Isis: The Global Face of Terrorism

by Brendan January

As a terrorism network, ISIS (the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) has attacked Westerners and non-supportive Muslims worldwide, killing and wounding thousands. Explore the roots of ISIS, how it plans attacks and recruits adherents, and global efforts to stop the group.

Genres: Nonfiction

104 pages, Library Binding

Published August 1, 2017

About the author

Brendan January has an A.B. from Haverford College and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. He has written numerous nonfiction titles for young readers.

Reviews

[B220 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work of non-fiction provides a great look at the growth and effect of ISIS, the greatest terrorist threat our world has faced. I read another book on this topic, Under the Black Flag, last year which went more into the history of where ISIS came from, but this book is far more appropriate (age level/reading level-wise) for the kids I teach. 6th graders often have questions about why terrorists do what they do and where they come from and what they're ultimate goal is. While it's an easy out to simply reply, "They hate America and what we stand for," that's not the best approach an educator should use. ISIS provides context of the individuals involved, both foreign and domestic, who participate in these attacks.

Moreover, this book offers perspective. Not that I agree with their motivations, but it is important to understand a terrorist group's motivations if we hope to defeat them? Is the only response war? Fight fire with fire? Or is there a way to reach them through logic? I want to say that we have to fight fire with fire but I more so hope that there is some way we can combat the hatred for the US (and Western ideals) by fostering some kind of communication or understanding. Can we reason with those that seem to operate beyond reason? I have no idea. I am not an expect. But I can hope.

At the very least, this book gives people (and hopefully my students when it is released in November) a starting off point to discuss this group's horrific actions and the best way to respond, both as a government and as individuals. Non-fiction is powerful because it provides us with background knowledge and understanding that an only help to ameliorate the problem. Let's hope this book helps kids understand the basic nature of the cause and the source of the problem and maybe, just maybe, we can communally and nationally come to some sort of solution.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read up on ISIS but wanted an "easier" approach to a very difficult situation....so this book in the young adult section looked interesting. It did find it very informative but the beginning was a bit hard for me to follow. (Not really the author's fault but more due to my ignorance on the topic). Would not recommend it to young teens.

[Thing Two · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depressing. Slight political leaning of author detected. This is way too graphic for middle grade or even young adult reader, even if it does talk about youth participation. Informative, detailed, educational, but again graphic.

[Rummanah (Books in the Spotlight)]

Reviewed for Voya Magazine.