Summary: Within these verses, we meet a cast of characters, each a brushstroke in the vibrant canvas of life. From Fowzi, the domino maestro, to Ibtisam, aspiring to be a doctor, and Abu Mahmoud, the gardener with an intimate knowledge of eggplants and peaches. Nye's poetry dances through the lives of these individuals, offering glimpses of their dreams, resilience, and the enduring peace within. Whether it's a girl in a red sweater, Uncle Mohammed on the mountain, or the enigmatic Sitti Khadra, each poem weaves a tale that echoes with universal truths.

Pros:
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A book - and author - I come back to repeatedly. For comfort in the face of hate, for sanity in the face of madness. For the beauty of the words. ( )

Earthy, visceral, graceful poems that explore the poet's connection to her Middle Eastern heritage. ( )

This is a beautiful collection of poems from a perspective I do not often read. I do not know much about the Middle East, but Nye has provided me with new perspective on her homeland via beautiful and rich poetry. While the book is too old for my students (pre-k), I would suggest this book for high school students interested in poetry and/or women's perspectives of the Middle East. ( )

http://shawjonathan.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/naomi-shihab-nyes-19-varieties-of-g... ( )