The Carpet Boy's Gift

Awards for The Carpet Boy's Gift

Notable Book in the Social Studies" CBC/NCSS

THE CARPET BOY'S GIFT REVIEWS

Publishers Weekly: (Boxed review with cover photo.) "This picture book focuses attention on the plight of young carpet workers in Pakistan, while shedding light on the worldwide issue of child labor.... the author knowledgeably introduces Nadeem's quandary, outlining the obstacles he faces and the horrible conditions in the factories.... Inspired by Iqbal Masih [an escaped slave and child activist], Nadeem twice organizes fellow child workers to rise up against the unlawful bondage system."

School Library Journal: "This serious subject matter is handled with intelligence and care, giving young readers enough information to form their own opinions. Lovely, expressive watercolor illustrations, each bordered with a different design typical of woven rugs, perfectly complement the text. Four pages of additional information are appended."

Booklist: "...Shea doesn't shy away from ugly realities (coughing blood, cuts healed over with boiling oil).... Perhaps most useful for introducing the topic to groups older than the usual picture-book audience, this problematic yet thought-provoking picture book, with earth-toned watercolors... will leave children asking questions that have no easy answers."