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Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day
A superb collection of stories about incredible women from the Middle East.
Discover Sheherazade, the famous storyteller, dive into the musical world of the beautiful singer Fairuz and meet Amal Clooney, an outstanding international lawyer. Feel inspired by twenty-five amazing women from the Middle East, who have created a legacy through strength of vision, leadership, courage, and determination.
Written by award-winning author and trailblazer, Wafa' Tarnowska, this stunning collection of life stories is illustrated by a team of internationally recognized artists. This book is an absolute must-have! - Portraits of 25 outstanding women who have made a difference in the world.
- Vibrant and contemporary artwork by 5 internationally recognized children's illustrators.
- A book about breaking boundaries and empowering young girls.
- An outstanding educational title with a map and glossary.
- This stunning hardback edition has unique cover finishes that make it the perfect gift.
Featuring
• Scheherazade, Persia, narrator
• Nefertiti, Ancient Egypt, 1370 BCE, Queen of Egypt
• Queen of Sheba, 1050 BCE, modern-day Ethiopia
• Semiramis, ancient Iraq, 811 BCE, Queen of Babylon
• Cleopatra VII, Egypt, 69 BCE, last queen of Egypt
• Zenobia, Syria, 240 CE, Queen of Palmyra
• Theodora, 497 CE, Empress of Byzantium
• Rabiya al Adawiyya, Iraq, 714, poet
• Shajarat al Durr, Egypt, early 13th Century, Sultana of Egypt
• Hurrem Sultan, Ukraine, 1502, Sultana of Ottoman Empire
• May Ziadeh, Nazareth, Palestine, 1886, writer
• Nazik el Abid, Syria, 1887, activist
• Anbara Salam al Khalidi, Lebanon, 1897, activist and feminist
• Saloua Raouda Choucair, Lebanon, 1916, painter
• Fairuz, Lebanon, 1933, singer
• Zaha Hadid, Iraq, 1950, architect
• Anousheh Ansari, Iran/USA, 1966, astronaut
• Somayya Jabarti, Saudi Arabia, 1970, editor-in-chief
• Nadine Labaki, Lebanon, 1974, film maker and actress
• Amal Clooney, Lebanon/British, 1978, lawyer
• Manahel Thabet, Yemen, 1981, economist and mathematician
• Maha Al Baluchi, Oman, pilot
• Nadia Murad, Iraq, 1993, rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner
• Zahra Lari, UAE, 1995, ice skater
• Azza Fahmy, Egypt, jewellery designer
Discover Sheherazade, the famous storyteller, dive into the musical world of the beautiful singer Fairuz and meet Amal Clooney, an outstanding international lawyer. Feel inspired by twenty-five amazing women from the Middle East, who have created a legacy through strength of vision, leadership, courage, and determination.
Written by award-winning author and trailblazer, Wafa' Tarnowska, this stunning collection of life stories is illustrated by a team of internationally recognized artists. This book is an absolute must-have! - Portraits of 25 outstanding women who have made a difference in the world.
- Vibrant and contemporary artwork by 5 internationally recognized children's illustrators.
- A book about breaking boundaries and empowering young girls.
- An outstanding educational title with a map and glossary.
- This stunning hardback edition has unique cover finishes that make it the perfect gift.
Featuring
• Scheherazade, Persia, narrator
• Nefertiti, Ancient Egypt, 1370 BCE, Queen of Egypt
• Queen of Sheba, 1050 BCE, modern-day Ethiopia
• Semiramis, ancient Iraq, 811 BCE, Queen of Babylon
• Cleopatra VII, Egypt, 69 BCE, last queen of Egypt
• Zenobia, Syria, 240 CE, Queen of Palmyra
• Theodora, 497 CE, Empress of Byzantium
• Rabiya al Adawiyya, Iraq, 714, poet
• Shajarat al Durr, Egypt, early 13th Century, Sultana of Egypt
• Hurrem Sultan, Ukraine, 1502, Sultana of Ottoman Empire
• May Ziadeh, Nazareth, Palestine, 1886, writer
• Nazik el Abid, Syria, 1887, activist
• Anbara Salam al Khalidi, Lebanon, 1897, activist and feminist
• Saloua Raouda Choucair, Lebanon, 1916, painter
• Fairuz, Lebanon, 1933, singer
• Zaha Hadid, Iraq, 1950, architect
• Anousheh Ansari, Iran/USA, 1966, astronaut
• Somayya Jabarti, Saudi Arabia, 1970, editor-in-chief
• Nadine Labaki, Lebanon, 1974, film maker and actress
• Amal Clooney, Lebanon/British, 1978, lawyer
• Manahel Thabet, Yemen, 1981, economist and mathematician
• Maha Al Baluchi, Oman, pilot
• Nadia Murad, Iraq, 1993, rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner
• Zahra Lari, UAE, 1995, ice skater
• Azza Fahmy, Egypt, jewellery designer
112 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 13, 2021
The map of the Middle East in this book erases Israel. That crosses the line between support for Palestinian Rights and criticism of Israel, and becomes antisemitism. Leave this one out of your Diversity and Inclusion selection.
December 16, 2021
I was very disappointed to see that a book about which I had such high expectations was, in fact, let down by the author's own political bias. Wafa' Tarnowska has lost all integrity because she decided to change the geography of the Middle East by excluding Israel from the map and has made no mention of Jewish women. This is equivalent to cancel culture and it is abhorrent. You do not have to agree with the politics of the Middle East but to completely erase a whole country and its people makes the book valueless
December 15, 2021
I bought this book for my children, and I returned it back on the same day. Apparently, the author erased Israel from the map and literally ignored 3000 years of Jewish presence in the middle east. I will not tolerate this kind of discrimination. While this book had lots of potential, annihilating history in a disguise of good literature is unacceptable.
December 15, 2021
Decided to make a weird choice of being anti-Semitic and trying to erase Jewish history.
November 22, 2021
Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day is a children's picture anthology of mini-biographies written by Wafa' Tarnowska and co-illustrated by Hoda Hadadi, Sahar Haghgoo, Christelle Halal, Esteli Meza, and Margarida Esteves. It is an compilation of short biographies of twenty Middle Eastern women, all trailblazers in their fields, and their achievements, from ancient times to the modern day.
For the most part, this treasury is written and constructed extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. Arranged in chronological order, these biographies ranges from Nefertiti in 1370 BCE to Azza Fahmy and narrated by Scheherazade of One Thousand and One Nights fame. These twenty mini-biographies cover four pages: to the left is a brief biography with a full page portrait on the right, which is followed by a two-page of deeper information of the tribute in question.
Tarnowska had chosen twenty-five influential women throughout time that made their mark on history. From Queens, Empresses, and Sultana of the past to activists, writers, painters and much more, who are making a difference in the world right now.
All in all, Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day is a wonderful collection of mini-biographies of courageous leaders, activists, creators, and pioneers who just happens to be Middle-Eastern women.
For the most part, this treasury is written and constructed extremely well – it is far from perfect, but comes rather close. Arranged in chronological order, these biographies ranges from Nefertiti in 1370 BCE to Azza Fahmy and narrated by Scheherazade of One Thousand and One Nights fame. These twenty mini-biographies cover four pages: to the left is a brief biography with a full page portrait on the right, which is followed by a two-page of deeper information of the tribute in question.
Tarnowska had chosen twenty-five influential women throughout time that made their mark on history. From Queens, Empresses, and Sultana of the past to activists, writers, painters and much more, who are making a difference in the world right now.
All in all, Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day is a wonderful collection of mini-biographies of courageous leaders, activists, creators, and pioneers who just happens to be Middle-Eastern women.
December 27, 2021
An ANTISEMITIC FACTUALLY wrong book. Author tries to re-write local history
continuing the trend of indoctrination of kids through ‘alternative facts’ as some groups in the Middle East try to do, the author explicitly erases significant players in local geopolitics. She did not include any Jewish women, and does not mention Israel. Hard as she may try, Israel exists and Jewish women had significant contribution in the region.
Makes me think about the rest of her books and how much distortion is in them. Her books should include a warning to parents.
continuing the trend of indoctrination of kids through ‘alternative facts’ as some groups in the Middle East try to do, the author explicitly erases significant players in local geopolitics. She did not include any Jewish women, and does not mention Israel. Hard as she may try, Israel exists and Jewish women had significant contribution in the region.
Makes me think about the rest of her books and how much distortion is in them. Her books should include a warning to parents.
December 27, 2021
Very dissapointing to see how the author abuses feminism as a tool to spread her anti-semitic agenda.
A book can not celebrate women, while erasing the existence of 3 million women just because they are Jewish.
It is a disgrace to peddle this hateful agenda to children and label it as an educational book.
A book can not celebrate women, while erasing the existence of 3 million women just because they are Jewish.
It is a disgrace to peddle this hateful agenda to children and label it as an educational book.
December 20, 2023
الكتاب كويس جدا 😍
كان نفسي يكون ف اكتر من 25 سيدة
ف سيدات كان اول مرة اسمع عنهم و "زهراء لاري" كانت احلى خاتمة .. أول متزلجة اماراتيه عربية محجبة
سيدات تحفز ع النجاح حقيقي كلهم
صورت الكتاب من جواه ع انستجرام @mai.designer92
التصميم شدني لأنه مبهج والورق ملون وال illustrations جميلة .. حقيقي مجهود يحترم
اخدت بالي أن ف ناس كتير مديه الكتاب نجمة علشان الكتاب مفهوش نساء اسرائيليات ناجحات!!
هما نجحوا ف ايه اصلا؟
ودلوقتي بقى الشرق الأوسط حلو وبسمسم مش عالم تالت متخلف .. عايزين تلزقوا فينا بالعافيه ليه؟!!!😀
كان نفسي يكون ف اكتر من 25 سيدة
ف سيدات كان اول مرة اسمع عنهم و "زهراء لاري" كانت احلى خاتمة .. أول متزلجة اماراتيه عربية محجبة
سيدات تحفز ع النجاح حقيقي كلهم
صورت الكتاب من جواه ع انستجرام @mai.designer92
التصميم شدني لأنه مبهج والورق ملون وال illustrations جميلة .. حقيقي مجهود يحترم
اخدت بالي أن ف ناس كتير مديه الكتاب نجمة علشان الكتاب مفهوش نساء اسرائيليات ناجحات!!
هما نجحوا ف ايه اصلا؟
ودلوقتي بقى الشرق الأوسط حلو وبسمسم مش عالم تالت متخلف .. عايزين تلزقوا فينا بالعافيه ليه؟!!!😀
October 30, 2020
A beautifully colourful and inspiring book.
This book contains stories of 25 incredible women of the Middle East, from Ancient times, through to the present.
Each story gives the reader a wonderful insight into the featured woman, when she lived and what she achieved in her life.
It’s a perfect book for children who want to gain better knowledge of these interesting women. It’s full of history, inspiration and lovely bright, colourful illustrations that really grab the readers attention. Not only is it a book to learn from but it will definitely inspire children to look at what these women did with their lives and know there is so much they can achieve.
Whilst aimed children, it’s also a book that adults could happily sit and read, and it will definitely make you want to learn more about each featured woman.
I highly recommend this book, not only for children as individuals, but it would also make a perfect addition to school classrooms and libraries.
This book contains stories of 25 incredible women of the Middle East, from Ancient times, through to the present.
Each story gives the reader a wonderful insight into the featured woman, when she lived and what she achieved in her life.
It’s a perfect book for children who want to gain better knowledge of these interesting women. It’s full of history, inspiration and lovely bright, colourful illustrations that really grab the readers attention. Not only is it a book to learn from but it will definitely inspire children to look at what these women did with their lives and know there is so much they can achieve.
Whilst aimed children, it’s also a book that adults could happily sit and read, and it will definitely make you want to learn more about each featured woman.
I highly recommend this book, not only for children as individuals, but it would also make a perfect addition to school classrooms and libraries.
February 23, 2021
I will definitely be buying this book for our school library. It is well written and focuses on strong women, from countries and time spans that do not value the contributions of women. The illustrations are gorgeous and detailed. I appreciate the glossary and well-researched biographies. My daughters and I learned a lot from this balanced and sentimental book.
December 26, 2021
Jew hatred. Trying to erase indigenous history is unfortunately has a long history. This author tried to do this in a child’s book, which makes it even more despicable. Please don’t support Jew Hatred. Tell this author that erasing indigenous history is wrong.
February 13, 2021
This is a great gift, not only for women (the obvious target audience) but for anyone who wants to know more about successful women in the Middle East. It's also a great gift as it is so beautifully illustrated -- each page is a pastel colour, on thick paper and full of the most brilliant illustrations.
And the stories are great too: concise, interesting and very diverse. We meet queens and conquerors from ancient times as well as mathematicians, human rights activists (the wife of George Clooney), pilots, economists, journalists and scientists of today.
It's important we know about these women as there is a tendency in my county, the UK, to look at the Middle East and assume that all women are kept in their place by repressive societies. The heroes presented here prove that with hard work, focus and the right support any woman can do anything. This is a universal message that's valid for everyone.
Hopefully this book will be distributed in the Middle East where young women, presumably, really need these kind of role models. I'm sure there are millions of girls who have great ambitions that are routinely crushed by family, school and society -- but if only they had a role model, the knowledge that some women have made it to the top!
Disclosure: Wafa Tarnowska is my Godmother so you might assume I'm just promoting someone in the family. But, as an author, it doesn't work like that. I give away scores of my own books and ask people to review them but very few do, especially my own family. I bought my own copy on Amazon and was not asked to write a review. But I will try and hustle a discount for buying a box-load for Christmas.
And the stories are great too: concise, interesting and very diverse. We meet queens and conquerors from ancient times as well as mathematicians, human rights activists (the wife of George Clooney), pilots, economists, journalists and scientists of today.
It's important we know about these women as there is a tendency in my county, the UK, to look at the Middle East and assume that all women are kept in their place by repressive societies. The heroes presented here prove that with hard work, focus and the right support any woman can do anything. This is a universal message that's valid for everyone.
Hopefully this book will be distributed in the Middle East where young women, presumably, really need these kind of role models. I'm sure there are millions of girls who have great ambitions that are routinely crushed by family, school and society -- but if only they had a role model, the knowledge that some women have made it to the top!
Disclosure: Wafa Tarnowska is my Godmother so you might assume I'm just promoting someone in the family. But, as an author, it doesn't work like that. I give away scores of my own books and ask people to review them but very few do, especially my own family. I bought my own copy on Amazon and was not asked to write a review. But I will try and hustle a discount for buying a box-load for Christmas.
January 3, 2022
Well now, a "feminist" book that doesn't recognize Israel (it's been a sovereign state since 1948 whether or not you can stand it) and ignores 3700 years of Jewish history in the region. What is it with all the Jew-hatred in the feminist movement? There is not now nor has there ever been a sovereign nation state or country called "Palestine".
September 20, 2020
Great book. I really think we need more books like this to enlighten people about women in other regions.
December 19, 2021
A great account of the contributions of Middle Eastern women, and an excellent choice for any young people in your life.
March 19, 2021
Great introduction to lots of women that don't get mentioned in traditional western history books or media outlets. Truly inspiring stories.
Some illustrations were beautiful. I wish though that every introduction page didn't tell me to read on, to learn more. It felt a bit like I was reading a blog than a book.
I received a copy from Edelweiss+ all opinions are my own.
Some illustrations were beautiful. I wish though that every introduction page didn't tell me to read on, to learn more. It felt a bit like I was reading a blog than a book.
I received a copy from Edelweiss+ all opinions are my own.
September 8, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from Edelweiss
This is a really fun read that will be informative for children and adults alike. Each woman gets a full page illustration with a facing page of a few paragraphs of summary on her life and then two additional pages delving deeper into a certain aspect. There were a few women on here I had heard of but a lot of them were entirely new to me. Definitely a good book to pick up if you are looking for more diverse stories about women throughout history.
This is a really fun read that will be informative for children and adults alike. Each woman gets a full page illustration with a facing page of a few paragraphs of summary on her life and then two additional pages delving deeper into a certain aspect. There were a few women on here I had heard of but a lot of them were entirely new to me. Definitely a good book to pick up if you are looking for more diverse stories about women throughout history.
January 2, 2022
Book is factually incorrect, trying to indoctrinate readers to believe Jewish people do not exist. This book has been pulled off shelves and I hope it continues to be boycotted. There is no space for hate in 2022!
December 29, 2021
The map included in this book fails to recognize the sovereign state of Israel.
Ever hear of Golda Meir?
Ever hear of Golda Meir?
December 31, 2021
not one story about women in Israel, that is a big omission and hence not suitable to go under this title.
January 11, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Such an amazing read. Finally some true words without erasing history and geography.
December 14, 2021
Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day is a children's picture anthology of mini-biographies. Great book for children from the middle east
January 12, 2021
Extremely informative book presented in a manner appropriate for young audiences. The 25 short biographies were well written and the art reminded me of paper cut-outs. This would be a great book to get students started on school projects.
January 2, 2022
Pulled by publisher for violating UK laws against political indoctrination in schools apparently
https://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/202...
https://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/202...
January 2, 2022
A book for children that ethnically cleanses Jews from the Middle East. Frankly racist.
January 11, 2022
Beautiful illustrations & inspirational stories that reflect the true spirit of feminism, a movement completely hijacked by crocodile tears of people who believe in their supremacy. Forcing victims of colonization to identify with their oppressors is as American as Apple Pie and examples of this are available throughout the world. Kudos to this author for spreading truth - something every immoral person will try to combat.
January 11, 2022
Incredible book with a strong message. Would recommend to anyone with a young child
January 11, 2022
Great book. I recommend reading it. It shows women in other regions without changing history .
December 25, 2021
a verry good book , i love it
January 29, 2022
“Amazing Women of the Middle East” by Wafa ’Tarnowska is a book that brings together the stories of 25 remarkable women from the Middle East. The book has a wonderful layout. The pages are colorful, and each story contains an illustration of the woman. Within two or three pages we learn the most important things from the life of each of them. Ah, each chapter ends with a quote from the woman we read about in it. What I didn't like was that the information was scarce. Yes, the biography of each of them is really summarized, but it seemed like I wanted to read more. Of course, I can look for information on the Internet, but that's not the point.
I had heard or known a lot about some of the women. Others were unknown to me until now. We meet Cleopatra and Scheherazade, as well as modern women. Among them is a female astronaut, as well as a figure skating contestant. They have all fought for their dreams and for what they believe in. The stories were quite inspiring to me. I think the book would be suitable for teenagers. I say children, not just girls, because I don't see anything wrong with showing strong women to our sons.
I had heard or known a lot about some of the women. Others were unknown to me until now. We meet Cleopatra and Scheherazade, as well as modern women. Among them is a female astronaut, as well as a figure skating contestant. They have all fought for their dreams and for what they believe in. The stories were quite inspiring to me. I think the book would be suitable for teenagers. I say children, not just girls, because I don't see anything wrong with showing strong women to our sons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews