Elsa Marston
children's author

... Amal, in the title story, wants to regain her social place in school after missing a year due to illness. She volunteers to buy a gift for a departing teacher; but how can she get the perfect gift when money is so short--and her little brother is so sure that Santa Claus is going to bring him a red car?
... Mujahhid throws stones at the Israeli soldiers occupying his town, Bethlehem . . . but his face-to-face encounter with the enemy, over the destruction of an olive grove, shakes up his assumptions.

... The life of Wafa's beautiful cousin is in danger, for she has defied a cruel tradition. Can Wafa's school friend, from an extremely progressive--and not very religious--family, really be trusted to help?

These stories about Arab teenagers today provide a bridge from there to here, by highlighting concerns that young people face just about everywhere: finding a good friend, dealing with parents' divorce, fitting in at school, seeking one's own dreams. Although not the main focus, political and social situations provide realistic backgrounds. The reader will gain a better understanding of what life is like in these societies torn between tradition and change--and may be surprised to find that some things have a very familiar ring.

The author has first-hand acquaintance with the settings of all of these stories (however brief and long ago in some cases!) Unlike the earlier edition (FIGS AND FATE), author's notes are included for each story, explaining and expanding on some topics and providing ideas for class discussion.

An independent film-maker (RA Vision Productions in Boston) has adapted the title story, "Santa Claus in Baghdad," as a film, scheduled for release in 2008 and suitable for schools.