongst Islamic history/youth literature.

Great book. However, someone cut an important map page out of the book

This came today and my 9 year old has already read it. She was in thrall to the book. I've flicked through it myself and am not only impressed with the quality of the images but also the research which had been undertaken to compile this (bibliography listed at the back, showing the use of a variety of authors). The language is digestible for the targeted audience (8-12) whilst retaining a scholarly style. I would highly recommend this book for those who want a broader education for their children than what schools can offer. This is a book to keep for future generations and I will be looking for other titles in the series.

This book is great. I have a 7 and 9 year old- my 9 year old can read it but with help. I read some to my 7 yr old. A really informative and intertresting book. I have been looking for a great book on saladin for a while that is suitable for older children and that is understandable to a 7 yr old- this is it. well worth the money. great illustrations, and a fab book to keep. really pleased with the quality...