The wonders we seek Thirty incredible Muslims who helped shape the world

Figures of Muslim excellence, past and present, are beautifully illustrated and briefly explored in this biographic compendium from two authors well versed in reaching young readers. Contemporary figures, such as Malala Yousafzai and Ibtihaj Muhammad, appear alongside historic ones, such as Ibn Battuta and Al-Zahrawi, while bringing out figures from twentieth- and twenty-first-century social and scientific movements as well. Presented in chronological birth order, from the eighth century to the late 1990s, this collection features beautiful full-page illustrations that almost overshadow the rather dry biographical sketches that introduce only briefly these figures of historic importance. The authors' choice to use encyclopedic breakdowns of two to three pages for each figure, recounting details in very clear terms, fails to capture the magic of each person's story that the authors have demonstrated in their other works. While it lacks the narrative structure and flair to make the collection stand out, this collection will no doubt inspire many readers to do further research into these fascinating figures compiled and reachable to an age that might not have other resources on the topic.

A look at 30 influential Muslim figures. Short profiles and lively, colorful illustrations cover subjects from around the world and over the span of millennia, many who, despite their great significance, aren't commonly spotlighted in texts for children. Among them are scientists and theorists who developed the foundations of much of modern medicine and philosophy: Ibn al-Haytham, an 11th-century Egyptian scientist who came up with the camera obscura, the basis for modern-day photography, while imprisoned, and al-Zahrawi, an 11th-century Arab Andalusian surgeon whose encyclopedia Kitab al Tasrif led directly and indirectly to much of how medicine is still practiced today. Other figures include feminist thinker Fatima Mernissi (1940-2015), who "explained that the oppression of Muslim women did not come from the religion of Islam, but rather from the attitudes of power-hungry men"; Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad; NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabar; Razia Sultan, the sole woman ruler in the Mamluk dynasty; and 14th-century explorer Ibn Battuta. A much-needed reminder of the important contributions of Muslim thinkers, scientists, and athletes. (glossary) (Collective biography. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.