Peace Pen Pals

Our impressions of the War in Afghanistan usually consist of images we see on TV of soldiers, tanks, and debris. We hear numbers: of people dying, damaged buildings, and dates promising an end to the violence. However, in every war-torn country, there are ordinary people trying to live as normally as possible and survive amidst the danger, sadness, and chaos. Readers closely examine the war that has raged in Afghanistan since 2001-learning about the people on each side and the causes and consequences of the conflict. This account stands apart from other social studies texts with its inclusion of a fictional correspondence between two girls, one in Afghanistan and one in the United States. The captivating letters weaved throughout the nonfiction narrative bring to light the many commonalities between two young people who at first seem worlds apart.

Many people know that war has devastated Sudan's people, killing millions over the past 30 years. However, they may not know the causes and motivations behind the many factions of Africa's largest country. While these topics are discussed, a glimpse of the civil war through the eyes of a girl in northern Sudan and a boy in the south are also provided. As letters are exchanged between the two, one in the city of Khartoum and the other in a refugee camp, they relate how differently their lives are affected by the conflict. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of the profound cost of this war through age-appropriate language and striking photographs.

The Middle East has long been a hotbed of conflict, and Israelis and Palestinians have fought over territory for many years. Through the friendship of two boys, one in the West Bank and one in Jerusalem, readers learn about the heavy cost of continual violence. The author makes an often-confusing topic easier to understand while outlining the history of the region. Vibrant photographs will appeal to young readers, as will the fictional letters that help identify the concerns of the two protagonists. A well-balanced treatment of the issues in the nonfiction chapters concludes in an examination of some of today's conciliatory efforts in the Middle East.

The Iranian people have experienced great turmoil since the overthrow of the shah in 1979. That year, Ayatollah Khomeini established the Islamic Republic, a country whose government backed strict religious laws. This book gives a historical overview of the past three decades in Iran. "My parents were forced to leave Iran and flee to the United States," writes one of two pen pals whose letters are woven into the text. The other writer, a young boy in Tehran, gives his perspective of life for everyday Iranians today. The tight control of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the ongoing nuclear crisis, and the violence among ethnic and religious groups are just a few of the topics covered in this informative text, which is accompanied by striking photographs that will engage readers as each detail is presented.

Libya's response to the Arab Spring eventually ousted dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi. However, it wasn't a peaceful transition. In a civil war that lasted many months, rebel forces battled Qaddafi's army, and thousands of soldiers and civilians died. Readers receive a thorough account of the events in Libya in 2011. Letters written from the perspectives of a boy in the city of Benghazi and his pen pal in the capital city, Tripoli, are a unique feature incorporated throughout this text. The correspondence reflects the historic events as well as authentic feelings of two young people trapped by the conflict. Readers will easily relate to the issues brought to light and have a greater understanding of the difficult work to come in rebuilding this war-torn nation.

Though the last of the US troops didn't pull out until late in 2011, few areas of Iraq are free from violence, and the Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish people continue to vie for adequate representation in the new government. Readers are provided with a comprehensive look at the recent history of Iraq, beginning with the rise of Hussein. Throughout the text, readers experience the war through vivid photographs and through the correspondence of two young people: an Iraqi girl living in Baghdad and an American boy whose father is serving in the military. Readers will garner a better understanding of the complexities facing the still-rebuilding nation.