The White Zone
Carolyn Marsden, author
CarolRhoda Books, Fiction, January 2012
Suitable for: Ages 10-14
Themes: Iraqi War, Inner War, Families torn apart, Miracle
Carolyn Marsden takes us to Baghdad, after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2008. Iraq is no longer at war with America. But the Iraqi people are raging an inner war of their own between the Sunnis and Shiites. She shows us this war through the lives of two young cousins, Nouri and Talib, who barely remember a time when there weren’t tanks and gunfire. Nouri is Shiite and Talib is half Sunni and Shiite. The conflict between the two sects is tearing their country and their family a part. After Nouri’s uncle is killed in a bombing by the Sunnis, he begins to see Talib differently. Even though Nouri and Talib were close, Nouri turns on his cousin in a hateful way and his actions divide the family. Talib’s family leave their home and extended family for safety near Mutanabbi Street, where both Sunnis and Shiites get along for a while. But, even roadside bombers attack Mutanabbi Street. Only a miracle can mend the conflict between the cousins. That miracle arrived in the form of snow — the only snow that ever fell in Baghdad in living memory. For one day, people raised their eyes to the sky and fighting ceased. There were no red or green zones, only a white zone.
Why I Like This Book: Carolyn Marsden tells a memorable and compelling story that teaches young readers about different cultures and war through the eyes of two young boys. Nouri and Talib are casualties of war. Although conflict erupts between the cousins, Marsden delicately shows their inner struggle with fear, grief, hate, and confusion. The cousins have to figure out their relationship on their own. It is their love of family and faith which influences their choices. This is a powerful novel with the right balance of tension.
Children's Books Heal 
Wow, this one sounds really intriguing, Pat.
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Glad you liked the review Michelle. I couldn’t put the book down. It was a different perspective on a difficul situation. This story focuses on the inner war that occured between two cousins and how they worked through it on their own.
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I have put this on my to-be-bought list, Pat. These are some oft he most tragic victims of war and intolerance.
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Thanks Joanna. They are tragic victims and that’s why I wanted to share this book. We don’t hear enough about the impact on the children and families. And, a good story like this is an eye-opener.
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This book sounds heart-wrenching and powerful. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
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Thanks Beth, it is a powerful story.
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It’s great to see stories like this and know that they will be read a long time from now so that others can know what happened and it sounds beautiful with the snow, Pat.
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Thank you Catherine. It is a story that needed to be written. I’m sure there are many more stories that will be told. So sad it is the children that suffer.
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It’s so hard to read and review these kinds of books, but you have written an excellent unbiased review here.
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Thank you Brianna. It’s a book everyone should read. It’s the kids that are the victims. But, I liked how this author let them repair their relationship.
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Wow. This book sounds very powerful, on a tough subject for 10-14. I’ll have to add it to my 46 mile long TBR list 🙂
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Thanks Susanna. It is an important subject and I like how the kids solve their own problems in the end. I know, I have that list.
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My daughter will be ready for this book in a few years. Thanks for featuring it here Pat!
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Cathy, I am glad that you will share it with her. I think it is important for kids to understand the what war does to the innocent. The authoris to be commended for taking on such a challenging subject.
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This sounds like it has a VERY important message.
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Erik, glad you see that importance of what war does to innocent kids and families.
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This sounds like a powerful–and important read. Thanks Patricia.
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Such a moving story Pat. One I will love to read. Thanks for sharing.
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Diane, thought you might like this novel. It is worth reading. Very important message.
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Seems like you have another good pick for adults and kids alike. I love your picks that teach tolerance to us in the gentle ways of children. Through pain and fear they seem to be our best teachers.
Thanks as always for sharing the best books. 🙂
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Thank you Clar. I try to share books that make a difference and teach kids. I liked that the cousins found solutions that brought their family back together again.
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