BIBLOGRAPHY
Stolz, Joelle. 2004. THE SHADOWS OF THE GHADAMES.New York:Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-385-90131-3
(originally published in France in 1999 by Bayard Editions Jeunesse(Les Ombres de Ghadames), translation by Catherine Temerson)
PLOT SUMMARY
Malika, about 12 years old, lives in a time where women have very different cultural roles than men. Malika has a half brother, Jasim, who is a little older than her. Her mother, Meriem, is steeped in tradition and does not like change. Her father’s second wife and Jasim’s mother is Bilkisu. She is a little more worldly and knows how to read and write. At the beginning of the story Malika’s father is getting set for a long journey to Turkey for business. In his absence many things happen including Bilkisu’s decision to go against tradition. Stolz’s description of the way the houses looked, the appearances of the people and dress and the customs of the times come to life throughout the story.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
I enjoyed reading the story about two strong women who had different ideas of the future and how they were being conveyed to a young girl. Malika is approaching the age of marrying and forever leaving her childhood wonderings behind. She pays close attention to the unsaid looks and gestures as well as the spoken words in the household. I would have liked the story to be a little longer or have a follow up book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
The Batchelder Award 2005
ALA Children’s Notable book 2005
Children’s Literature “This novel's females are independent, strong, and resourceful, mentoring each other, questioning rules, and adjusting societal expectations” Elizabeth D. Schafer from : http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Shadows-of-Ghadames/Joelle-Stolz/e/9780385901314/?itm=2&USRI=stolz%2c+joelle
School Library Journal “This quiet story is notable for the intimate picture of the traditional Muslim world that it conveys; unfortunately, not until the author's note at the end is the time period made evident.”Kathleen Isaacs from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Shadows-of-Ghadames/Joelle-Stolz/e/9780385901314/?itm=2&USRI=stolz%2c+joelle#TABS
Kirkus Reviews “Setting her tale at the end of the 19th century, Stolz not only weaves the sights, sounds, and daily rhythms of life in Ghadames into a vivid tapestry, she creates a cast of distinct characters, each of which displays a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, as well as sometimes unexpected intelligence and compassion.” From : http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Shadows-of-Ghadames/Joelle-Stolz/e/9780385901314/?itm=2&USRI=stolz%2c+joelle#TABS
CONNECTIONS
This book would be useful for ages eight and above in studying world cultures, especially the middle east .
Willis, Terri. LIBYA. ISBN: 9780531124802
Hasday, Judy L. LIBYA. ISBN: 9781422200834
Book cover image from Barnes and Noble website.
Stolz, Joelle. 2004. THE SHADOWS OF THE GHADAMES.New York:Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-385-90131-3
(originally published in France in 1999 by Bayard Editions Jeunesse(Les Ombres de Ghadames), translation by Catherine Temerson)
PLOT SUMMARY
Malika, about 12 years old, lives in a time where women have very different cultural roles than men. Malika has a half brother, Jasim, who is a little older than her. Her mother, Meriem, is steeped in tradition and does not like change. Her father’s second wife and Jasim’s mother is Bilkisu. She is a little more worldly and knows how to read and write. At the beginning of the story Malika’s father is getting set for a long journey to Turkey for business. In his absence many things happen including Bilkisu’s decision to go against tradition. Stolz’s description of the way the houses looked, the appearances of the people and dress and the customs of the times come to life throughout the story.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
I enjoyed reading the story about two strong women who had different ideas of the future and how they were being conveyed to a young girl. Malika is approaching the age of marrying and forever leaving her childhood wonderings behind. She pays close attention to the unsaid looks and gestures as well as the spoken words in the household. I would have liked the story to be a little longer or have a follow up book.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
The Batchelder Award 2005
ALA Children’s Notable book 2005
Children’s Literature “This novel's females are independent, strong, and resourceful, mentoring each other, questioning rules, and adjusting societal expectations” Elizabeth D. Schafer from : http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Shadows-of-Ghadames/Joelle-Stolz/e/9780385901314/?itm=2&USRI=stolz%2c+joelle
School Library Journal “This quiet story is notable for the intimate picture of the traditional Muslim world that it conveys; unfortunately, not until the author's note at the end is the time period made evident.”Kathleen Isaacs from: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Shadows-of-Ghadames/Joelle-Stolz/e/9780385901314/?itm=2&USRI=stolz%2c+joelle#TABS
Kirkus Reviews “Setting her tale at the end of the 19th century, Stolz not only weaves the sights, sounds, and daily rhythms of life in Ghadames into a vivid tapestry, she creates a cast of distinct characters, each of which displays a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, as well as sometimes unexpected intelligence and compassion.” From : http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Shadows-of-Ghadames/Joelle-Stolz/e/9780385901314/?itm=2&USRI=stolz%2c+joelle#TABS
CONNECTIONS
This book would be useful for ages eight and above in studying world cultures, especially the middle east .
Willis, Terri. LIBYA. ISBN: 9780531124802
Hasday, Judy L. LIBYA. ISBN: 9781422200834
Book cover image from Barnes and Noble website.
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