You know, sometimes when I make the statement that we’re
currently living in a golden age of children’s literature, I can experience
doubt. Is that just an example of my own hyperbole? Do I honestly believe what
it is that I’m saying? Then I get to see books like this one and my statements
are more than justified. Yes, dammit, this IS a great time to be gauging,
judging, admiring, and generally engaging with books written for youth. How
could I even doubt that? Can you begin to imagine a book about the Muslim
experience in WWI coming out even ten years ago? Talk about raising the bar a
bit. – A Fuse 8 Production, School Library Journal
Many consider World War I a European ordeal, but the young protagonist of this book keeps alive a memory of a deeper story.
At least 400,000 Muslims from India, among 2.5+ million Muslims total, were part of the Allied forces’ war effort as soldiers or laborers. The narrator’s great-grandpa was one of them. Throughout, the earth-toned illustrations show beige-uniformed, turbaned men sharing a meal, marching, and experiencing the terrible soundscape of war. The book offers an interesting, lesser-known narrative related to Muslim involvement in the Great War.
A solid look at a history often untold.
- Kirkus Reviews
