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A review by jennifermreads
Deep in the Sahara by Hoda Hadadi, Kelly Cunnane
4.0
Lalla lives in the Sahara and longs to wear a malafa like her mother and older sister. She learns the many reasons for and meaning of the malafa.
This book crossed my radar as part of the Notable Books for a Global Society list assembled by Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association. As a result, it did what I had hoped it would do: it expanded my horizons and offered insight into a culture different from my own.
I recognize and am aware that there are hardy debates as to the malafa being oppressive and having a role in keeping women in a role of “less than.” But I also recognize there is a tremendous need to introduce American children to aspects of different cultures. I can see this book opening a door to curiosity and a desire to learn much more about the Islamic faith.
The illustrations were colorful and rich. The story was simple and sweet with an emphasis on the family that surrounds young Lalla as she yearns for her own malafa.
The book includes a glossary which, thankfully, helped me to pronounce malafa correctly: moo-LAH-fuh.
This book crossed my radar as part of the Notable Books for a Global Society list assembled by Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association. As a result, it did what I had hoped it would do: it expanded my horizons and offered insight into a culture different from my own.
I recognize and am aware that there are hardy debates as to the malafa being oppressive and having a role in keeping women in a role of “less than.” But I also recognize there is a tremendous need to introduce American children to aspects of different cultures. I can see this book opening a door to curiosity and a desire to learn much more about the Islamic faith.
The illustrations were colorful and rich. The story was simple and sweet with an emphasis on the family that surrounds young Lalla as she yearns for her own malafa.
The book includes a glossary which, thankfully, helped me to pronounce malafa correctly: moo-LAH-fuh.