Aug5

Academy Story by Naim Hammami

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Academy Story by Naim Hammami

I dnfed this elementary aged book a few months ago, and pulled it back out feeling obligated that the publisher sent it to me and, I ought to read it.  So, I did, and it is not well-written, but since I read it, I’m writing a review, and hopefully sparing y’all the same frustration.  The cover is pretty cool, so is the idea, and the Islam is centralized and prioritized, but the story reads like an introduction, yes a 152 page introduction.  It repeats itself so often, it contradicts itself within the repeated ideas, and then moves forward at a snails place before ending.  I think it wanted to end on a cliff hanger, but because so little is accomplished up until that point, it feels like it doesn’t end at a climax, but rather the start of the action, which is irritating.  It feels like the author started telling a story orally about a family in a kingdom that when they finish primary school either continue to secondary school or find themselves in a secret academy, and no one knows how they are chosen, or what the academy is like; someone heard that much and told the author to write a book, and they did.  There is no character development, drawing the reader in, suspense, imaginative language, or refinement, it reads rough and I don’t know if it is because it is translated, or because there was never much to work with, but if you have seen this book, and were excited to see an Islam centered adventure story, sadly I’d say pass, it misses the mark.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with centralizing three siblings, Fatima, Suhayl, and Harun.  Fatima is the oldest and is a second mother serving her family, cooking, and apparently enjoys reading, she was not chosen for the Academy and is still bothered by it.  Suhayl is the protagonist who hates school, and Harun is the little brother who is still in primary school.  The first few chapters are the repetitive circling of anticipation and excitement for finding out who gets in to the Academy at home and talking about what little is known about the Academy, and why it is important as today is the day Suhayl will find out.  Why they had no idea about the Academy before breakfast on the day he is going to find out, is beyond me, the world building was an info dump, repeated in the following chapter when Suhayl is now at school.  His friends all discuss that they are going to find out about the Academy, only then to contradict that whole build up and wonder IF they will find out about the Academy today.  We meet the friends, find out some of them have parents that went to the Academy, but do not talk about, as they are not allowed.  The reader is not told what the benefits of having gone to the academy are either, outside of knowing all educators have been trained there.  The book then says how Suhayl doesn’t have friends and proceeds to discuss how close he and his friends are.  When the assembly starts the class learns there is no Academy announcement and no end of the year field trip, instead they will have to come up with a challenge, that is optional, to do over the school holidays.  After rounds of voting and a weird power flex, a business challenge with rules is established and the winner gets to leave school if they want. Suhayl is determined to win, he and his buddy, Yusuf, decide to make fans using the Venturi Effect to sell at their stall and try and make the most profit and win.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the premise, the artwork, the Muslim characters, I even like the business, life-lessons and science explanation of the fan.  I don’t understand how it makes Suhayl’s fan more effective than a regular fan, but the book has bigger problems. I know for many author’s writing is figuring it out or making it up as you go, so I realize the ridiculousness of saying that this book feels like the book is being made up on the spot. It is writing quality that allows readers to get lost in a story, enjoy the words, and connect to the characters knowing that the author has control of a story and taken care of the required elements of a completed book.  The rules of the challenge and how they were to finalize the idea, seemed so scattered, that combined with the weak writing, and repetitive premise building, made the intrigue of a whispered about Academy seem like a completely separate story.

Additionally, I don’t understand the stressing of the three siblings, The book is only about one, Suhayl, and his friends, yet each have a “character profile sheet,” but they are not all together at the start, or even the end.  One profile sheet is at the end of chapter 2, one at the end of chapter 4, and then the third at the end of chapter 6.  If the point is that as the series progresses you will see the sibling more, and it is meant to garner interest, the choice assumed that readers will stick around for a series, and I don’t think the book at hand, will pull readers in to see how the series pans out.

FLAGS:
Secrets, business deception

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

If the book were donated I would shelve it, but I would not seek it out to shelve.

Aug2

Hawa Abdi by Emna Ennaifer illustrated by Anastasiia Bielik

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Hawa Abdi by Emna Ennaifer illustrated by Anastasiia Bielik

This picture book biography starts with Dr. Hawa Abdi being born in Mogadishu, Somalia and shares with readers pivotal moments that helped define her academic and humanitarian journey as Somalia’s first female gynecologist and the founder of the Doctor Hawa Abdi Foundation.  The large horizontal pages with brightly colored illustrations help draw the readers in to the often advanced vocabulary filled text.  According to the publishers, the book is meant for ages 5-9, but I think seven and up, with some assistance, will better understand some of the diction, accomplishments, and what made her such a globally recognized figure.  I was surprised that Islam, and her being a Muslim is not mentioned at all in the book.  I actually doubted my knowledge of her and when I finished the book, I Googled to verify her religious association.  The book starts with a map and concludes with actual photographs that are referenced, but none of the facts about Hawa Abdi or where the information came from are sourced.  While I appreciate that her story is being brought to children through this book, I feel sourcing should have been included, and as a book that is part of a series meant to highlight “inspiring people from the Arab-Muslim world,” I was disappointed that there was no Islam whatsoever articulated in the text.

The story begins by showing little Hawa as an independent girl walking miles alone to get water from the river.  She loved school and often “stayed after school to look at the terrestrial and celestial globes.”  When her mother was in the hospital, Hawa spent months staying with her and observing the doctors.  When her mother passed away she decided she would become a doctor.  She took care of her four little sisters, and studies hard, eventually earning a scholarship to study medicine in Kiev. Her family supported her and she was off to study, promising to return.  When she returned she set up a clinic that soon become a large hospital.  When war broke out her hospital became a village of hope as she took people in, started schools, and kept the inhabitants safe from intruders.

The book really focuses on Hawa becoming a doctor and a humanitarian, thus making any personal remarks about her generalized and lacking.  For example the jump from taking care of her siblings to getting a scholarship is very abrupt, the book doesn’t mention marriage or having children, her daughters are just suddenly there helping run the hospital.  As a result the timeline is non existent and readers don’t know how old she was when her mom died, how old she was when she went to Kiev, when the war started, etc..  With any biography certain facts undoubtedly must be left out, but even a timeline in the backmatter would have been beneficial. 

Jul28

Game Changers: Stories of Hijabi Athletes from around the World by Charlene Smith illustrated by Natalya Tariq

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Game Changers: Stories of Hijabi Athletes from around the World by Charlene Smith illustrated by Natalya Tariq

This 80 page compilation of hijabi athletes from around the world focuses on 13 women that the author interviewed first hand.  Featuring athletes, sports and even countries that might be relatively unfamiliar to the targeted middle grade audience, the book will appeal to both boys and girls, Muslims and non Muslims.  Many included were the first to play with hijab, or the first female to play in their country, but each journey and experience is unique.  Each hijabi athelete and their sport is introduced to the reader over four pages with beautiful artwork, and pulled quotes.  A common issue I have with these types of books is wondering how those featured were chosen, and while this book doesn’t articulate it clearly, at least it sets some parameters in the forward and introduction, that for me at least, allowed me to appreciate the book that much more.  The book ends with four pages of “More Hijabi Athletes” that could have been included, as well as information on perseverance, hijab, modest sportswear, a glossary, resources, index, and acknowledgements.  There are real photographs included at he beginning and end of the book of various featured athlete in action. 

  

I can’t really review this non fiction book in my normal style, so I will simply say that the writing is clear and easy, at times details seemed overly vague, but to keep the continuity of the tone, and the reader engaged, I understand why specifics perhaps were not included.  In the first feature, I wish the infamous photograph would have been shared so the reader could see for themselves what the text was discussing.  Overall, this resource to inspire our Muslim girls is much needed and beautifully done.  I absolutely love the artwork. LOVE IT. The women are beautiful, strong, and the artwork conveys that for each of the 13 athletes.

The athletes featured:

Egyptian beach volleyball player Doaa Elghobashy
UAE hockey player Fatima Al Ali
Basketball player Fitriya Muhamed
Afghani soccer player Hajar Abulfazl
Syrian-American runner Rahaf Khatib
Basketball Player Kiandra Browne
Pakistani weightlifter Kulsoom Abdullah
Parkour Sara Mudallal
Downhill Mountain Bike Racer Sumayyah Green 
Iranian Triathlete Shirin Gerami
Kenyan Archer Shehzana Anwar
Wrestler Latifah McBryde
Skateboarder Nadeen Alhamad


 

Jul26

More Hands by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Ekinsu Kocaturk

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More Hands by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Ekinsu Kocaturk
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This 32 page picture book blends food and the concept that teamwork makes things better, when a young boy asks his grandfather why his pishmaniyah is so delicious, and Grandpa Yahya offers to share his secret ingredient. The book is a fun bedtime or story time read as the more hands needed builds and builds. As someone though who has now read the book over a dozen times, I do wish there was more backmatter. I would love a recipe for the cotton candy type sweet, maybe some history of what pishmaniyah is (I had to Google it), and how it is traditionally prepared. The text dances around the pages, and the fun illustrations will appeal to children and help explain the process. There is a “bismillah” in the book and it mentions “baraqah” on the back cover, athere are also a few hijabis in the illustrations, but the book is universal for all readers toddler and up.


The book jumps right in with Sami asking his grandfather about his pishmaniyah. It is unclear if grandpa was planning to make it, or if it was a question out of the blue, but either way, Grandpa Yahya offers to share the secret ingredient. The ingredients are pulled out, and then more hands are needed, and then more and more and more. Once the whole family, and neighbors, and their kids are all involved it is time to eat and enjoy the dessert together.



As an adult I wonder what would have happened if so many people were not available to help, and did they wash their hands, and how big is their house, but kids won’t care, kids will just think it is funny. And that is ok too, books that show family, community, and teamwork with humor are always great additions to share with our littles.

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Jul24

Tales from Cabin 23: Night of the Living Head by Hanna Alkaf

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Tales from Cabin 23: Night of the Living Head by Hanna Alkaf

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I was genuinely pulled in to this story within a story, 244 page middle grade scary read.  I was not expecting Islamic representation from the Muslim Author, I’m not sure why, but I was happily surprised all the main characters are Muslim and unapologetic, praying, reciting ayats when the fear mounts, and seeing the world through their Malaysian and Islamic perspectives. It was really well done, engaging, spooky, and then it came to a screeching halt, like slam on the breaks, story is over now we are going to talk and explain and make it about family and forgiveness.  I admittedly don’t read much “horror” if any, so perhaps the over explanation at the end is formulaic to put the target audience reader at ease, and prevent lingering nightmares.  Even if that is the case however, the climax in the book came way too early making the explanation way too long.  I would imagine most target readers don’t expect the same literary refinement in a scary book as they would in other genres, but the more “explaining” the book tried to do, the more holes were revealed. By the end, the book made no sense and I wished I would have stopped reading halfway through and had the unknown lingering vibes be the ultimate takeaway.

SYNOPSIS:

It starts at Camp Apple Hill Farm where Melur is for a two week summer camp, when she chooses “dare” and is forced into the woods alone to find the witch that tells stories in Cabin 23.  When she finds herself at the cabin, the story she is told is about Alia, her missing sister who has returned, and a penanggalan that is terrorizing the town.  Twelve year old Alia has moved from Kuala Lumpur to the city of her birth, she doesn’t have a lot of friends, and her missing sister has unexpectedly returned.  Something is off with her sister, she smells weird, and is too perfect.  Alia’s parents don’t seem to want to discuss it, and what is the whooshing sound that seems to follow Alia everywhere.  When kids at school start whispering about seeing things and hearing things, Alia is worried that her sister and the sightings, might be related. Yep no further spoilers here, sorry.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the characters are Muslim and it is just who they are, it isn’t othering or explanatory, it is just part of the characters, that comes out as they try to figure out what is going on.  I really enjoyed the first half, I know that often in scary movies, at least the ones I can handle, the build up is usually fun, and the resolution a little bit of a let down, so I was anticipating that, but this book really seemed to fall apart as it tried to wrap up all the threads.  It ultimately ended up being rather disappointing and I’m honestly kind of mad about it. Despite it all, I will still shelve it for middle graders to read.  We need Islamic rep in all genres for all ages and this one I think is the first I have seen, and for that alone I do appreciate what it offers.

FLAGS:

It is “scary”, there is gore, abandonment, possession, creepiness, no one will accidently pick it up and be surprised.  The cover has a head with its entrails hanging out and the title is “the living head.”

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
As stated above I would shelve the book, I think fans of creepy book will be delighted to see a Muslim protagonist, and the Malaysian rep is nice to see as well.

Jul16

Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan

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Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan

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This 304 page middle grade fantasy book is a quick fun read.  There is no religion in this Muslim authored book, jinn are not portrayed as creatures from Islamic doctrine, and with the exception of Quranic decorations hanging in a room and Zam Zam water being mentioned, once each, in passing, there is nothing hinting or signaling religion.  Even the jinn come across as characters who just happen to be jinn, who have control over fire and live in an alternate world, the book uses their fantasy elements to create an added layer, but the heart of the story is making choices, doing what’s right, being a good friend, and changing injustice when you can. This is a companion book to Nura and the Immortal Palace, and even with the lacking religion, I think I enjoyed this book more.  The plot is clearer, the characters are relatable, the thread of the missing mother is emotional, and the commentary on corporations and labor practices are awesome to see in a middle grade book.  

SYNOPSIS:
Amir is wealthy, really wealthy, and arrogant, and unlikeable, and yet, the over the top framing of him being all these things, makes even the target audience reader realize, that he is also a 12-year-old little boy who is grieving his missing mother, longing for friends, wanting to be seen in his competitive family, and ultimately smarter and more emotionally intelligent than he will ever force himself to admit.  Until, a cat, or rather a jinn princess in the shape of a cat, shakes up his world, by convincing him to come to hers.

Shamsa strikes a deal with Amir, she will help him look for his mother, if he helps her battle against her siblings to be the next heir of the Kagra Kingdom.  Amir knows she is a trickster, it is her nature, but he wants, no needs, to find his mother, so he is willing to pose as her slave and do her bidding.  There are three tasks to test the future heirs physicality, artistry, and diplomacy, and the irony that Amir does not want to be heir to his own fortune, while helping Shamsa claim hers, is not lost on him and will in fact force him to make choices about who he wants to be and what he wants to stand for.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I like that the book discusses monopolies and business and corporations and systemic gatekeeping.  It stays on level and articulates the points it wants the reader to explore with Amir, but does so without taking away from the story.  Also the ability to see all that Amir has, because he is wealthy, also allows the reader to see what he is also missing, and this is done with a little more subtly, some self-awareness, and some quality writing which results in making Amir a little more relatable.

I do wish there was some Islam, jinn are Islamic based and to not have any signaling seems a bit lacking.  Perhaps it kept it so that accuracy or rep was not a factor, I don’t know, but when Amir says that he thought only the uneducated believe in such creatures, it rubbed me the wrong way, just like when he makes a comment that, “those are the kinds of games God like to play with me.” The lines are minor, but when that is the only religion mentioned and it is done in a negative trivial, dismissive way, they carry more weight than perhaps intended.

I like that the characters and plot are solid.  It doesn’t feel like Amir is free-falling through a crazy chaotic world, there is direction and purpose.  There really isn’t a lot of world building or even Pakistani culture, it really is about the characters and their arc of growth and coming in to their own.

FLAGS:

Fantasy, jinn, lying, sneaking, death, abuse, manipulation, plotting, casinos, fears of water, abandonment, abuse.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
Probably wouldn’t do it as a book club, there are teachable moments and concepts that would be fun to discuss perhaps with economic or business tie-ins, but I don’t know that there is that much to discuss outside of what the book offers.  I do plan to shelve this though, so my own kids have easy access to pick it up and read and hope teachers, librarians, and parents will as well.

 

Jul12

Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu

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Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu

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The first few chapters of this 336 page middle grade book were rough. It is a stand-alone companion novel, and I have read the previous works, so I don’t know if my expectation of myself to know the characters being introduced, was additionally muddled because the memories were faint, or as I actually suspect, the writing at the beginning is just weak. Like really weak, but I’m stubborn, and I kept reading, and I was rewarded, alhumdulillah. The book found its voice, its pacing, its heart, its relatability, its layers and I am so glad that I didn’t dnf it. The characters, their community, their tenacity, the exploration of family really stays on level with providing the reader insight and messaging to make them reflect on their own lives, without feeling preached to. The focus of football (soccer) keeps the book light and hopeful, while the difficult themes of deportation, Islamophobia, refugees, theft, absent parents, self doubt, forgiveness and second chances with adults, thread in and out. Many of the characters are Muslim, halal food is normalized as is saying salam, it isn’t focused on Islam but the kids make duas before they start a sting operation and when life changes are presented, also they consider Qadr of Allah when things occur. It feels authentic, and Muslim kids will enjoy that the focus isn’t a religious or cultural identity crisis, but just part of who they are as they take on this next chapter of their lives, non Muslims will feel the same.

SYNOPSIS:
Ali, Mark, and Sami are living it up since Mark’s mom won the lottery and they move in to a mansion with a pool. Sami’s brother Aadam starts doing the lawns to help pay for his lawyer fees to appeal his deportation, and things are looking up, expect for Mark’s mom’s new boyfriend though, he seems to be a bit of a racist. It all comes pouring down when Aadam is accused of stealing money, the boys are no longer allowed at the house, and Mark is prevented from hang out with his friends. Ali and Sami are not about to take this treatment without a fight, they have an idea to raise some money for Aadam with a charity football match, and Mark knows his mom is being influenced by her boyfriend and doesn’t abandon his friends. Ali though, is preoccupied, his absent father shows back up, and his step-brother has just been enrolled in their school. It is a lot but together Ali, Sami, and Mark support each other, stand up for what they believe in, and find ways to make sure they and Aadam are not “kicked out.”

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the commentary on refugees, that it isn’t a political issue, but a human one. The exploration of found family and born family, and giving family second chances impressed me in a middle grade book. I also liked the kids hyping up the community and getting creative to solve a problem, rather than wait for the adults to step in. Whether it was to raise money for legal fees, or solve a mystery and clear someone’s name, these kids really have each other’s backs while dealing with a lot of heavy stresses. They mess up and make mistakes, but the book spending time to show them come back from them is a level of emotional intelligence and maturity that I think readers will benefit from.

I was thrown at a passage that mentioned that Ali can’t go to the mosque because he doesn’t have his dad around. Which made no sense to me as the kid goes to restaurants, parks, stores, on buses, on his bike alone throughout the book. Alhumdulillah, I have wiser folks I can ask concerns to, and my Lit Sister Zainab explained that in fact in the UK some masjids don’t allow women all the time and kids are not encouraged to come unsupervised, so if that stands out to you as well for being completely off, recognize it doesn’t mean it is wrong, like I did.

Truly the book is terrible at the beginning. The barrage of character names, the unlikability of Ali because of how he treats his brother, and the stress of how winning the lottery has made Mark’s life better, is all over the place. I must have read the first three chapters at least four times, before I just decided to plow through and see if the pieces fell in to place, which alhumdulillah, they did.

FLAGS:
Lying, stereotypes, racism, Islamophobia, accusations, theft, lottery, Mark has a crush on Grace, but it is subtle, anger, jealousy.

SPOILER: Ali’s dad was in love with a lady before he married Ali’s mom. His parent’s had him marry Ali’s mom to tame their “wild son” and at some point in the marriage, the dad had a nikkah with the first lady and eventually left Ali, his mom, and two siblings for his other family. The focus is how Ali feels about having his dad leave their family, being jealous of his step brother, and dealing with his return. It doesn’t make it a religious issue or judge if this was permissible, it really stays focused on the parent children relationship and the emotions involved in the leaving, not staying in touch, and the returning. I think middle grade can handle it.


Jul9

Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness by Elizabeth Laird illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

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Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness by Elizabeth Laird illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

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The presentation, the tone, the vibe, the seven countries and stories selected, the illustrations and large size really make this book enjoyable.  With folktales from Ethopia, Sudan, Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and Uighur, some contain Islam and Muslims, and some do not, but the messaging and lessons are for all.  Folktales are often used in classroom settings, and I appreciate that this book can be used in bits or all together.  Most of the selections are 6-8 pages, but contain large illustrations to help the readers engage with the lessons being conveyed. Having read a few books by the author, I think it is clear that the people represented in this collection is very intentional, and these old stories from the occupied, the oppressed, and the war torn in contemporary times, really show the universal humanity of stories, kindness and peace.

The introduction from the author sets the tone before the stories begin. The Dog Fight from Ethopia is a tale of conflict and perspective and pride.  Allah Karim from Sudan is trusting that Allah swt will provide, compassion for the homeless, and charity.  From Palestine, the folktale True Kindness shows the value of hospitality.  The Next Sultan from Yemen focuses on fairness and justice as does The Emir and the Angel from Afghanistan. From Syria the tale of The Woodcutter and the Lion focuses on friendship and being selfish, and finally The Nine Princesses of Kashgar, a Uighur story, shares a story of defending your land against occupiers.

Early elementary kids will enjoy the tales and relate to the lessons, they will get lost in the pictures, and recall the messages long after the book concludes.  This book reminded me of how few folktales I’ve read outside of teaching, and I look forward to sharing this at bedtime, story times, and gift it to teachers and librarians to do the same.  You can purchase the book here from Crescent Moon Store and save 10%.

Jul5

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan Illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

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We Are Big Time by Hena Khan Illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

With themes of being new in school, balancing sports and school, teamwork, focusing on the positive and pushing back on media stereotypes, this 240 page middle grade graphic novel inspired by a true story is a feel good story that can be enjoyed by all.  The all hijab wearing Muslim high school girls’ basketball team is researched and noted in the backmatter, and while often Hena Khan books feel performative, the tone of this is not identity based. The characters are Muslim, they are not questioning their religion, and in fact push back on the media who try and make it about what they have to overcome by practicing their faith, rather than on their abilities on the court.  That isn’t to say that the Islamic representation is strong.  For characters in an Islamic school, a whole page is dedicated to being the new kid in each class, but only one “salaam” is offered.  The team informs their non Muslim coach when they need to pray which is nice, but surprisingly with a Muslim author and Muslim illustrator when the protagonist prays at home with her family, the men and women erroneously stand together.  The framing, the setup, the accomplishments are all Muslim centered, but the book is not particularly Islam centered. The take away of teamwork, hard work, and normalizing Muslim hijabi women in sports is well done, and I think an easy book for kids to identify with as they read the panels of Aliya dealing with stresses and changes, on and off the court. This book releases next month, and I encourage you to consider for yourself if you feel the author has done enough with her platform to speak about Palestine before supporting or not supporting the book.

SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with Aliya, her two brothers and parents stuck in a car headed from Tampa to Milwaukee.  They are relocating to be closer to her grandparents, and the kids are not excited.  The first day for the trio at Peace Academy stands out because the school is big.  Aliya who has played rec basketball in the past, now decides to try out for the school team.  Tryouts are a bust, only nine girls show, so they all make the team.  With hopes of turning a failing program around, the school has hired a new coach, a non Muslim who used to play Division 1 ball.  It seems Aliya might start to make friends with her teammates, but then she is named co-captain which ruffles some feathers, her grades start slipping, and the team still isn’t winning. When the media takes an interest in the team, the pressure mounts to represent themselves, their school, their faith, and show what they can do on the court.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that identity is not in question and that the characters articulate the worries they have about their representation in the media, not because of something they’ve said or even Islamophobia, but just based on the framing of the questions, and assumptions that abound.

I read a black and white arc, so at times I didn’t know who was the dad and who was the older brother, but even with that confusion, the beginning is a bit stilted.  The dad doesn’t know if his daughter was any good at basketball, and the dialogue is so flat to set the stage, that I was glad it only lasted a few pages.  I appreciated that the parents were stressing grades, but were not overly narrow minded, they were presented in a very level headed supportive way as to not fall into a common desi/immigrant stereotype.

I don’t know why the prayer scene is wrong, but the more I try and tell myself it was just a mistake, the more mad I get.  This is why beta reading is so important, Muslim kids will notice, it will make the book feel just that much less authentic, and it so easily could/should have been fixed.

FLAGS:

None, a little bit of Islamophobia, but it is pretty clean

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The graphic novel format makes the book a pretty quick read, and most of the discussion points are handled in the text, so I don’t know that a book club would benefit.  I do think having it on the shelf for kids to pick up and read, will keep the book bouncing from one reader to the next.  I know my kids have all read it…that’s the beauty of graphic novels, just having it around means it gets picked up, read, and often finished, despite the readers age or even interest.

Jul3

Trains & Trainers by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

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Trains & Trainers by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

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This 36 page picture book about siblings, one with autism, is much needed in the Islamic fiction sphere to shine a light and bring awareness.  My concern, though, which is a big one, is that no where in the story or backmatter or even dedication does it hint that the author has first had experience with an autistic individual.  The lack of transparency makes it hard to feel at ease reading the story.  Is it tokenism, is it assumption based, is it stereotypical, is it accurate?  The take away message shouldn’t be affected, Allah swt has made us all unique and special, but when it states in the back matter so generically, to “ask an adult to help you find out more about autism,” it makes the book feel inauthentic. Now for all I know the author has an autistic child or sibling, but that is kind of the point, I don’t know, and because I don’t know, I don’t know if this book is valid.  Literary wise the book is decent, there are heavy handed speeches from the mom, where it might have been nice to see the main character learn those same lessons on his own, but it is often the nature of Islamic fiction books, and this book handles it better than most.  I did cringe at the illustrations with the children wearing trainers in the house.  I know it is part of the plot, but even my kids noticed right away and felt it was off. Perhaps Muslims taking off their shoes at home is not as universal as it once was, and no it isn’t just the autistic child wearing shoes while sitting on the sofa.

The book starts with a young boy quietly turning on the TV as to not alert his older brother to what he is doing, the blaring music though betrays him, and Badr stands in front of the TV blocking Malik from seeing the outcome of Zymbot and Fungulga’s battle.  In frustration he pushes his autistic, non verbal brother, which makes Badr cry and gets Malik a chat from his Mama.

The mom and sons then head to the store, but on the way there, they stop at a train crossing and watch the railcars pass by.  At the store Malik wants to get a toy train, but Mama reminds him that a toy such as that will not last long in their house.  Once again Malik feels his life is hindered by his brother. He says things in frustration that he doesn’t really mean, and regrets, but again gets him some guidance from his mother.

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At home, his Mama prays and Malik contemplates what his Mama goes through.  Badr, who often plays in his own way, then starts playing and pulls Malik into his fun too.