This was very interesting for me to read, because it is the first time I read about this great person from a western source. I have to admit that author Diane Stanley did an amazing job. This book tells the story of an Islamic leader called Saladin who fought the crusaders (not to be confused with Christians) and returned Jerusalem and rest of the land to its original people. The illustrations are very engaging and informative. This will be a great read during a social studies class to teach students about different cultures and make them be aware that there are two sided for each story. Actually there are hundreds sides for each story. ( )

Stanley's book is a well written, lavishly illustrated book for elementary aged students. A brief introduction notes that the Holy Land had been recaptured by Crusader armies by 1100. A Kurd born in Tikrit (modern Iraq) and raised in the sultinate of the Turkish warrior Nur al-Din, Saladin devoted his life to the struggle against the Crusaders, eventually uniting the Muslims of what is now Syria and largely driving them out of the Holy Land. The book provides an interesting look into a culture that is largely alien to most children in the United States. Saladin would be a good way for a social studies to introduce the idea of intercultural conflict and understanding to late elementary school students.

Ages 8-12. Beautifully illustrated, positive portrayal of Saladin, but says Richard the Lionheart was a superior commander. Says the Crusades were a total failure for Europeans.

This was enjoyable book to read mostly because of the pictures, they are great! I didn't know much about this topic but I am now a little bit more informed. Classroom use: This would be a good book for awareness of other cultures. It is important to learn what else is out there in the world of diverse literature.

Summary:
Stanley presents the life story of one of the greatest Muslim leaders of all times, Yusuf ibn Ayyub (son of Job), who later became known as Salah al-Din, “he who honors the faith.” At age 14, Saladin joined the Sultan’s army and a few years later became the sultan’s chief aide. Eventually becoming the Sultan himself, he united Muslims to launch a holy war to win back Jerusalem had been held by Crusaders since 1099. Saladin took the city in the year 1187, and showed great mercy to the inhabitants who were allowed to raise a ransom and leave.

In 1191 Richard the Lion-Hearted of England came to fight. Neither side attained a conclusive victory, and a truce was signed in 1192, giving the coastline from Tyre to Jaffe to the Franks, but Jerusalem remained in the hands of the Muslims. Richard never saw the city, and boasted he would return to take back the entire kingdom. Saladin responded in his usual gracious manner by saying if he had to lose his land, he could think of no better opponent than Richard.

Description:
The author does an excellent job of explaining the history and political events that surrounded the holy city of Jerusalem from the time of the Jewish King David through the time when the city was home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims before the Crusaders came and conquered and then divided the city in an author’s note. The book tells the story of Saladin’s life and ability to unite and lead his people sincerely following and living out his faith. The account of the Crusades is presented in a non-western perspective and has plenty of action in the battle scenes. The story is interesting and involves known people such as Richard of England and Guy of Lusignan.

Each page of text is presented in a lavishly decorated borders and with an adjoining full page of detailed illustrations depicting the characters, weapons, dress, and customs of the time. The book concludes with a postscript on the fates of the various characters, a glossary, and a bibliography. ( )