What a timely book full of clear, concise and easy-to-understand information for Christians hoping to understand the Islamic faith! It just so happened that my 9th grade daughter was writing a report about Islam for a history assignment when this book arrived for review. She had been struggling to put together a cohesive report from a Christian perspective until Learning about Islam saved the day.

In 60 pages, this spiral bound book is packed with information about Islamic history, Muslim practices and beliefs, how Christianity differs, and how Christians can and are spreading the Gospel to Muslims around the world. Most importantly for me, the writing is easy to comprehend and to-the-point, meaning it's perfect for 6th-12th graders. Color photos, maps and other informational boxes serve to offer context that is very beneficial to the student.

Learning about Islam is full of such rich learning! Scattered throughout the book are Bible verses to encourage Christians in their walk, refute Islam beliefs, or use as prayers for Muslims. You'll find stories of missionaries, interviews with Muslims, and charts describing differences between Jesus' teachings and those of Muhammad. And those are just some of the gems you'll find!

By the end of the book, your child (or you!) will have a solid understanding of:

• Basic Islamic beliefs and practices
• Shariah Law
• Differences between Islam and Christianity
• The Quran
• Women, Honor and Family Life
• Terrorism
• Various kinds of Muslims
• Christians living in Muslim lands
• How to answer Muslim questions about Christianity

At the end of the book, there is a reproducible booklet to copy and give away if you ever have the chance to witness to a Muslim. If you choose to use Learning about Islam as a lengthy history or Bible time study, there are activities "to-do" every few pages or so. Your child might be asked to look up a few verses and consider a question, make a list of things they've learned, offer up a prayer for Muslims, or research a missionary. The "to-do's" range from taking a few minutes, to projects that can last a few days. I also found the book and activities to be very appropriate within a class setting.  

The Voice of the Martyrs, publisher of this book, is committed to spreading the Gospel to all people of the world and has a special heart for those who are persecuted for their Christian faith. This book is one of many offered to raise awareness of what other people believe and how Christians can bring the Light of the Word to them. Because of this focus, Learning about Islam is a great tool full of the Biblical answers we need in today's world.

Product Review by Cindy West, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January, 2012