"The Iranian Revolution" well deserves its first-place award in 2009 (category: youth non-fiction) from the Middle East Outreach Council (MEOC), an organization of teachers and educators committed to Middle Eastern Studies. The writing style is clear and concise; the photos and supplementary materials are wonderful; and the complex modern history of Iran is fully described for people without a strong background in the subject.
Here is the MEOC review of the book ([..]):
"Part of the Pivotal Moments That Changed the World series, this entry focusing on the Iranian revolution of 1979 won much praise from the Book Award Committee for its thoroughness, clear writing, and the use of supplemental primary sources. Instead of succumbing to the 'clash of civilizations' argument, author Brendan January instead delves into the deeper causes of the Iranian revolution, and brings the story forward to describe how the forces that triggered the revolution continue to play out in the troubled relationship between the United States and Iran today...."
"The Iranian Revolution" is an important contribution to youth literature on the Middle East.