World+View

=World View to People and Places in other Areas of the Global Community=

Access to the global society surrounds readers today—at least through media images of war, disasters, and other challenges. Literature provides insights that share culture, lifestyle and, if conflict is a topic, how people face such issues with resiliency. Non-ficton offers the information that must proceed the sought after “understanding” of other people and nations. Additionally, it can reflect the similarities among people of this global community. (Continue with book reviews.)

//Saving the Baghdad Zoo, a True Story of Hope and Heroes //
Young readers of today are confronted with vivid images of war on the Internet, newspapers, and television news reports. While these stories report lives lost, neighborhoods destroyed, and people displaced, rarely do listeners hear of the voiceless victims of conflict. In //Saving the Baghdad Zoo, a True Story of Hope and Heroes//, Kelly Milner Halls collaborates with Major William Sumner in telling the story through firsthand accounts and photographs of saving the lives of many animals and restoring the Baghdad Zoo. Major Sumner’s major role in Iraq was that of archiving the priceless relics of the Baghdad Archeological museum. Information and a website is provided for readers who are interested in these relics that are up to 7000 years old. However, at the recommendation of his commander to check out reports of the local zoo, he and his comrades found themselves engaged in the rescue of the innocent animals who remained after much of the zoo was destroyed by bombings and many of the exotics were stolen to sell on the black market. Soon, they were joined by an international team of zoologists, veterinarians, and conservationists. Authentic descriptions and compelling photographs provide readers with yet another side of war. As a resource to the global society, this story provides insight into the importance of the zoo and the cultural significance of certain animals to the Iraqui people. The narrative makes readers aware of the importance placed on giving voice the Iraqui zookeepers as the rescue and restoration took place. Animals are an important part of young readers’ lives, and the intensity and concern with which the zoo is restored to create a peaceful haven for its visitors provides a connection to this culture for both children and adult readers. Besides the cultural perspectives provided, this book also gives authentic insights to the danger and difficulties of transporting and caring for animals in a war zone. Side bars describing each animal’s characteristics and needs provide a scientific aspect as well. With chapters organized around specific animals and breeds that were saved, this book relates the complexity of culture as it weaves together social sciences, biological sciences, and historical notes. Readers will quickly realizing similarities between what they value in their daily life and what is important to the Iraqui people.