My Friend Jamal
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Cover Story
This issue’s cover illustration by John Kelly is from Terry Deary’s new series Master Crook’s Crime Academy: Burglary for Beginners. Terry Deary is interviewed by Elizabeth Hammill. Thanks to Scholastic Children’s Books for their help with this March cover.
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My Friend Jamal
Illustrated by Ben Frey
photographs by Anna McQuinn
This is a delightful and interesting book about two young friends called Joseph and Jamal. They both come from very different backgrounds, religion and culture. Their friendship transcends these differences.
The story of this enjoyable relationship is written in a very poignant, natural and spontaneous way as it is explored by two small children finding out about each other. It deals with their acceptance of the fact that they can still be close friends although there are many areas of their lives that are different.
The children’s parents also play a positive role in supporting and helping to satisfy their innocent enquiries. The text is succinct, simple and direct. The author shows skill and sensitivity throughout the book whilst avoiding a patronising tone.
In summary the book will be a good addition to any school library and also prove useful for reading at home. The Illustrations are a combination of real photographs and artwork using bright and bold colours which help to bring the text to life.
