Apr24

The Cat at the Wall by Deborah Ellis

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The Cat at the Wall

 I had really high hopes for this book after reading and loving all of Deborah Ellis’s Parvana books and thoroughly respecting her ability to take highly complicated world events and presenting them in a compassionate palatable manner for elementary aged students to digest and benefit from.  The premise of the book intrigued me, a reincarnated 13 year-old-girl comes back as a cat in the middle of Bethlehem and is soon in the middle of a village conflict between Israeli soldiers in a Palestinian’s home.  I wanted to love it, but ended up just liking it and wishing there was more substance.  I was hoping for more understanding of the conflict and the history not just of an arrogant bratty girl, reflecting back on her life as a human now that she is a cat in a volatile region. The book is a fairly easy read as you really have only three main characters that you get to know, the others just transparently breeze through, and the book is only 144 pages and an AR level 4.8.

SUMMARY:

Clare is an incredibly abrasive teen that bullies students at school, lies to teachers and her parents, constantly berates her sister, steals, cheats, and who is not someone you would want to be around or be like in any way.  So while her dying is sad, in and of itself, when she comes back as a cat with the exact same characteristics, she is still hard to like and root for as a whole.  As a cat, Clare understands all languages and finds herself in a home that is being commandeered by two Israeli soldiers, Simcha and Aaron.  Simcha is an American who has come to Israel, joined the IDF, knows little about the Palestinians and is full of hostility.  Aaron is Israeli and speaks Arabic and has more compassion. Clearly Ellis was trying to show that while both are soldiers their attitudes are vastly different, even if their actions are more or less the same.  While scrounging for food, Clare realizes, with her heightened cat smell, that there are more than just the two soldiers in the small home, there is a boy hiding in a trap door in the floor.  The soldiers are at a loss what to do with this small terrified seven or eight year-old-child who recites the same poem over and over and rocks back and forth.  As the soldiers spy on the neighbors, their presence is uncovered and a stand-off between the angry villagers, the people inside the home and the Israeli army ensues.  What can be done to prevent the loss of life? What can Clare the cat do? What is she willing to do, if anything at all?

WHY I LIKE IT:

The words and sentences are simple, which balances out the flashbacks that could be confusing to students younger than fourth grade.  The story flows between the current situation, Clare’s life as a human, and Clare’s life as a cat before coming to the home with the soldiers and boy.  I like that it isn’t made a black and white issue, but I don’t know if based on the book alone the reader truly understands why the villagers would be upset, how much of a reality it is to be berated by soldiers, to have your home taken over, to have kids being beat by soldiers and the dehumanization of checkpoints.  Ultimately the story is about Clare and if she can change, if she wants to change and can she make a difference in the world, the backdrop is simply the Israel Palestine conflict.  Obviously I would be nervous to introduce the concept of reincarnation in an Islamic school setting, but I have recommended the book to certain students who are mature enough to respect that some people do believe this, that the book is fiction, and are aware of the daily oppression of the Palestinians, and the violence that is a reality for so many.   I think as a teaching tool the book offers a lot in terms of teaching point of view, personification, and organization.

FLAGS:

There is violence and the threat of violence, but it is handled respectfully.There is talk of Christianity and Jesus that most students would be fine with.  Reincarnation is present, but played down at the end leaving the door open for interpretation. The human Clare is rather despicable, but she is painted as such and her flaws are not celebrated.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

There is a nice question and answer section with the author at the end of the book.

The author’s website: http://deborahellis.com/books/#cat-at-the-wall

An educator’s guide: http://groundwoodbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/9781554984916_guide.pdf

Apr22

Sophia’s Journal by Najiyah Diana Maxfield

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Sophia_s_Journal_Final_large

It is not terribly uncommon for my mind to remain stuck in books long after I have read the last page, but it has been a while since an Islamic young adult book has held me hostage.  This book was recommended to me by Anse Tamara Gray whose Daybreak Press published the book, and while I tried not to have any expectations, even if I had, the book would have blown them out of the water, mashaAllah.  The book is not in the Accelerated Reader database, but I added it to our school’s so that the students could read it, test on it, and then gather together during our next book club to discuss it.  I estimated it at about a sixth grade level fifth month, and would recommend it for middle school, high school students, and adults alike.

SUMMARY:

Sixteen year-old Sophia is on a family bike ride when she finds herself falling into the Missouri River and waking up in 1857 Kansas.  The acclamation of a 21st century Muslim girl in to what history will name Bleeding Kansas is both heart warming and inspiring in its details of every day life.  Sophia takes a hands-on active approach to helping the kind family, the Sampsons, that takes her in, and she learns everything from shooting to cooking to riding a horse.  As she learns the skills needed to survive, she truly becomes one of the family.  The beautiful way that Islam is woven in as such a seamless part of Sophia, whether she is in the present or the past, is inspirational for readers of all ages and made me at least question if I would be that strong.  Sophia’s relationships with the other characters is what makes the story so magical, getting to see the humanity and strength of people coupled with the same emotions of heartache, longing, and love we can relate to, in our own lives, draws the reader in and makes the story fascinating and hard to put down.  In addition to the story, the historical setting of slavery and relations with the native populations add depth that many students should already know about, and will enjoy seeing in a fictionalized account.  The twists and climax keep the reader engaged, and keep me from spoiling too many plot details in this admittedly vague summary.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I enjoy historical fiction and to blend that with a Muslim character is a great premise in my eyes.  Seeing a strong Muslimah lead in a quality entertaining book that is tactfully done is such a rare find.  Sophia’s strength is quiet, yet powerful, and the slower pace forces the reader to analyze themselves as they discover the characters.  It reminded me of Anne of Green Gables in its tone and style and I think that our middle schoolers need this change of pace and I can’t wait to see how Book Club goes.  I love how strong Sophia is with her deen, her convictions about slavery, her determination to help others, and to learn.  She easily could whine and complain that her cell phone is dead and she misses her family, but she doesn’t, she has a tenacity and attitude that elevates her to a status that you want the readers to look up to her and emulate her.

I also like that Sophia is respectful of other’s religions and they are respectful of hers, the author draws on similarities and discusses Islam in a way that shows it as a living breathing part of life, that is truly a breath of fresh air.  The climax and ending are not predictable and I appreciate that as well.

FLAGS:

There is referred to violence violence, slavery, racism, a tinge of  romance (in an 1857s kind of respectful way), but nothing overly graphic or sensationalized.  Overall nothing a middle school student and up could not handle.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

There are no reading guides or outlines to teach the book, however, I think there is PLENTY in the book to discuss and if you are like me and the few students I’ve already asked to read the book, not talking about it is harder than finding meaningful points to discuss.

Apr20

From Somalia With Love By Na’ima B. Robert

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From Somalia With Love By Na’ima B. Robert

somalia

This book was a great glimpse into Somali Muslims in the UK, a world I admittedly know nothing about.  Whether accurate or not, I loved the incorporation of words, foods, culture, all of it.  And most of all I love that the main character Safia is a Muslima.  Yes, the point of the book is a coming of age story as she searches to find herself and define who she is, but in every sphere she is defining herself in, Islam is present.  Her home-life, her friendships, her poetry, all of it.  My only concern in recommending the book to my students. I think 7th and 8th graders, even in an Islamic School, can understand the temptation of going to the movies with someone of the opposite gender, of sneaking out, I think they can understand dealing with someone they love that is making bad decisions, in this case her brother experimenting with drugs and alcohol (the author doesn’t go into explicit detail).  But, truly one page (page 128) just goes too far for my students.  Had he tried to hold her hand, or kiss her even, I think the message would still come back to her conscience and her repentance, but the implied attempted rape pushes the issue over the line in my view, for my sheltered students.  High School students I think can handle it and I think lends itself well to a discussion on boundaries, respect, and sexual violence.  The AR level of the book is a 5.1 and it is a quick 159 page read.  There is a glossary of terms and phrases in the back and the font and book size make it very approachable and inviting to readers.

SUMMARY:

Safia Dirie is a 14 year-old-girl living in East London with her Mom, two brothers, and in close proximity to her large extended Somali family.  Safia is a good student, very close to her mother and very devout in her Islamic faith.  Like most teenagers she is defining who she is in a world that doesn’t seem to understand her.  Unlike most however, she has the added burden of being a religious and cultural minority.  In addition to handling friends, and temptation, she also learns that her father who has been missing in Somalia for the last 12 years has been found and is coming to live with them in London. The focus through the whole story is Safia and the reader is definitely drawn into her struggles of how to help her brother, who is rebelling, how to be a good daughter, and with her internal debates to drift closer to a less religious cousin who encourages her join in activities that Safia is hesitant to be a part of. Once her father arrives everything she has known is threatened and the issues and struggles intensify.  Despite efforts Safia can’t connect to her father and the changing dynamic of the family tests her in ways that while fiction and extreme, I think many can relate to and sympathize with.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The book does a good job of showing how people are not “good” or “bad” and how often mistakes, are just that, mistakes. It also provides hope that people can recover and improve.  The heart of this book is Safia’s and Safia’s heart is pure and has a strong connection to Allah (swt).  She sways and swerves, but never loses sight of who she is at her core, and i think for many young Muslim’s today that is an incredibly strong message.  That mistakes can be made, and Allah (swt) will forgive.  That intentions and repentance are real and valid, irregardless of where you are in life.  From friends Safia wrongs, to a brother who realizes what he is doing is wrong, to a cousin who is passed around without a permanent place to belong, to a mom trying to balance a returned husband, every character is fallible, yet not beyond hope.

FLAGS:

 The attempted sexual violence.  The implied drug abuse and lying of Ahmed, Safia’s brother.  The lying of Safia to her mom and parents about her whereabouts.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The Author’s blog about the book: http://fromsomalia-withlove.blogspot.com/

Jan7

Allah Created Everything by C. Alta

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Allah Created Everything by C. Alta

allah created everything

The version I have is called Allah Created Everything, but it seems that the more common edition is God Created Everything, regardless the book is beautiful, timeless, and a perfect book for story time with the little ones.  The simple words and beautiful illustrations are the perfect level for Daycare through Kindergarten students.  They can gaze at the pictures and absorb the simple text, and even participate in a powerful conversation after about how Allah/God created us all, and everything around us.

The Blades of Grass,
The Oceans and Seas ,
The Rocks-
The Soil-
The Beautiful Trees,
The Majestic Mountains That We See,
Allah Created Everything.
The Dog-
The Cow-
The Whales-
The Birds, The Spiders and Bees,
The Wild-
The Tame-
Allah Created Everything.
The Sun,
The Moon,
The Rainbow-
The Clouds, Tornadoes, Volcanoes,
Lightning Shattering the Skies.
People of the World,
Shapes-
And Colors We See,
Allah Created Them
Just like You and Me.
Jan4

Rashid and the Haupmann Diamond by Hassan Radwan

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haupmann diamond

This is the second and seemingly last book in the Rashid series, which is unfortunate, because like its predecessor Rashid and the Missing Body, the book is a quick fun read aimed at 3rd through 5th graders with Muslim characters solving a mystery.  At just 110 pages the book reunites friends Rashid, Gary, and Chris, three boys of different religious backgrounds with plenty of respect and understanding to inspire readers of all ages.

SYNOPSIS:

Rashid and his friends hear screaming in the middle of the night and rush outside to see robbers in their neighbor’s house. Once the police come and no evidence of a break in can be found, the boys do their own investigating to see what is going on.  Pieces of information start to come together from the elderly neighbor and her stories of her father, mysterious contacts online, old WWII veterans at retirement homes, and good old fashioned library research, to lead the boys on an adventure to find a lost diamond.  Never a dull moment as the boys are chased by the burglars, family issues at home bring Rashid’s sister and baby into the story, some bullies at school and more.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The book is incredibly fast paced, it hops around from one story-line to the next.  While this format seemed more cohesive in the first book, it was a little jarring for me in this one.  I didn’t mind the side stories at school, or even the soccer matches, but the story of the sister, Huda and her marital problems with her husband Ahmed seemed a bit out of place.  I see what the author’s intent was, but in such a short book aimed at elementary aged boys, it seemed  a heavy story-line to interweave into an adventure story.  The deeper understanding of mixing cultures and expectations I am positive would be lost on all young adult readers.  Once again, the author however, does do a great job of telling a story where the character’s Islam adds to the character, and doesn’t distract from the adventure on hand.  Rashid uses islamic terms, the family prays together, they go to the masjid and laugh with the imam and congregation, they talk about proper ways to correct people and the value of intentions, overall, I’d say they convey a “normal” Muslim family.

FLAGS:

No flags, the book is clean and inspiring, alhumduillah

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

There isn’t a lot out there about the book or the author, nor is the book in the Accelerated Reader database.  I think with its linear story, keeping track of the clues and throwing in some highlights of Islamic manners and morals, however, would make a discussion on the book easy and natural enough for all to enjoy.

Jan3

Four Feet Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed Illustrated by Doug Chayka

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four feet

A beautiful hardback picture book I picked up at the Scholastic Warehouse sale, at 32 pages long and an AR level 3.2, Four Feet, Two Sandals, works well as both a story time selection to younger students and as independent reading for up to 5th grade.  The story is about two refugee girls that come to know each other when relief workers throw donated clothes for the people and Lina and Feroza each end up with one sandal each of a beautiful pair.  Rather than fighting or being ungrateful, the girls work out a plan so that they can both enjoy the sandals and in the process, become friends.  The girls share their stories with one another, and thus the reader, about how their families have been affected by war and how they came to be at this refugee camp in Peshawar, Pakistan.  The girls dream of school and their futures and show the readers a bit of their daily struggles getting water and doing chores.  When Lina’s name shows up on a list to go to America, and Feroza’s does not, the friends must part and decide who gets the sandals.

While it probably bothers some that America is seen as the saving grace to sweep Lina to a better life and pander to an American audience. I think it makes sense seeing as the book was co-authored by the executive director of the Pittsburgh Refugee Center and was inspired by a refugee girl who asked “why there were no books about children like her.”  Clearly refugees do get a chance at a new life when other countries open their borders and stories like this that give our children insight into the world they have left behind, with the hopes of fostering compassion, is something that I definitely want to share with my own children and students.

The author’s website and reading guide: http://www.karenlynnwilliams.com/files/sandals_guide.pdf

Dec31

Saving Kabul Corner by N.H. Senzai

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kabul corner

For all of us waiting to see what happened to the characters from Shooting Kabul, N.H. Senzai answers that question in Saving Kabul Corner, while maintaining a stand alone story of mystery and family.  It is not necessary to read Shooting Kabul first, and if you have not recently read Shooting Kabul you may not even realize that some of the characters cross over into this book.  The books are drastically different in tone and style and purpose.

SYNOPSIS:

Saving Kabul Corner takes a while to get going, nearly 100 pages.  There are so many characters that I started reading this book months ago, put it down and forgot about it.  I picked it up two nights ago and resolving to just read it and not worry about who all the characters were, I finished it in two sittings and enjoyed it.  The buildup is important to set the stage, but young readers might have to be encouraged to get through all the pettiness of the characters, the numerous back stories and sub plots to get into the flow of the novel and the who-done-it aspect of the book.

Ariana is a 12-year-old Afghani-American girl with siblings, cousins, aunts, all living in their cramped townhouse.  The family owns Kabul Corner an Afghan grocery story in Freemont, California.  Things are going along fairly well, despite the recent arrival of Ariana’s cousin Laila who couldn’t be more different than Ariana, resulting in jealousy and disdain.  When a new Afghan store opens in the same plaza as Kabul Corner, tempers and old country feuds resurface.  Tribal concepts of badal, revenge, and honor start to make their way into their American lives.  When the feuding escalates to vandalism, theft, and arson, the kids of both families are convinced that a third party is pitting the stores against each other and set out to find the real culprit.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like that the characters are American, but cultural too.  They are Muslim and mention going to the mosque, but their actions unfortunately don’t depict Islam in a consistent manner.  Most notably they do celebrate Halloween, and they lie a lot.  Because the book is a A.R. level 6.1 I haven’t completely ruled out using it as a book club book.  I think it might be a way to discuss with the students the purpose of literature.  How some books leave the reader with a moral, or something to ponder, while some are just entertainment.  The lying in this book is quite extensive and yet, both the kids and the adults have to lie to get the truth.  The author makes note of it, so at least it is identified as an anomaly, but still I’ve not yet resolved if I can explain to the kids that the ends don’t justify the means in real life.  I like that the book is a mystery, so many books with cultural twinges focus on all the “cultural” obstacles and injustices and hardships, it was nice to read a book where the characters and the store just happened to be ethnic in nature.  I think the characters’ culture adds depth, but won’t turn readers away as it is clearly written for the typical American young adult reader.  There is a glossary in the back, but it isn’t as daunting as other novels out there.  The book is 273 pages and also has an Author’s Note and a Further Reading Section.

FLAGS:

The lying for sure, and the theft.  There are no concerns with relationships, language, violence, or disrespect.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Click to access 365.pdf

Dec29

My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin, Illustrated by Barbara Kiwak

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bilal

The other book I discussed during my Story Time theme of bullying was, My Name is Bilal, by Asma Mobin-Uddin,  The book is an AR 3.5 so I summarized parts when reading it aloud, but at bedtime one-on-one my five-year-old was able to grasp what the characters were going through and how best to handle “mean” people.

The premise of this 32 page, fairly content heavy picture book, is a new family starting at a new school.  The main character Bilal does not stand up to some boys teasing and pulling off his sister’s hijab, and then chooses to tell people his name is Bill instead of Bilal so that no one knows he is Muslim.  Fortunately, Bilal has a Muslim teacher who doesn’t jump in to “save” Bilal, but instead shares with him a book about Bilal Ibn-Rabah, the slave who was tortured by the people of Mecca in their attempts to get him to renounce Allah (swt) and Islam.  Young Bilal, finds strength in this story to stand up to the bullies as well as compassion in giving them a second chance.  He even finds there are more Muslim’s around him and being true to yourself is something even those different than you can understand and respect.

Yes, the book is to neat and tidy and it all works out in the end.  But, I think it is a good introduction to being proud of who you are and not backing down.  I like that the kids essentially handle things on their own and that no one is painted singularly as “good” or “bad,” both Bilal and the other kids are flawed and figuring things out. When I read this during Story Time we talked about it from the “bullies” point of view of what a better way to handle someone or something that you don’t understand would be, a scarf in this case, and how asking questions is always more respectful than teasing. We also talked about being the different one in a new environment and how to be prepared if someone does give you a hard time.  The characters in the book are older presumably than 4th or 5th grade allowing this to be a gateway into discussing bullying a bit abstractly, inshaAllah not once it has already begun.

The illustrations are colorful and realistic, not detracting from the seriousness of  the subject matter.  Overall the book serves a purpose and tells a good story.  Plus, the reader learns a little about Bilal and how the early Muslim’s struggled and encourages them to seek out what their own names mean and represent.

Dec27

Circle of Sandcastles by Mariam Al-Kalby, Illustrated by Yee Von Chan

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circle of sandcastles

The second book by Mariam Al-Kalby in The Prophet Says Series, is just as good, if not better than the first book, The Apple Tree.  Dedicated to her second daughter Maimuna, this story focuses on the hadith, “Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hands; if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest form of Faith” (Sahih Muslim).

The book follows shy Maimuna as she goes from stopping bullies picking on a deaf classmate within her heart, with her tongue and finally as she has to get her hands involved.  Once again the illustrator does a wonderful job bringing the story to life with joyful playful illustrations and detail.  I used this book with the preschoolers at story time when talking about the five senses and with the kindergartners when talking about bullying and being mean, in both scenarios the book had a strong impact on the students.  I’ve had students remind me in passing how we should handle bullies in our heart or with our tongue and even my own 4 year old has referenced the book when seeing people communication in sign language.  Like the first book, the discussion that follows can be different with each reading, which keeps it in regular rotation.  The bullies are not all bad, but one doesn’t feel guilty giving lots for the reader to speculate upon if they so choose. Shy Maimuna has to be courageous and assess the situation if it is something she feels she can get involved with or not.  Mu’min, the child’s whose sandcastles keep getting destroyed, shows us that Allah swt made us each different, but really the same too.

The book has four Urdu words in it, that actually kind of seem awkward and forced, I simply translated them to English when reading to students (there is a glossary in the back), if you are familiar with Urdu they are fine, but rather unnecessary in my opinion.  The book has 32 pages, is hardback and beautiful inside and out. The author’s website has a cute coloring page http://apocketfulofnotes.com/2013/11/14/circle-of-sandcastles-coloring-sheet/ and inshaAllah your kids enjoy the book as much as mine do, I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Dec26

The Apple Tree by Mariam Al-Kalby, Illustrated by Yee Von Chan

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appletree

I have been looking forward to obtaining this book for a while (it was back ordered on Amazon) and over all it was worth the price $16, and worth the wait.  The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.  At story time the kids constantly urge me to take my time in turning the page.  They aren’t incredibly detailed, just very whimsical and engaging, that you want to take a peek and stay a while to play with little Shaima.

The book’s moral comes from two hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)) “When a Muslim plants a tree, whatever is eaten from it is charity from him, and whatever stolen is charity, and whatever is subtracted from it is charity” (Sahih Muslim), and ” There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows seeds and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it except that it is regarded as charity for him” (Sahih Bukhari).

The main character, Shaima, wakes up one morning at fajr to find her Baba planting an apple tree.  The two discuss what “reward of charity” means and the value of sharing.  Time presumably passes, although the tree does seem to grow and produce incredibly fast.  Once the apples are ready to be picked, Shaima finds everyone taking her apples: a little boy, a squirrel and her babies, some birds, what can she do?  The solution is both a lesson and inspiration for the character and the reader and makes for a fun book to get the discussion rolling on a wide variety of topics: patience, charity, sharing, generosity, humility and more, alhumdulillah.

The book is not AR, but is relevant to 4 year old children and up.  The book is hardcover and 32 pages. There are six Arabic words which are explained in the glossary and do not impede the story in any way.