Caroline Stone (1)

Islam by Philip Wilkinson. Epiphany library section: 9 A: Juvenile, Religion and Values. This is a part of the Eyewitness Guide series of nonfiction books by one of my favorite publishers, Dorling Kindersley. This book explores the many aspects of Islam – beliefs, worship spaces, geographical locations, holy cities, customs, family life, clothing, foods, and holidays. As with all Eyewitness Guides, this book is full of colorful maps and drawings, and photos of people, places, buildings, tools, costumes, foods, ancient finds. It is like having an archeological museum at your fingertips.
Now a word about FCAT testing. FCAT reading tests include nonfiction selections about which the child must read and answer questions. If your child reads nothing but fiction she will be at a disadvantage when taking FCATs. But you can help! Observe your children’s interests. Take your children to the library and guide them to the nonfiction section to find books about their current interests, whether it be dinosaurs, weather, or magic. As he grows, teach your child to use the card catalog to find such information. Enjoy these nonfiction books with your children. Reading nonfiction expands their knowledge base, something that also helps in FCAT testing and also generally in school. Show your kids it is fun to learn about the world and the peoples that inhabit it near and far. We do our child no favors by limiting them; our children are members of the global world and we must prepare them to take their places in it as comfortably and confidently as they can. Sometimes it may be hard to keep up with our children’s evolving interests but that is half the fun of parenting – to see the world anew through their eyes.
While they read this book about Islam they will be attending Sunday School and church and learning what Lutherans believe. During the middle school years they will begin to compare, contrast and synthesize what they have learned at Epiphany with what their school mates, acquaintances, mentors and teachers believe. Books like this help our children compare and contrast beliefs, and synthesize their knowledge into a faith they can build and depend upon as adults.… (más)