Saladin: The Warrior Who Defended His People

It is a great historical account of who Saladin was. It is for middle school though high school. Flora Geyer did a great and fair job depicting this time period including what the people wore in the region and the impact of historical events.

I probably did not have a realistic expectation for this book. It apparently is intended for teen readers. Though good in factual content, it is very limited in actual history. It is a 15 minute read. Good for younger readers.

This informative, accessible book tells the story of the Crusades from a Muslim point of view. The narrative follows Saladin from his birth into a prominent Kurdish family in Tikrit, Mesopotamia, in 1138. His formative military career leads to Saladin's appointment as vizier of Egypt at age 31. After revitalizing the Egyptian economy, Saladin eventually unites Islamic forces, ending rivalries that had long hampered the Muslim resistance to the Crusades. His army then recaptures the holy city of Jerusalem after 88 years of Christian occupation.Teachers/Librarians: This is a nice companion to the beautiful picture storybook biography, Saladin, by Diane Stanley. Suitable for 5th - 8th grades.