Silent Music by James Rumford

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Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal -- School Library Journal, 3/26/2008

From SLJ April 2008

RUMFORD, James. Silent Music. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. 2008. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59643-276-5. LC 2007023600.

Gr 2-6–Ali describes how he loves soccer; "loud, parent-rattling music"; and calligraphy–forming the elegant Arabic letters, pen "gliding and sweeping, leaping, dancing to the silent music in my head." His "secret hero" is Yakut, a renowned 13th-century calligrapher, and Ali tells how, when Mongols invaded Baghdad in 1258, the man fled to a high tower to shut out the violence by creating beauty, writing "glistening letters of rhythm and grace." Similarly, the boy sought solace from the missiles and bombs that fell on the city in 2003 by practicing calligraphy in his room. Since then, "one war has become another," and he continues to write, contemplating how some words, like "HARB–war," flow easily from the pen, while others, like "SALAM–peace," are more difficult to perfect. Jewel-toned illustrations done in pencil and charcoal and then computer enhanced accompany the lyrical text. Ali and his family are depicted with warmth and personality, and their interactions add intimacy to the story. Elaborately detailed designs appear throughout–intricate tile arrangements, delicate floral motifs, colorfully patterned clothing, even a backdrop that incorporates subtle images of warfare (army vehicles, helicopters, etc). Graceful lines of calligraphy flow across and are incorporated into the artwork. In addition to engendering appreciation for this art form, Rumford’s book sheds light on life in war-torn Iraq and builds empathy for those caught in the crossfire.

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