The author presents a collection of sixty poems revealing a different side of Middle East. These poems try to substitute all the stereotypes the new have created and replace it by love of family, friends and daily live that touch us forever. These poems are intended for a young audience, however I believe that many adults will gain some knowledge from these poems. Some of the poems you really have to read over and over to understand what the author is trying to portray. This is a great poetry book to have in classroom especially when learning about Middle East. ( )

4Q 4P.
The Flag of Chilhood is a very well put together anthology of poems from Middle Eastern authors. I gave this a 4 in quality because, out of the 60 or so poems, I felt most were good, many were great, and a few were really stirring. I assigned a 4 in popularity because it may be hard to sell some kids on poetry, and I dont think this anthology would work for younger readers. I felt the best poems the anthologist Naomi Shihab Nye chose were the ones which deal with the everyday. These will make young American readers realize that children, and people in general, in the Middle East are no different from themselves. They have the same little victories and disappointments throughout their day, and worry and celebrate these in much the same way as anyone state-side. Overall I enjoyed this collection, but would really only recommend it for the 15+ crowd.