(3) YA Jinni Wars series. Half-human, half-jinni twin sisters use their gifts to end the war between their peoples. Najwa serves as jinni consul to (while also spying on) the caliph of Baghdad, while Zayele trains to be a magus and attempts to make amends to her blind cousin, Yashar. This second book in the Middle Eastern folklore–influenced fantasy series will enthrall readers with its gorgeous world-building.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Jinni Wars series. Zayele, sent to Baghdad to marry Prince Kamal, catches a jinni and wishes to trade places with her. Zayele lands in their crystal subterranean world; jinni Najwa is stuck impersonating Zayele. As the girls learn about their new worlds, greater problems are afoot in the kingdom, and they must save the bond between humans and jinn. A lush and engaging fantasy series-starter.

Reviewer: Ariel Baker-Gibbs

(4) 4-6 Infinity Ring series. Time travelers Dak, Riq, and Sera get closer to restoring history to its rightful chronology with each mission. After saving an important book in medieval Baghdad (Cave), they fight the Nazis--and the evil SQ organization--in World War II Europe (Enemy Lines). Although fans of this brisk-paced adventure series will enjoy both books, neither clearly separates fact and fiction. Review covers these Infinity Ring titles: Cave of Wonders and Behind Enemy Lines.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Cousins Nouri, a Shiite, and Talib, half Sunni, describe life in Baghdad amid the second Iraq War, during which Iraqis also fought amongst themselves over religious differences. But in winter 2008, snow covered the city for the "first time in anyone's memory," sparking an unofficial ceasefire. Though the reader is aware that peace won't last, this poignant wartime narrative is subtly hopeful. Glos.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(2) 4-6 Photographs by William Sumner. This moving photo essay reveals how Americans and Iraqis, with assistance from international animal welfare groups, worked together to relocate and rehabilitate zoo animals abandoned in their cages when the war began. Today the reopened Baghdad Zoo provides sanctuary for animal inhabitants and human visitors alike. A strong thread of emotion pulls together the animals' stories. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2010

(4) 4-6 Cities Through Time series. Illustrated by Ray Webb. This book traces the city's history from 762 C.E. to the present, including a dispassionate account of the last decade. Chapters on cultural details alternate with historical accounts (sometimes jarringly: the 1958 assassination of King Faisal II is followed by an upbeat "Food in Baghdad" section). Visuals include boxed quotations from primary sources, reproductions, generic illustrations, and color photos. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian