Author Archives: islamicschoollibrarian

Sep26

The Best Eid Ever by Asma Mobin-Uddin Illustrated by Laura Jacobsen

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best eid ever

For some this book may have a lot going on it’s 32 pages: Eid ul Adha, parents at Hajj, refugees, charity, Pakistani culture, but if you are reading this book to Muslim children (or they are reading it independently, it has an AR level of 3.8) i think it is delightful.

Aneesa wakes up on Eid morning missing her parents who are in Saudi Arabia performing Hajj. Her grandma, Nonni, surprises her with three new outfits complete with bangles and shoes for each of the days of Eid and is preparing her favorite dinner, lamb korma, for them to eat after Eid prayers.  At Eid prayers Aneesa meets some refugee girls and wants to do something to make their Eid a little brighter.  Nonni and Aneesa come up with a plan and the result is “the best Eid ever!”

I love that it has morals and plot and sparks dialogue.  The message is so simple yet beautiful, that it stays with the reader, adult and child alike.  The illustrations are beautiful and warm providing a nice balance to the long passages.  There is an author’s note and Glossary in the back, but I think this book is really intended for a Muslim audience familiar with Hajj, Eid, and Paksitani culture.  It wouldn’t be lost on someone new to the vocabulary and customs, but definitely wouldn’t be as magical or memorable.

My 3rd grader loved the book and we were able to talk about it and reflect upon it long after the initial reading.  My younger boys enjoyed it, but didn’t get as much out of it.  I think this book works better in smaller groups rather than story time, or simply to have on the shelf to sweep the reader up and allow them to draw their own conclusions on what it means to do something for someone else.

Aug25

Where the Streets had a Name By Randa Abdel-Fattah

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streets

This is the second book I have read by Randa Abdel-Fattah, and I still don’t know if I love her as an author, but I did enjoy the content of Where the Streets had a Name, much more so than I did with Does My Head Look Big in This?  The timeliness of this book is also as apparent as ever with the genocide and occupation occurring in Palestine, had I read it years ago I don’t know if it would have had the pull that it had on me, reading in now.  With all the images on social media and the news, this book really does a remarkable job of showing the daily struggles for Palestinians in terms of settlements and check points and just basic day-to-day living that is hard to imagine from anywhere outside of Palestine.  While some may find it slow moving I enjoyed the detail and childlike perspective of the world as seen through the 13 year-old characters in the book.  Despite all the material for it to be a preachy, political, and gruesome, it is not, it is undoubtedly told from a Palestinian Muslim perspective, but the supporting characters come from all backgrounds and focus on the humanity contained with in us all: Muslim, Christian, Jew, and even Israeli.

SYNOPSIS:

Hayaat’s family has been kicked out of their home by Israeli soldiers and are living cramped up in Bethlehem, struggling with no jobs, curfews, and the impending wedding of Hayaat’s sister to a boy on the other side of the checkpoint.  When Hayaat’s beloved, albeit farting, grandama, Sitti Zeynab, falls ill Hayaat believes that she needs to touch her ancestral land to recover.  With a curfew free day, her best friend Samy at her side, and an empty hummus jar, the kids sneak out from school to try and bring back a handful of dirt.  The journey is only a few miles, but with checkpoints, a protest, soldiers and documents, the chances that Hayaat and Samy will retrieve the dirt is minimal, as their priority becomes to make it out safe.  The book is fiction, but from all reviews that I’ve read, it very well could be real, it’s accuracy of the struggles endured and the hope that still remains are not completely fabricated.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like that Hayaat is a Muslim Palestinian, Samy is a Christian Palestinian, along their journey they meet kind Israeli’s fighting for Palestine, they meet horrible people and soldier’s too, but it is never a black and white issue.  Zionism is what makes life so painstakingly difficult for Samy and Hayaat and all those around them, all the while tourists are flocking around as if walls and checkpoints are the norm.  The first 50 pages of the book are a mess, I don’t know if it is because it is translated from Arabic or if it is just the author’s style to overload and stuff everything in at the beginning that might possibly be interesting or funny to hook the reader. Either way, it doesn’t work and once you get through those 50 pages and the adventure with Samy and Haayat begins and Sitti Zeynab’s story starts to be woven through and we learn more about how Hayaat’s face was scarred, the story starts getting good.  Similarly the book is about 50 pages too long, after the adventure I was ready for the story to end, but I suppose the wedding of Hayaat’s sister, Jihan, has to take place.  Even though it is critical to see the logistical nightmare of having a West Bank girl marrying an Israeli Arab from Lod, the story gets muddled and loses its flow both at the beginning and end with the details of living in Ramallah and figuring out what roads to take to have the ceremony.  Adults may appreciate it, but with an AR reading level of 4.8, the target audience gains a better appreciation for the struggles of the Palestinians through the main story.  In total with the glossary and acknowledgement the book is 313 pages.

FLAGS:

The book is remarkably clean, there is a slight joke about birth control pills, but Hayaat doesn’t understand it, and her companions on the service (bus) don’t explain it to her, so I doubt the young readers will get it either.  (Hayaat thinks her sister shouldn’t get married if it is making her sick and she can’t understand why every day at the same time her mother makes her take a tiny pill.)

There is some violence, but it is not explicit, it is more emotional when Hayaat’s friend is killed and Hayaat’s face marred.  Similarly she blacks out during the protest, so there isn’t much description

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I do plan to do this as a book club book, I think the students are well aware of the situation and it might be a good place to let them voice their thoughts and emotions.  I may also have a Palestinian sit in on the discussion, to help keep it accurate.

Discussion questions:  www.panmacmillan.com.au/resources/RA-WhereTheStreetsHadAName.pdf

Author’s website: http://www.randaabdelfattah.com/

Aug19

Muhammad (SAW) By Demi

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This book attempts the enormous task of creating a picture book biography for kids about Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be  Upon Him).  While the text seems adequate and engaging for children with a basic knowledge of RasulAllah’s life, I think it would overwhelm any young non-Muslim reader.  The story starts with Prophet Muhammad’s birth and tells about the major aspects of his life, both as a family man and as a leader.  The text includes ayats from the Qur’an and hadith.  THe information is presented as fact, it doesn’t preface statements by saying, “Muslim’s believe,” making the book a solid, yet dense, book for Muslims of all ages and a good introduction to Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for older non-Muslims as well.

The book has an AR level of 6.7 and is beautifully illustrated.  Some of the illustrations are borderline irreverent, but it is clear that Demi truly respects the Islamic tradition of not depicting Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).   I think it is more jarring because most Islamic books do not depict the angels, buraq, or any of the prophets, where Demi does in her book.  Prophet Muhammad is depicted by a gold silhouette and the proper blessings are bestowed upon him whenever mentioned in the text.

Demi includes a foreword at the begining of her book that explains some of the diction choices and background on the artistic style used, there is also a bibliography at the end of her 42 page story.  The book is ok for independent readers or in small groups to discuss, however for anyone younger than 3rd grade, it is probably just too much information.

Aug16

One Green Apple By Eve Bunting Illustrated by ted Lewin

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one green apple

One Green Apple is a great story that really puts the reader in the shoes of a new immigrant that doesn’t speak English.  Farah, a young Muslim girl goes on a field trip to an apple orchard her second day of school and as they go for a hay ride and pick apples and make cider she and her classmates develop a connection that shows the reader how easy it is to reach out to someone new.

The sunny pictures and delicate words aptly describe Farah’s frustration in not being able to articulate her thoughts, and knowing where she belongs.  Similarly as she asserts her self and the others accept her you cheer her on and feel optimistic that she will find her place just fine.  

This story works well for new kids and for students with someone new in their class.  Being able to imagine what someone else is going through and discovering ways to help is a great lesson at any age.  The AR level is 2.6 and I read it to many of the classes the first week of school with new students, and even the older elementary grades were engaged and drawn to the message of the story and young Farah.  I don’t know that classes younger than Kindergarten would truly understand the story, maybe one-on-one, but I don’t think clothing and communication skills are a big deal with the younger ones.

Aug14

Sameerah’s Hijab and the First Day of School by Janette Grant Illustrated by Fatimah Ashaela Moore

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sameerah's hijab

This book is perfect for 1st through 3rd grade girls, as it focuses on Sameerah’s first day of school in America and meeting new friends.  Sameerah and her family have just moved from Yemen and Sameerah is nervous about fitting in, however her love of wearing hijab and Islam radiate through her as her new classmates ask her questions.  Before long the students have found they have more in common than differences and Sameerah can’t wait to go back to school the next day, alhumdulillah.

This book works well for students to see how confidence, patience, and kindness can go a long way in understanding those around you.  Sameerah is articulate and confident and a great example in knowing your deen well enough to present it to others.  It is also a way to introduce Muslim children to how others may worship as Sameerah also learns about her classmates.

 

Aug6

Deep in the Sahara By Kelly Cunnane Illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

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deep-in-the-sahara

SubhanAllah, how absolutely wonderful to walk into your public library and find such a treasure of a book.  So simple and beautiful in appearance, in its poetic text, and in its message.  Set in Mauritania, West Africa and sprinkled with Hassaniya (an Arabic dialect), young Lalla wants to wear a malafa, a beautiful, colorful cloth that some Muslim women in Mauritania wear to cover their clothing and heads when they go out in public.  She wants to wear it to be beautiful like her mother, mysterious like her older sister, a fine lady like her cousin, and a long-ago queen like her grandmother but it isn’t until she understands what the malafa means and why the women wear it does she receive a beautiful blue one from her mother.

The illustrations and descriptions take you to a far a way land, with eager anticipation at what you will see, hear and experience.  Culture is shared, tidbits about Islam’s traditions are shared and a wonderfully simple, yet thought provoking story is conveyed.  With an AR reading level of 3.7 this book would be wonderful for story time listeners as well as independent readers.  Also because it is probably not a culture most are familiar with I think students up to 5th grade would enjoy the book and close the last of the 40 pages with a smile on their face and a light happy heart.  Alhumdulillah

Jul24

A Party in Ramadan By Asma Mobin-Uddin Illustrated by Laura Jacobsen

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This is a great book that works on a variety of levels.  Leena is fasting the whole day for the first time, but is also invited to a friends party.  Her mom gives her the choice to fast or not as it is not yet mandatory at her age, and she decides to fast AND go to the party.  The story takes you through the activities of the party and how some parts are easy and some harder for the fasting Leena.  The end has a wonderful surprise for both Leena and the reader as the author gives us all reason to hope that respect among friends exists, and that in fact one can stay true to their beliefs and have support from their friends.

This book is  great conversation starter for older kids who maybe have tried to fast and felt the temptations of day-to-day life in a non -Islamic environment.  With an AR level of 4.2 and 34 pages the story is strong enough to hold a fourth graders attention and get them to analyze what they would do in a similar situation.  Although the book is about Ramadan and some facets about how fasting is done, what it means, and why Muslims do it, are sprinkled in, the story isn’t overly religious in nature.  The characters are simply Muslim, they pray, they thank Allah, they wear hijab, they make duaas and they also go to friend’s parties. I think non-Muslims would benefit from this book and see the beauty of diversity as Leena and her friends support one another.  The pictures also do a wonderful job of depicting the story: the characters are warm and happy, some cover some do not, they eat chocolate pudding and Baklava and the reader sees how a Muslim family is just like any other family.

The added beauty of this book is that it also works for story time. The younger ones may or may not understand the potential stress of being the only Muslim at a party, let alone being the only one fasting, but they do understand that Leena wanted to eat and drink and she remembered that when her little sister wanted her dessert.  They also understand how sometimes it is hard to do what is right, but inshaAllah the reward is sweet indeed.

Jul19

Magid Fasts for Ramadan by Mary Matthews illustrated by E. B. Lewis

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Magid Fasts for Ramadan by Mary Matthews illustrated by E. B. Lewis

Magid Fasts for Ramadan

The intent of this 48 page chapter book is good, however, a few things rubbed me the wrong way about how Ramadan and Islam are presented.

Nearly eight-year-old Magid wants to fast on the first day of Ramadan, but everyone says he is much to young.  He decides to deceive everyone and fast anyway.  I’m actually okay with this main story line, as I could genuinely see a child wanting to do it so much they would lie about it.  The author even has the family sit down after the truth comes out and discuss how honesty is important and this is not how Ramadan should be celebrated.  Lesson learned for Magid and the reader, right? Nope, the author kind of blows it and takes it to the other extreme.

Magid’s sister Aisha is twelve and is “forced” to fast so she isn’t the only girl not fasting at her all girl’s school in Egypt.  What a sad reason to fast, The whole reason Magid wants to fast is to be a “truly obedient Muslim” which sounds great on the surface, but it get’s repeated so often that Magid at one point is judging a classmate who isn’t fasting and isn’t always at Jummah (Friday) prayers.  The parents decide at the end to let Aisha fast until school is out, hence shortening the day for appearance purposes, and Magid can fast til lunch.   He is told he can fast full days when the days are shorter.  Again a really odd reason to wait when fasting has been prescribed for us, to make it an issue of convenience.

So aside from the very negative view of Ramadan and the kids rejoicing at the end that they don’t “have” to fast, the lying, the disobeying your mother, and the judgmental laden diction of being truly obedient, the book does cover a lot of ground well.  The book shows the characters doing wudu and praying, it shows them trying to be kind to one another, it talks about how the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan and it does have a plot.

The water color illustrations are nice, and I also like how it showed a bit of Egyptian culture with the lanterns, singing, and food.  Interestingly the author says it is harder for Muslim’s in America to fast, but elsewhere says that Aisha has to watch the girls at school not fasting, eat lunch.

I really wouldn’t recommend this book, for the intended audience of 3rd through fifth graders I think it would do more harm than good in promoting Islamic values in Muslim children and in showing non-Muslims what Ramadan means to Muslims.

Jul17

Ramadan by Susan L. Douglass Illustrated by Jeni Reeves

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ramadanThis is a non Fiction book about Ramadan that is thorough and accessible.  It has an AR level of 3.7 (third grade, seventh month), and with the short sentences and well-spaced text, I wanted to include this book so that those looking for an informative book for their independent readers (second grade and up) would consider this one.  At 48 pages, the book isn’t divided up into chapters but there are headings that keep the book flowing from one topic to the next. The illustrations supplement the text giving them context and there is a list of “New Words” in the back making this book appropriate for Muslim and non Muslims alike.  

Overall a good read for those looking to learn more about Muslims and Ramadan, or for those looking to see themselves in a book that isn’t too childish. The book is clean and factual, and keeps a nice balance between giving solid information and overwhelming the reader with details.  The book also includes examples of Ramadan in other countries as well as students fasting in America.  We have this book in our school library and the students that have stumbled upon it are excited to check it out, and when they ace the AR test they are absolutely beaming.  

 

Jul16

Moon Watchers Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle By Reza Jalali Illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien

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moon watchers

 

This book is similar to Night of the Moon By Hena Khan as it focuses on a young girl experiencing the month of Ramadan and Eid, through the waxing and waning of the moon.  This is an AR book 3.5 and the text is driven by dialogue between nine-year-old Shirin and her Persian American family.

Too young to fast Shirin is feeling left out of the blessed month of Ramadan, her older brother Ali and her bicker until her Grandma encourages her to do “part-time fasts.”  Facts about Islam and Ramadan are slightly peppered in to the story, primarily through vocabulary, and the characters do discuss hijab and why Shirin’s mother doesn’t wear it.  It is important to note that the tale is told from a Shia perspective that is made clear as it explains how the family prays, touching the prayer stone, and kissing it three times.  The illustration here is more peculiar as it shows Shirin praying next to her dad and her brother, mom, and grandma in the row behind.

The pictures show a happy family that most readers or listeners would probably be able to identify with, along with the sibling bickering and excitement felt with the blessed month.  Persian culture is represented in the foods and sweets they prepare as a family and the henna Shirin gets on her hands.  The family prays together, spends time together and they discuss doing good deeds, not just fasting in Ramadan.

The book is beautifully done, but I think because of the brushing aside of hijab being a cultural practice, not a religious one and the presentation of prayer, I don’t know if I would give the book without discussion to a third grader in a Sunni school to read independently.  As for story time, I might simply omit those few sentences, but I’m not sure, it would depend on my audience.

If your children are aware of the differences between Sunni and Shia or you are Shia, this book is wonderful.  If your children would be greatly confused or get hung up on a few lines in a 32 page book, then it would be better to hold off.