Jan26

Gates and Tales by Sally Zaki illustrated by Arwa Ali

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Gates and Tales by Sally Zaki illustrated by Arwa Ali

This 34 page picture book is adorably illustrated as it focuses on the gates leading to Masjid Al-Aqsa and sprinkles in culture, sights, and history about Palestine along the way.  I love the concept, it is unique, and I love that there are maps throughout of the masjid compound.  I truly learned a lot even though it is for early readers, naturally I wish there was a scannable QR code to learn more, but as an adult, with my kids, or in a classroom it would not be hard to search up Bab Al-Amud, Qubbat Al-Sakhra, Bab Al-Sahira, Salah Al-Din, Masjid Al-Qibli, Bab Al-Khalil, Al-Quds Citadel, Qaitbay’s Fountain, Bab Al-Asbat, or Qubbat Al-Silsilah.  Islam is also woven in, not just in the architecture or history, but also in mentioning the sunnah of fasting on Thursdays, quoting an ayat from the Quran in the text, and the kids meeting up to pray.  The writing isn’t super great,  it breaks down the fourth wall regularly, calling the readers “friends” and asking them to find things in the illustrations, their missing friends, and about foods and the flags of their country.  I’m not sure why the book hopes the readers are “from countries surrounding Palestine,” I found that a little off putting, and I’m not sure why we are supposed to memories the “gates by heart,” or how at the end we are now “victorious heroes.”  Even the defined words at the end, are a bit haphazard: za’atar, falafel and sido, being the only words highlighted, in a book with many Arabic words present. Presumably the reader found all the friends so they did reunite, it seemed to kind of falter, I thought they would show something they all love, or share some snacks, but the book, just kind of ended.  I like that the book is joyful and upbeat, I do appreciate that the last lines do mention that “Palestine is occupied today.  One day, insha’Allah, it’ll be free,” inshaAllah, inshaAllah, inshaAllah.

The book starts with Nidal introducing himself to the reader and letting you know he is going to take you on a special journey through four different gates.  He then asks the reader if they know where we are, before showing us Palestine on the globe.  He is going to “meet his pals at Masjid Al-Aqsa nestled east of the Old City of Al-Quds and includes the entire area inside the wall surrounding the Masjid.”  I love that it explains the area within the walls and the map on the opposite page is helpful.  

His mom has prepared him some snacks to share with his pals, and he puts on his Palestinian flag backpack before heading off.  He goes through Victory Gate.  Then his friend Aisha takes over and tells what gate she is entering through, shares details about the flower carved at Bab Al-Shira, and that her Sido would tell her about Salah Al-Din when they walked down Salah Al-Din street together to get to Masjid Al-Qibli, with its gray dome. Khaled and Jihad follow the same format and the book ends with the kids sitting in front of the Dome of the Rock asking what gate the reader will come through.  

I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Bookstore here and if you use code ISL at checkout you will save 10%.

Jan24

A Little Piece of Ground By Elizabeth Laird with Sonia Nimr

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A Little Piece of Ground By Elizabeth Laird with Sonia Nimr

img_2165-1There are so few Palestinian middle grade books, so on that premise alone this 216 page book has a lot of value.  Because I am not Palestinian, I do not live, nor have I ever lived under occupation, I can argue some of the concerns from a point of privilege, and I acknowledge that is not my right.  I have been asked numerous times about this book and how it frames the suicide bombing mentioned in the text and blurbed about on the back of the book. It honestly is not a large part of the story, that being said, in my outside privileged view, I do not know that a 10 year old in the west will have context to understand the act of this level of desperation from the oppression and humiliation mentioned in the book. This is why I have held off my review.  The truth does not need to be defended or explained, and I fear my reservations will be taken as such, which is not my intention.  Would I let me 8 year old read this, yes, but we will read it together and discuss.  My children are aware of what is going on in Palestine, but Karim, the 12-year-old protagonist supports the bomber, and that notion is not clearly pushed back on. With discussion, absolutely, I think readers, will truly get Karim’s perspective that something has to be done to change the status quo.  The fear when Karim is alone and the target of soldiers, the settlers forcibly seizing the family land, the humiliation of strip searching men at checkpoints, the curfews, and constant fear of attack and imprisonment are all presented through the main character’s eyes, and would also do better with some discussion, so that empathy and duas and action can result.  But, the commentary as to the suicide bombing are minimal, there is even a prank package bombing that is presented as rebellion by a side character, and I would worry how a young child, without guidance, would internalize it.   Additionally, this is yet another difficult book for me to review, primarily because it was first published in 2003, and because I don’t know how much comes from a western gaze and how much the Palestinian voice played into it. Islam is clear on the prohibition of suicide.  In the early 2000 the news out of Israel was often about such attacks, but as an outsider, I honestly do not know if it was simply Israeli propaganda and stereotypes amplifying the idea as part of their public relations strategy or reality, seeing as now that Palestinians have direct outlets to share their daily life under an oppressive occupation, there is rarely talk of suicide bombing attacks. The author states on her website:

“I first visited Israel in 1968, and enjoyed a warm welcome from many Israeli friends. Later, I lived in Beirut with my husband and son during the civil war there, and became aware for the first time of the tragedy of the Palestinian refugees. I visited both Gaza and Ramallah, in the occupied territories, in 2002, while leading workshops for Palestinian writers. I was appalled by the circumstances in which people were living, and became aware that we in the West know very little of what life is like for Palestinians living under military occupation.

I have written A Little Piece of Ground in collaboration with Sonia Nimr, a Palestinian archaeologist, storyteller, writer and translator, who lives in Ramallah. We have tried to make our story as true to life as we can.”

The book is a hard read at times, but the joy is there.  Just as we as adults scroll through the devastation, the humanity persists.  The world may try and forget that they are attempting to erase a rich culture, but even in this book, their is laughter, and crushes, and sibling squabbles, and soccer games and friendship, and food, and joy.  There is a little Islam, not much, the main character is Muslim, a best friend is Christian.  It isn’t present in their everyday thoughts and actions, more just in identifying their faith.

SYNOPSIS:

Karim and his friends are not so much different than 12-year-olds everywhere, he loves video games, playing sports, isn’t so sure what he wants to be in the future, wonders what he will look like as he grows up, and is often annoyed with his family who he loves dearly.  Karim’s life in Ramallah is also unique, he lives under curfew, he doesn’t have freedom of movement, opportunity, or equal rights, and a simple family outing can be life altering.

The book follows Karim and his group of friend as they discover a patch of land they decide to turn into a soccer field, to claim as their own.  They work on it on days they can sneak away after school, in windows of time between curfews, and before long start to take pride in what the land can be. Adopting cats, learning about new friends from the refugee camp next store, teasing siblings about their crushes is all in contrast to Karim watching his father be stripped searched at a check point, being chased off their family land when they are harvesting olives by settlers shooting at them, and pranking soldiers in desperation of fighting back against oppression.

When soldiers roll in and occupy the land the boys have claimed, symbolic of their whole country, Karim gets stuck barricaded in an old abandoned car for days, with soldiers aiming their sights on him, and wondering if he will survive.

FLAGS:

Suicide, systemic abuse, oppression, humiliation, dehumanization, killing, beating, apartheid, genocide, violence, stripping, lying, crushes, occupation, shootings, injuries.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This book does not need tools to be discussed.  It itself is a tool, to help middle grade kids be aware that this cruelty has been occurring for 75 years, this book took place 20 years ago, and today we just have social media sharing these stories more widely.  InshaAllah soon, Palestine will be free.

You can purchase this book here at Crescent Moon Store where code ISL at checkout saves you 10%

Jan22

Palestine: The Special Edition by Joe Sacco

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Written between 1993 and 1995, and compiled as a complete set in 2001, this 285 page adult non-fiction graphic novel is not really something I can review, even if I knew how.  As we have passed 100 days of the escalation in Gaza, on top of the ongoing horrors of Israeli occupation, I am hoping to broaden my literary awareness to include not just children’s fiction and non-fiction about Palestine, but also adult works by those living it, those moved by it, and those reporting on it.

This particular “special edition” has a forward by Edward Said, and an introduction by the author and illustrator.  Once I started the actual story, I’ll be honest it took a few attempts to hook me, with the starting being in Cairo and being a little aggressive with alcohol and talk of women, but once I decided to just keep going, the book finds a bit of a rhythm.  It shows the author himself shaping his own opinion as he interviews, and sees, and reports on the events around him.  It is non-fiction, it is written by a journalist, at some points he acknowledges his bias, but the overall picture presented, is heart wrenching.  That the humiliation and torment and occupation of a people has been so well known and documented and ignored, in light of current events, and even in isolation, is devastating.  The exhaustion the writer feels just witnessing it, is palpable, and the complete ignorance of Israeli, former IDF soldiers none-the-less is stark.

The book is both a reflection of the time with internal political factions playing roles differently than they do in todays conflict.  There are also views about Iraq and Saddam Hussein, which might surprise readers today.  But the power of this book is what hasn’t changed, the torture, the imprisonment of children, checkpoints, illegal settlements, humiliation, restrictions from working, from moving, from being treated as equal.

I’m glad I read it, and spent time among the the ink filled pages. I am certain that many of the stories, particularly the ones from inside the prisons will stay with me and haunt me as I read headlines and scroll endlessly through the statistics occurring in real time.  How can we be so blind, for so long, how can a people endure so much and keep fighting, how does any of this make sense?

Jan14

Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

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Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

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For the last 100 days it seems the only time I truly smile is when I see images of Yemen standing with Palestine.  It is impressive, so very inspiring, and equally humbling as well.  Sadly, there are not many children’s books celebrating Yemeni culture, heritage and joy available to us in the west.  This book published in 2022 is set in the war, with memories of easier times peeking through.  When Belquis is assigned to write an inspirational story about Yemen for a global contest, she is at a loss of what to write about as she is surrounded by “bombings, fighting, blockades, loss, and poverty.” This 38 page picture book is text heavy, admittedly it isn’t particularly literary or memorable, but it shows a culture and traditions that need to be shared with our children.  The media and talking points dismiss the rich history of the countries we are attacking in attempts to dehumanize those affected.  This book does not get political or even name the sides in the conflict, it simple shows a girl and her sister rediscovering their city, their history, and their peoples’ kindness and generosity.  I hope more books about Yemen will enter the marketplace, and I pray for the bombings to stop.

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Set in Old Sana’a Belquis dreams of being a writer, but when assigned to write about something “inspirational” she is at a loss. Her geddah encourages her saying that “Some of the most inspirational stories arise from hardship.” Her father encourages her, and her younger sister Saba, to go to the roof and look out from a “bird’s-eye-view.” At maghrib time as they listen to the athan from the Great Mosque they look out at the 2,500 year old city and the qamariyat sparkling in the changing sunlight, but don’t feel inspired.

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Beliquis briefly laments the looming deadline and the lack of sabaya to eat, but decides to go story hunting by taking Saba and rediscovering their ancient city.  They pass Khala Khadija’s crumbling house as they head to the museum where they are reminded about the Queen of Sheba, Yemen’s original name Arabia Felix, and Queen Arwa.

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As they leave the museum and head to Souk al-Milh they pass lines of people looking for handouts of food and waiting in line for fuel. When the war started, the tourists stopped coming, so the girls are free to browse, and end up using their pocket money to buy bakhoor for their mother before heading back home.  Heavy hearts make them wish they had instead given that money to a hungry family, and when the cracks from the weather and bombs destroy Khala Khadija’s house completely, the girls, their family, and their entire neighborhood will show the inspiring generosity and spirit of the Yemeni people.

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As always, with most every book I read,  I wish there was a map, and while there is a glossary, I wish there was a more robust backmatter section with actual photographs of the many places, foods, items mentioned in the story. This book is important, seek it out, urge your libraries to shelve it. Learn about Yemen, make duas for the people suffering, hurting, and standing up for the oppressed, ameen.

Jan11

We are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis illustrated by Noha Eilouti

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The book is non fiction, the author not Muslim, but here I am reviewing this book because, we are all Palestinian and my heart enjoyed reading this 112 page book that covers Geography, Cultural Symbols, Creative Minds, Agriculture, Cuisine, Performing Arts, and History and Religion for middle graders and up.  The book is a celebration rooted in information and expressed with beautiful illustrations, fun facts and text blurbs to break up the text.  I do wish it was sourced, and I desperately wanted a map, particularly in the section on geography- it seems odd in fact that it doesn’t have one.  The book contains information about the nakba, but doesn’t let it control the narrative or overshadow the culture that thrives in Palestine and in all Palestinians. Undoubtedly, this is an important book to spend time with and share, especially as the global media is currently working overtime in attempts to erase the richness, joy, and even basic humanity of an entire population.

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The section on Geography covers Jerusalem, Gaza, Jericho, Akka, Haifa, Yaffa, Nazareth, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Ramallah.  Some cities are combined and are featured on a full two-page spread after an introductory page for the section.

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Cultural Symbols covers the national anthem and flag, Handala, tatreez, thobes and gold hat, hatta and egal.  I enjoyed learning more about cultural items that have become increasingly familiar, but whose origins, importance, and displays were new.

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The Creative Minds section focuses on people both currently still living and deceased.  I always struggle with books that highlight important people because how they are chosen is always such a mystery, and this book at least acknowledges that this is just a tip of the iceberg cross-section of people influential, talented, and noteworthy.

The Agriculture and Cuisine sections are a celebration of food and resources that most of us who have been privileged to have Palestinian friends sharing their lunch and dinner with will find particularly enjoyable.

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Performing Arts was informative and new to me, and I think further shows the depth and richness of the culture.  It highlights specific people, dances, cinema, and instruments in this section.

The final section of History and Religion starts with ancient history, followed by the Nakba, al Naksa, and then a two page spread on Islam and a two page spread on Christianity.

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Notably not mentioned in the entire book is Israel, and in the religion section there are no other faiths shared except Christianity and Islam.  The author seems to be making a point, by what is included, and what is focused on, and keeping the light shined on Palestine. There is an index, but no sources.

Jan9

Zain and Mima Stand for Palestine by Eman Kourtam illustrated by Sophia Soliman

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I love this 57 page rhyming book from the perspective of a non Palestinian family pulling out their Palestine gear and taking to the streets to protest the occupation of Palestine.  Along the way the sibling duo, and thus the reader, learns about the history of Zionism, birth righters kicking people out of their homes, allyship with those on the side of Palestine, the crimes of Hitler, it shows maps of the occupation, details how movement is restricted, and even how to use BDS as a form of resistance from afar. All on an early elementary level.  There is a game at the end with an activity about resistance symbols, as well.

The book starts with Zain and Mima coming home from school tired and hungry.  They notice Mama is upset and glued to her phone, they then here noise outside and are encouraged by their mother to join the march as she hands them keffiyehs and explains that people are losing their homes in Palestine.

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The kids are not sure of what is going on, but notice the chanting and signs and diversity of people coming together to demand freedom for Palestine.  After the protest they head home and Mama explains the history of Palestine and answers their questions.  She explains who Theodore Herzl was and his idea of Zionism.  Why it is dangerous and evil.  She then explains how Hitler’s actions in WWII gave rise to Zionism in the aftermath. A two page spread of maps show 1947 Palestine/Israel, 1948, 1967 and 2005 in easy to understand visuals. Mama then explains, without identifying any specific country, that Israel has the best weapons and Palestinians use rocks and slingshots to defend their homes and families.  It shows walls and checkpoints controlling people’s movements, and the oppression that has resulted.  When Mima asks what we can do in addition to marching and chanting, Mama explains using our money wisely with the BDS movement.  The next day, the children empowered by knowledge, make signs and are ready to stand bravely for Palestine.

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This book was originally written in 2022, and sadly is still so on-point.  It is available again on Amazon after being temporarily blocked, but I hope you will purchase it from a small business such as Crescent Moon Store where my initials ISL will save you 10%.

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Jan6

Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

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Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

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I have not posted a review since the latest genocidal escalation in Gaza, my heart just cannot carry on as before, but I keep being asked about Palestinian books that I have featured in videos, but not reviewed, so here we are.  This rhyming book is not OWN voice, but I think these days we are all Palestinian, and the tone of this book is accurately love, and beauty, and strength.  It is based around colors with beautiful illustrations for each two page spread focusing on one color.  Meant for toddlers and preschoolers this book works well in small groups and story times alike.

The book starts with an introduction to the narrator, Iman, from the land of Falasteen.  The first page spread talks about olive trees and the color green, then the blue of Dome of the Rock, orange of Quds Ka’ak and brown dates.  Over 32 pates, it also presents the keffiyeh, Masjid al Aqsa, knafeh, kaftan, keys, and Masjid al Qibly. The picture glossary at the end focuses on the Palestinian points, not the colors, keeping the focus on Al Quds.

Oct9

The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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Even though the book is told from the cat’s perspective, the book never overshadows the human cost of the Syrian war.  The beautiful illustrations and clear text do not shy away from the pain and destruction, but allows for young preschool children and up to see the affects of war through the cat’s eyes, as well as the kindness and hope that prevails. Over 32 pages readers are taken to the streets of Aleppo to see the marble mosques give way to boots and destruction.  The little cat observes the changes, notes the differences and when kindness is shown to her, she finds a way to pay it forward.  I had not intended to post another book by Hiba Noor Khan so close to another book of hers, but as atrocities in Idlib increase I felt it a good time to remind us all, that the war is not “over” in Syria and the destruction and loss of life still requires our awareness, help, prayers, and attention.

The book begins with a warm scene of a little grey cat playing and lounging under the sun in a masjid courtyard. When the boots come, though, it all disappears. The cat begins to notice the changes and the fear becomes real.  

But then one day the cat sees humans that are different than the ones with boots, and she follows one. He cares for her, and she starts to feel like herself again, when she sees someone that also is afraid, the cat is determined to help.

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The book concludes with a note from the author telling about the inspiration for the story, “The Cat Man of Aleppo,” and challenging readers to find ways to share kindness.

 

Oct6

Every Rising Sun by Jamilya Ahmed

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Every Rising Sun by Jamilya Ahmed

The lush writing and ever present threads of Islam captivated me from the first page of this Shaherazade retelling.  I truly could hear my own voice in my head reading each word, and falling into the masterful story-telling of the protagonist/author.  With about a third of the book left though, I was sadly stopped abruptly in my tracks.  I found myself annoyed by Shaherazade, and having to convince myself that even though this is an adult read, she is very much coming of age and finding herself, only she doesn’t evolve and grow, and doesn’t have a character arc, and by the end I felt deflated.  Is the book good? Yes.  Would I recommend it to readers 18 and up that enjoy OWN voice, strong female, historical fiction? Absolutely.  But I find myself frustrated, because when the book was good, it was so good, but as the end drew closer, I realized there were holes, big ones, that could so easily have been fixed.  The author has the skill, the knowledge, all the tools, but alas, I didn’t appreciate Dunyazade because she is largely absent.  I didn’t know the interworking of her assistants and friends so I didn’t care about them, side characters were so painfully underdeveloped. And with 50 pages left, I was for the first time perhaps ever, glad that the narrative moved from showing to telling (I know, who am I even). I needed the articulation to connect the dots particularly of Shahryar and Shaherazade’s relationship.  The 423 page book could have, and should have, been a hundred pages longer to not feel so rushed at the end, and there should have been a map.  The book has adult themes but they are handled in almost a YA manner.  The beheadings, affairs, wedding nights, battles, war, are not detailed, but rather identified and moved on from even though they are so central to the plot.

SYNOPSIS:

In twelfth-century Persia the daughter of the Malik’s adviser stumbles on the Khatoon and her lover, she anonymously alerts the King to the affair and the beheading of wives begins.  To keep the country from revolting at their mad king, Shaherazade offers to become his next wife, to assuage her guilt for what she set in motion, on the hope that her storytelling will keep her alive come morning.  Life doesn’t pause however, as Shaherazade spins her tales, but rather amplifies.  She accompanies her husband, Malik Shahryar as they join Saladin in the Third Crusade.  The caravan, the journey, the battles, the romance, all bring the climax of returning home to a Kirman under siege will test Shaherazade’s story-telling abilities to the brink and with it the Seljuk Empire.

WHY I LIKE IT:
The prose is on point, time stood still while getting lost in a world of history, imagination, and the author’s skill.  The constant presence of Islam in the characters life was incredible. It was not established and then left to the side: the times are marked by prayers, the athan is ever-present, the duas are heartfelt.  Yes the characters drink wine, and sleep around, but they also fast and treat their prisoners of war with compassion.

I really struggled with how little I cared about people dying, there should have been more connection and more emotion for the side characters, and as the story progressed, I became increasingly irritated that I wasn’t forced to care about them, to know them, to appreciate what they meant to Shaherazade.

I also felt that the majority of the story took place over one year.  How do you forget that you are telling stories to save your life and (SPOILER) start sneaking around with some other guy.  You have a guard detail that follows you everywhere, you are in a caravan and you live in a tent, everyone knows everything!  Shaherazade is also clueless a lot of the times asking soft questions and then told how intelligent she is and allowed to plot and scheme with various rulers.  I love that she has a voice, she isn’t silenced, that she is never apologetic for being opinionated and her very presence is never a kindness, she takes up space and doesn’t look back, but the inconsistencies in her judgement needed some smoothing out.  Show her understanding grow, and increase her intellect to wisdom, don’t have her charming and manipulating leaders one minute and then being so naive the next.  She should have been so much smarter by the end of the book than she was shown to be in her personal dealings.  Her political knowledge was strong, and she was a force, and that level of insight into her own life would have been a character arc to see.

The book is adult, but it almost reads YA and I’m not sure why, it is sourced, the historical presence is exciting, the words and flavors intoxicating.  I normally love when the characters are shown and the reader doesn’t have to be told things, but the only reason I finished to the end was honestly because I got some telling.  I was relieved to hear from Shahryar what he knew, what he felt, what he could own up to.  Perhaps had there been more showing of the intricacies of palace life with the side characters the book would not have gotten to that point, but the lush writing could only carry the book so far.

FLAGS:

Relationships. sex, kissing, fornication, killing, beheading, lying, hangings, war, battle, drinking wine, scheming, kidnapping, attempted rape, it is Adult, but nothing is overly detailed or glamorized.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would love to chat about this book, I think I could be swayed to love it, or play the devils advocate and argue for the sake of arguing.  Being how highly recommended this book came to me from a dear friend, I’m ready to battle and anxious to discuss!

I got my copy from the library, but can be purchased here.

Oct2

We Know What to Say: Phrases Commonly Used by Muslims by Sabria Chao

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We Know What to Say: Phrases Commonly Used by Muslims by Sabria Chao

The concept behind this 42 book is really nothing new, but the presentation is wonderful.  The large hardback size, the clear inviting illustrations, and the repetition allow the book to be a delight at story time and bedtime alike.  Each Islamic term is introduced by a diverse character with a common Muslim name being asked if they know what to say in a situation.  The child gives the word, the following two-page spread restates the term and when to use it. All the terms are shown at the end in a two page spread along with a glossary and a Note to Parents.

I love the relatable scenarios: zoom calls, rain, getting sick, etc..  I also like the rhythm of the book, it reminds me a little bit of Brown Bear, Brown Bear.  The bright colors, the simple engaging illustrations and the big size make me ecstatic to share this at story time.  So many of the books that focus on Islamic terms for toddler to preschool level are small board books.  They serve a purpose, but we have long needed a large clear book for groups of children to learn, practice, and review together.

This book was nominated for the 2023 Muslim Bookstagram Awards, but you can purchase a copy here