Iranian of the Day

GOAL!

New York Times Sunday Book Review: While tens of millions of viewers around the world are following the World Cup on television, the young boys in “Goal!” play a pickup game in a South African township that even more powerfully conveys a passion for “football.” The boys play joyously in an alley (Ford’s illustrations are brightly expressive, amid the dusty scene), while one keeps watch: “The streets are not safe,” and the soccer ball is their prized possession. Sure enough, a mean-looking gang shows up to steal it, but this time the young players come out winners.

THE SECRET MESSAGE

From publisher: Alone, imprisoned in a golden cage, and far from the jungles of home, a parrot longs for freedom. Will he ever escape? Thanks to a secret mesage passed along by his friends in India, the parrot outwits his wealthy owner and soars to freedom. Based on an ancient Persian poem, The Secret Message is a story of surprising cleverness, powerful solidarity, exotic travels, and a simple wish fulfilled. This enchanting tale, told with subtle humor and vibrant images, is a perfect introduction to the culture, literature, and history of the Middle East.

>>> Mina's poems featured in iranian.com (2001/2): "My Childhood", "Rice Women", "Street Gangs"

>>> MinaJavaherbin.com