Stories Good and True

  Author/Translator:  Matina Muhammad

  Grade Level: 5-6

  Subject:  Misc. tales

  Rating:  2 stars

    “Stories Good and True” provides children with a wealth of knowledge in the form of short stories.  These stories are about Muslims of long ago. It is really exciting to read about the adventurous stories of good being triumphant over evil. These stories teach about justice and being able to stand up in the face of unjust rulers.  

    For example, one of the stories was about a king who took advantage of a helpless woman. The woman showed great courage by taking the matter to the Qadi (judge). The Qadi was reluctant at first to approach the king because he was concerned, actually afraid of the reaction of the
king. After all, this woman brought some serious charges against the king. However, the justice that  Islam brings about cannot be denied. 

    There are many other exciting stories with a great moral lesson to be learned. The stories are good for children because they teach children Islamic morals. The stories are fairly easy to read. The vocabulary level is not difficult. However, once again it is disheartening to find such beautiful stories not being presented in the best manner. By no means am I saying that the task of translating these stories is an easy job, but in order to get children interested in these kinds of books, they have to keep the readers in mind. There is also not much detail given. The stories are short and to the point. 

    I feel that the book would be more beneficial if it was translated into easier English. This would make it more accessible to children.  It would be more useful and enjoyable.  This book is appropriate for children ages 8-10 years old.