SALADIN: PRINCE OF ISLAM BY Diane Stanley

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane. 2002. SALADIN: NOBLE PRINCE OF ISLAM. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN-10: 0688171354
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam was written by Diane Stanley to tell the story of a dearly loved Muslim hero who is not so well-known in the West. This book not only tells the story of Saladin’s life, but also educates young readers on the history of the Crusades.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In a post 9/11 world, Saladin: Prince of Islam is a very useful tool for educating young readers about Islam. Stanley’s timely book introduces children to Saladin, a hero who committed his life to freeing his homeland from invaders from the West. The Crusades happened a very long time ago, however, that period in history continues to impact the relationship between Islam and countries in the West. While reading about Saladin’s life, children will have an opportunity to better understand how the distrust between “Muslims” and “Christians” began. Also, readers will learn about a very famous Muslim who showed great mercy to frequently merciless enemies.
Stanley’s writing is non-fiction, but Saladin’s story is so amazing that it encourages young readers to use their imagination to picture the amazing military campaigns and tactics used by Saladin and his opponents in their quest to rule the Holy Land. In describing battles scenes in that day, Stanley writes, “They (infantrymen) were often seen marching along with dozens of arrows sticking out of their backs, like an army of oversized hedgehogs.”
The book also introduces readers to memorable characters who played key roles in the Crusades. Saladin’s story promotes an understanding of the importance of personal character in relation to choice, regardless of religious affiliation. It discusses Muslim Saladin’s noble character in detail, but also mentions Raymond of Tripoli, a Christian, who was “wise and capable…” Readers of this biography will have the opportunity to meet King Richard, the Lion-Hearted. He is described as an “obnoxious bully with a genius for making enemies.”
The illustrations depict the attire and settings of the Islamic East and are very helpful in assisting young readers in picturing the Middle Ages in the Holy Land. The intricate and fanciful drawings capture the Persian/Islamic flavor of the Middle East during the Crusades.
4. AWARDS AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
Publisher’s Weekly: “…focuses on the 12th-century ruler known as "the Muslim saint-king" who was "praised even by his enemies as 'the marvel of his time' " and crystallizes many of the issues still at the root of conflicts today.”
School Library Journal: “Even more important, however, may be the chance to put oneself in the shoes of "the enemy," an exercise that is as useful today as it would have been in 1099.”
Booklist: **Starred Review** “the generally strong telling is more than matched by glorious paintings that mirror Islamic artwork of the times.”
5. CONNECTIONS
If you were interested in this book, you may also be interested in:
Rumford, James. 2004. TRAVELING MAN: THE JOURNEY OF IBN BATTUTA. ISBN-10: 0618432337
Jones, Rob Lloyd. 2007. CRUSADERS. ISBN-10: 0794516173
Stanley, Diane. 2002. JOAN OF ARC. ISBN-10: 0064437485