Aug21

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi illustrated by Shazleen Khan

Posted on August 21, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

The themes, messaging and Islamic and cultural representation in this upper MG/lower middle school graphic novel are wonderfully unapologetically present. Yet somehow, I never connected with the characters, and the plotting seemed stiff. I don’t regret reading the book, and I’m sure most readers will be delighted with the main story of sibling annoyance, a sick turtle, and independent kids with reflective flashbacks and OWN voice threads of Islamophobia, immigration, starting to wear hijab, identity and othering. I just felt the tropes were predictable, stereotypical even, and when the dad takes a stethoscope to a medical conference and the TSA agent doesn’t know what it is, I cringed. Seriously, who takes a stethoscope on vacation? Who doesn’t know what one is? I normally love the author’s characters and wish for more Islam, this book gave me the Islam, but I really disliked the siblings, they were mean, angry, and annoying. I own that reading a book about bickering kids a few days before my own five children returned to school may have jaded me, and I do think I found the religious touchstones predictable because I do read a lot of kid lit and I’m older, so while I’m not gushing in my praise for this book, I will be preordering a copy for myself and the school library. How is that for having an opinion and then completely walking it back? Yeah, it happens.

SYNOPSIS:

Twins Zara and Zeeshan bicker, a lot. Zara loves animals and nature, Zeeshan space exploration, and both love their phones. When the family heads to a medical conference in Key West where their mom is getting an award, the kids get their phones taken away by their parents when the two won’t stop fighting. The parents stick to their policy and the two are forced to stick together and entertain themselves while their parents attend lectures. At one point they find a turtle and Zara takes the lead to try and help Sunshine, but will need her brother along the way.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the characters identifying as Muslim was central and unapologetic. I liked the flashbacks that provided a little bit of depth to the parents coming to America and their life in Pakistan, along with the personal reflections about starting to wearing hijab and when the kids started to go their own way. But the airport scene, the identity issues, and the Islamophobia seemed a little superficial and over done. The heart to hearts with the dad and his son and mom and Zara were sweet and insightful about belonging and where you come from, and not being so angry, but they also seemed very natural and in-character for the parents which is a disconnect from the anger the kids seem to carry. If the parents are talking to them and modeling all this, it is a bit of a stretch that they are reacting as they are in the book.

I have a brother, it is just the two of us, we aren’t twins, but growing up in the 80s as the only Muslims in the area with a convert mom and immigrant dad, we came together a lot because only each other could understand the stresses we faced in and outside our home. I thought this book would draw on that universal theme, and I was surprised that the point of the book felt a little underdeveloped. I know MG can handle more than we give them credit for, but I felt like this book built up to have more of a warm hug, than I felt. I wanted more of them plotting together, I didn’t feel like Zara really needed her brother to stick up for her, she wanted it sure, but that was a foot in the door that I think was missed. She is strong, yet was being vulnerable with her brother, and he was able to step up for her, but it needed a few more beats to be appreciated. I also wanted more connection to the turtle, his name is in the title, I thought he’d have a bigger role.

FLAGS:

Disrespect, lying, anger, yelling, bullying, teasing, Islamophobia, stereotypes, prejudice

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book would allow for discussion for middle grade readers who might see themselves in the family dynamic or be able to relate to some of the Islamophobia. It could also cause some worry for some children that being visibly Muslim or having cultural names, and wearing cultural clothes will bring negative differential treatment to them.

Available for order here

Aug18

All You Have To Do by Autumn Allen

Posted on August 18, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This historical fiction YA book was hard to put down. While being invested in the characters and learning about the historical climate from an intimate account, I could feel my mind growing and my understanding deepening. The phenomenal writing quality, and the connection between the two fictional characters from two different times rooted in reality, allowed this thought provoking book to burrow into my mind, and makes me suggest it to high school English teachers to read with their students for a novel study. Add in that the author is Muslim and that there is inclusion of side Muslim characters, makes me really really love this 432 page book.

SYNOPSIS:

Told from two perspectives: Gibran is a high school senior in 1995 at a prestigious New England, majority white prep school. Being aware of the efforts his mother has made for him to have the opportunities he does, the incredibly bright boy isn’t content to sit back and let injustices go unchecked. As he understands his position in his school, and perhaps in the world, he pushes to change how the system views him and on the cusp of the Million Man March he starts to get restless when others don’t support his efforts.

Kevin is at Columbia University in New York City in the wake of the Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. While the country pays service to the civil rights leader Kevin is witnessing the injustices at Columbia, and begins to question what his enrollment at the institution means and the hypocrisy it supports. He also reflects back on choices his own family has made and what he would like his future to look like when opportunities to protest arise.

Kevin is Gibran’s uncle and their parallels show how little has changed in America. The fears of the family, the institutionalized racism, the helplessness of a broken system. The desire for two young men coming of age to decide for themselves where they belong, who they are, and what they are capable of in a world that wants to take that freedom away from them.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The power of this book is incredible, truly. I really don’t have words. I do have words about the side Muslim characters though. Gibran’s sister is a hijab wearing convert and is respected and accepted by the family. Kevin’s cousin and activist is also a convert and a powerful influence on the main character. There are mentions of Muslims praying, and salams are given. The book was beneficial to read, the Muslim characters and knowing that the author is Muslim, and reading the phrase, “In the Name of God the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful” before the dedication was just extra amplification of voices that this story brought to light.

FLAGS:

Racism, violence, police violence, incarceration, hatred, drugs, alcohol, sneaking out, partying, lying, stealing, segregation, oppression, language. The reality of the situations discussed is not PG, but the book does not sensationalize anything for the sake of shock, it is rooted in reality and a YA audience will grasp that.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Teachers, librarians, parents, teens: read this book. Think about what you are reading, discuss what happened, what you understand, and how it makes you feel. Preorder/order here

Aug14

Messenger: The Legend of Muhammad Ali by Marc Bernardin illustrated by Ron Salas

Posted on August 14, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Messenger: The Legend of Muhammad Ali by Marc Bernardin illustrated by Ron Salas

I’m always curious how books about Muhammad Ali will present his “Islam” and this 240 page graphic novel was no exception. I was a little hesitant with the title, and with the foreword establishing that this book is akin to the heroic poems of Odysseus and Gilgamesh, and that “inspired by truth, and truth itself, aren’t the same thing.” I did appreciate that it says if you are going to take a test on Muhammad Ali and this is your only source, you will fail. It seems to recognize that Ali means a lot of very different things, to different people and this book at times is true and at times just feels true. Broken into 12 chapters, 12 rounds, the author offers sources in the back, but leaves wiggle room for creative liberty. I think if you are familiar with Ali’s life the book doesn’t provide anything shocking and you will enjoy seeing it play out in graphic novel form. If you aren’t familiar with him, the book is a little too choppy to paint a comprehensive biography and you will be confused and need outside clarification at times. I looked into the book before diving in, and many reviews say that the story makes his life accessible to middle grade and middle schoolers, the publisher says 10th-12th grade, and I think with the panel of a prostitute trying to talk to him, alcohol being offered to him, the recreation of him being positioned as a saint being martyred for a magazine cover shoot, comments about being with a lot of women, and some of the politics, the book is best suited for high schoolers.

SYNOPSIS:

Framed around the lighting of the Olympic torch in 1996 the book then goes back and fills in the gaps on some of the big events of Muhammad Ali’s life:

Round One: Schwinn. 1954. Having his bike stolen and being introduced to boxing.

Round Two: Olympian. 1960. Winning Olympic gold.

Round Three: Church. 1961. Meeting Malcolm X.

Round Four: Sonny Liston. 1964. The fight.

Round Five: Media. 1967. Interview with Howard Cosell.

Round Six: Martyr. 1968. Esquire cover shoot.

Round Seven: Defendant. 1971. Draft evasion charges and fight with Joe Frazier.

Round Eight: Candle. 1974. Meeting a child with leukemia.

Round Nine: Rumble. 1974. Rumble in the Jungle.

Round Ten: Patient. 1980. Early signs.

Round Eleven: Shepherd. 1990. Iraq hostage negotiations with Saddam Hussein.

Round Twelve: Survivor. 1996. Lighting the Olympic torch.

WHY I LIKE IT:

It does articulate that he parted ways with Nation of Islam in chapter 11, Elijah Muhammad and Nation of Islam is pretty prominent in the book up until then, and then in Iraq it does show him praying salat, mentioning the blessings of Allah swt in freeing the hostages, and noting he is going as the most recognizable Muslim American. I always enjoy reading about Ali and Cosell’s relationship, so I particularly enjoyed those scenes and like the premise of the book established, who knows if they are true, but they feel true and in many ways make Ali seem almost fictious with his equal parts arrogance, humility, humor, and insight. I had to do a bit of outside reading about the Esquire cover shoot, and the Iraq hostage situation, the book did not seem to make it clear, and got me to thinking perhaps some of the other chapters only seemed clear because I had read about those incidents before.

Normally I like books to be sourced and a book that is biographical to be accurate, but I almost wanted this book to just be extravagant. To have fun with the persona of Ali and make him into something of legend that the foreword seemed to hint at. What I thought was going to make him even more so “the greatest” seemed to just provide a safety net of protection to imagine what was going on in Ali’s head during the 12 rounds highlighted.

FLAGS:

There are some offers of alcohol which he refuses, some pointed political positions, a prostitute in a hallway invites him for free, he refuses. He recreates a martyr scene even once he established he was Muslim and wasn’t ok with it, but a phone call to Elijah Muhammad’s son, made it ok because it was for money, there is a lot to unpack there for kids. He makes a comment about being with a lot of women at one point, not in your face, but in a graphic novel, to dedicate a panel to it, makes it stand out. Racism, hate, bigotry, prejudice.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I am a bit on the fence with this book. I think it would work for a high school book club, but with a lot of context. If you are discussing Ali, this would be a suitable supplement in a high school classroom. If you are an English teacher talking about Homer and heroic poetry, I think this would be a great contemporary example. I don’t know that I would stop mature middle schoolers from reading it, but I don’t know that I would be suggesting it either.

If the book seems like a good fit for you, you can order it here.

Aug11

Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan illustrated by Nez Riaz

Posted on August 11, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan illustrated by Nez Riaz

I love the joy and normalizing of mainstream titles celebrating salat, Jummah, and the masjid becoming increasingly available for us to read and share. This particular book is great for preschool to early elementary aged children that enjoy going to the masjid, but sometimes want to put on a cape and be the hero battling aliens, that know how to behave during salat, but sometimes have a hard time sitting still, and parents that want to play with their kids, but sometimes have to get some work done first. With threads of patience, kindness, and determination woven in to masjid activities, the book is both a mirror for Muslim kids and a window for those that wonder what a Friday prayer service looks like. The 32 page book is unapologetic, joyful, and a great addition to book shelves.

Zain wakes up early Friday morning and is ready to save the world. Dad greets Zain with a “Jum’uah Mubarak,” but has to pass on battling the aliens taking over the kitchen. At lunchtime, when dad takes a break from work, Zain tries again to engage him in heroic play, but it is time for Jum’uah. Zain slips on his cape and vows to protect everyone.

When they get to the mosque, aka command central, Zain tries again, but dad redirects him to make wudu before salat. Heat action dries his feet, but the adhan starts and giant shoes and aliens will have to wait, yet again. During the khutbah, wiggly Zain sits by his dad, but when the Imam encourages them to stand for salat and fill any gaps, Zain takes it as a call to duty and races to the front announcing, “Here I come, Commander Imam, reporting for duty.”

The kind Imam knows just what to do, and as Zain controls his focus, even dad finds time to be a hero and battle the aliens on this super Friday at the mosque.

I love that wudu, athan, khutbah, Imam, are all used without a glossary and that the Author’s Note is informative and unapologetic in tying it all together and making the terms clear. I wish masjid was used instead of mosque, but I know that is just my personal preference. I love that the Imam is kind and the dad is gentle and playful. Even when Zain is not getting to do what he wants, he is not unhappy with being at Jumuah, or making salat, or being redirected, he just wants to indulge his imagination. The warmth and joy of the illustrations reinforces the tone of the book, and with the inclusion of charity, and the happy ending, I can’t wait to have a physical copy of this book in my hands.

The book releases on October 10, 2023 and can be preordered/ordered here on Amazon and I’m sure will be available once released at Crescent Moon Store, where my initials ISL at checkout will always save you 10%.

Jul14

Huda F Cares? by Huda Fahmy

Posted on July 14, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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There is nothing quite like reading a YA graphic novel where you feel so completely seen, where you laugh out loud and snort at the shared idiosyncrasies, and where you don’t have to worry that the next page will normalize something haram. This book, and the entire series, are such a gift to us all that I’m posting this review now, knowing full well that the book does not release until October, with the hopes that you will all preorder it. This OWN voice authentic rep needs all the support we can offer it to signal to publishers that we want to see books like this published for our kids, ourselves, to share with our Muslim and non Muslim friends and that we want to see similar unapologetic voices in the future. Huda loves Islam, she is Muslim, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t feel uneasy at the idea of praying in public, or making wudu at a rest stop. Her sisters sing Native Deen’s M-U-S-L-I-M to call her out, she fan girls about We Hunt the Flame, and the entire book reads like time spent with friends who can keep you laughing, comfort you when needed, and who are willing to share their very real relatable world with you as they take on Disney World.

SYNOPSIS:

It is summer and Huda and her family are heading on a road trip to Disney World. One sister hangs back for a Quran intensive, the one sister she likes. Determined to make the best of it she piles in the back seat of the family car with her three other sisters and they hit the road. The 24 hour one way trip is filled with sibling bickering, rest stop stresses, and parental gems. Once they get to the park though, their parents have some surprises for them, and Huda finds herself bonding with her sisters despite herself.

FLAGS:

Fart jokes, bullying, punching, self defensive, hitting a boy in the privates for attempting to pull off a hijab, forced physical touch, lying, nothing YA can’t manage. The title might seem crude to some, I, personally, love the ownership of one’s name, but the book is not offensive.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This book won’t work as a book club selection, but I hope it finds its way to every home, middle school and up class and library. Boys and girls will enjoy the content and I have no doubt, like the other books in the series preteens and teens will be regularly thumbing through the pages giggling and sharing their favorite parts. You can preorder your copy here https://amzn.to/44Be87O

Please preorder if you can, and if you cannot please request your public library to shelve it, check it out, read, suggest, and enjoy!

Definitely one of my favorite books of the year, decade…..ever?

Jul10

Sitti’s Key by Sahar Khader Ali illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

Posted on July 10, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Sitti’s Key by Sahar Khader Ali illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

I try and buy, read, and review every children’s book about Palestine that is published, it is the least I can do. I also try not to compare them to each other as they present different aspects of oppression, perspectives of strength, examples of joy, and messages of hope, even among many similar themes of food, keys, traditions, and culture. I really appreciate that this book though is incredibly blunt. It isn’t lyrical, it isn’t poetic, and as Israel is bombing Jenin as I write this I’m glad it doesn’t mince words about the Nakba. I do think caregivers though, should probably read it first as it might be a little triggering for sensitive children. The story is OWN voice and probably best suited for middle elementary aged children. It is perhaps also worth noting that the book could be seen as making Jews synonymous with Zionists. The characters are Muslim, Islamic phrases and Arabic terms are sprinkled throughout, and even despite the pain the family has endured, the book stays hopeful and proud.

Sitti is coming and Amal is excited, it has been two years since she last saw her. She loves how excited her mom and grandma are to unpack gifts of olive oil, dates, and zataar from friends. Amal isn’t sure what to do with the “old lady thoub” she has been gifted, but she smiles in appreciation none-the-less. When Sitti pulls out an old key, Amal starts to ask her about it, but her mother shuffles her off to bed.

The next day at school, Amal has to work on a presentation about “culture,” but there are no Palestinian books in her school library, so she just watches the other kids. At home they eat and listen to Sitti’s stories of long ago in Haifa, and Amal asks her why she left Palestine. Despite her mother trying to redirect, Sitti says it is time she knew about the Nakba.

Sitti tells about living on the land for generations and how the Jews believed the land belonged to them. In 1948 the British decided Palestine would be the homeland for the Jews. Armed men came and arrested anyone who tried to stay in their homes. Sitti’s brother was handcuffed and never seen again. The family grabbed what they could including the key to their home as they made their way to a refugee camp in Lebanon. They stayed for three years, before making their way to America.

When Sitti concludes her story she hands the key to Amal and her hope that she will return to their home inshaAllah. Feeling the pride and warmth of home, Amal has a determination to reclaim her heritage and share her “culture” with her classmates.

The illustrations are sweet, the mom and Sitti wear hijab even in the home, and the inshaAllahs and salams come naturally. The book does not stop to define zataar or marimya, which helps the flow. I also like how it shows that there aren’t books about Palestine in the school library, it is strong and important detail. I don’t understand where Sitti is coming from though, it would seem Palestine as she is bringing gifts from friends, but in the story it says after Lebanon they made their way to America, so I’m not sure where Sitti lives, and how the logistics of the family work to be honest. I also kind of wish there was a recipe for zataar in the book and lyrics with translation for the song the family sings.

Book is available on Kindle or can be ordered from www.littlehibba.com

Jul7

The Unlovable Alina Butt by Ambreen Butt-Hussain

Posted on July 7, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Unlovable Alina Butt by Ambreen Butt-Hussain

This middle grade book in many ways reads like a memoir, it isn’t, it is OWN voice fiction, but the chapters often come across like short stories with their own climax or punchline. The lacking continuity of smaller threads being resolved means if you put the book down, you aren’t necessarily itching to pick it back up to see what happens next. There isn’t a larger pressing conflict driving much of the book, yes the girl is bullied, but by one kid, and she has a great group of friends and a supportive family, so the intensity is just not present. I do like the growth of the character toward self-acceptance, but I don’t know that the target audience will get the 90s references of Spice Girls, CDs, lava lamps, and gel pens. The book hits most of the stereotypical immigrant tropes of feeling othered by one’s name, clothes, food, and while she works through them to deal with the bully and find her own confidence, she unfortunately never deals with her internalized Islamophobia, which is disappointing. She puts Islam on her parents as something they practice, and only begrudgingly seems to acknowledge she too is Muslim when she doesn’t eat pizza with non halal meat. She is embarrassed when her friends see Islamic calligraphy at her house, hear the athan, she doesn’t reply to her parents salaams, she calls her mother “the most devout in our family” as the reason she has to wear tights under her skirt: she only seems to ok with being Muslim when outsiders give their approval. The book for me is mediocre, nothing to rush out and buy, nor anything to pull from shelves. I’ll send my copy to the Islamic school library shelves as the book is fairly clean: a few giggles about naked statues at the museum and very lightly hinted at boy/girl crushes. The older sister deals with a boy who wants to date her and harasses her to the point of affecting her personality, but I think if a 10 or 11 year old picked up the book and read it, they would be ok to see the characters finding their voice, good friends, and sibling support.

SYNOPSIS:

Eleven year old Alina Butt is in her fourth school in three years since arriving in England from Pakistan. She never fits in, and never has friends, but she is determined that if she can keep her last name a secret, she might have a chance. One the third day of 6th grade though, her last name becomes known and Adam Atkins has his eyes set on giving her a hard time. With encouragement from her older sister and love from her baby brother, Alina puts herself out there to make friends and when the teacher assigns her a new group, she finds herself among three girls happy to welcome her in. The new group also puts her sitting across from Adam, but at least now she doesn’t have to face him alone.

At home, she navigates life as an immigrant trying to blend her worlds. Her loving family lives above the grocery store they own and face Islamophobia and settling in together as they each have to find their strength and voice and resilience to drive, stand up to harassment, and for Alina, to love herself. Alina gets the courage to try out for the school play, but when she lands the part of Gus in Cinderella, she has to dig deep to be happy for her friend, forgive a bully, and step in to the spotlight.

WHY I LIKE IT:

Alina is likeable enough, and I love that she grows to love herself too, I’m not sure she was ever unlovable though as the title suggests. I don’t like that potentially really big plot points are mentioned and then abandoned. She cuts her bangs way too short, her mom says something and no one else ever mentions it, and she never brings it up again. Her dad is so sick he leaves the truck on the side of the road and sleeps and the mom takes care of everything, and what was wrong with the dad is never revisited. These are just two examples of rising action that present that they are going to be important that are seemingly undermined by the lack of follow through.

I love that she finds a way to stand up to the bully and she even helps her sister deal with the boy antagonizing her. It is strong and resonates with the reader, but it should also be noted that as soon as she has friends, they are gossiping and being rude to Adam too. I’m not saying it isn’t warranted, and he definitely is worse, but if she is modeling behavior she should perhaps at least feel bad teasing him even before she knows that he has a bit of a rocky home life. Plus he is one kid with two stereotypical sidekicks, yeah he is annoying and mean, but she has friends and family and teachers that are completely on her side too. And Adam bullies her about her name, but no one else even acknowledges it or asks her about it.

I didn’t quite get the schooling, but it is probably because I am American. She is in middle school, but she has one teacher all day and they play on the soccer fields at break and her kg aged brother does field day with her? The 90s references were fine for me, but I don’t know that the target audience will get some of them, and it might be a little annoying to get through for younger readers.

Ultimately, the way Islam was presented was really disappointing. It feels like we should be past the internalized othering of our faith. The culture was worked through and appreciated internally for Alina, but for some reason, religion was only ok when the outside influences deemed it acceptable, and I’m not sure that in 2023 this angle of narrative is doing anyone any favors. She loves her mom, and part of the character arc is seeing and appreciating her mother’s strength, but very early on mom is labeled as “devout” even though they are all Muslim. And this self othering to be the reason her mom is keeping her from dressing like everyone else left a bitter taste in my mouth. Never once does it feel that Alina has a connection to Allah swt, no matter what she is going through there is no bismillah, or prayer, or dua to ask for help, and strength, or show appreciation. I absolutely get that not every story will have that, but the way Islam is presented as something foreign and never circled back on or portrayed as something that she embodies, makes all the mentions of faith seem deliberately othering, and as a Muslim book reviewer, I feel it is an important point to mention about this book. I wonder if it was intentional or an oversight sensitivity reading would have helped resolve.

FLAGS:

Birthdays, music, bullying, harassment, teasing, othering, mention of naked statues, some sneaking and dishonesty.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I wouldn’t use this as a book club selection, and as stated above I wouldn’t rush out to buy the book to shelve at home, in a class or school library, but if it found its way to the shelves I would not remove it. The book has heart, I just feel like along the way the messaging of finding your voice and putting yourself out there to make friends, the book also hints that the Quran on your walls, modesty, the athaan, eating halal, are all things that are weird, unless your friends think it is cool, then it is ok- and that is not messaging I would really want to spread.

Jul3

Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra

Posted on July 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra

The very first page of this practical Muslim authored, visible Muslim featured, how-to book draws you in with the author’s conversational tone and approach. She presents life as being a mountain we all are born to climb and articulates that we are all given different tools to do so. The book sets out to understand how race and racism affect the climb, how we can make it more fair, and uses questions from kids in the UK as the general organization of the 128 page book for middle grade readers and up. As a Black Sudanese born, Australian raised, immigrant London woman who speaks Arabic, is Muslim, has authored five books, is an engineer and social justice advocate, she acknowledges privilege, and injects plenty of InshaAllahs, Alhumdulillahs, and global perspective to racism, its history, and what we can do to stand up and speak out about it. I do wish the book was sourced, but the first person perspective, and her own intersectional identities, carry confidence and OWN voice power in making the world a better place for all.

SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with a section about how racism started, then moves into what racism looks like today and how it shows up and affects us all. It then concludes with a focus on the action of standing up and speaking up. The book spends time reassuring the reader that the contents might create strong emotions and to breathe acknowledge your feelings and find a safe way to express them. Chapter 6 discusses religions, even though the book is about race and says it does so because it is the same social construct of grouping a very diverse group together because of something “other” that they share. It spends time on anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia. The book doesn’t have to be read cover to cover, it can be read in sections, in any order, there is also a glossary and index at the back to find particular topics to look at.

WHY I LIKE IT:
As an American, I love that the book is global in focus and shows the effects of colonization and attitudes, and thus realities. I also like that it takes time to discuss internalized racism, as well as interpersonal, institutionalized, and systemic. Pointing out schools and how many of your teachers or principals look like you, really drives the points home. I love that there is a whole page on hijab and truly that you see the author regularly bringing in Islam to the conversation which is great. The action steps of what to do if you see racism, what to do if it is aimed at you, are well presented in metaphors that are easy for kids to see why the course of action suggested is doable, logical, and important. It doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that pushing back on racism escalates the situation, and encourages individuals to be safe and do what they can. There are pull-out boxes, comic strip scenarios, bolded and bulleted text, and colorful engaging illustrations and infographics that connect with 9 year old and up readers independently or in small groups.

FLAGS:

The book discusses an emotional topic, but I don’t think there are any particular flags to be noted for 4th grade and up There are important conversations to be had based on what is shared, but nothing is overly graphic or sensationalized.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I think this book would be great to share with students regularly and often. It should be on library and classroom shelves and should be used in small groups, large groups, and one-on-one. The variety of methods that the information are conveyed make a useful tool when concerns arise, and a great reflective piece to encourage children to think deep, better themselves, and be aware at all times about the privilege and effects of their thoughts and actions.

Available for preorder on Kindle here https://amzn.to/3PH98u2

Jun30

The Boy Who Saved a Bear by Nizrana Farook

Posted on June 30, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Boy Who Saved a Bear by Nizrana Farook

There is nothing Islamic and there are no Muslim characters in this middle grade read, but this being the fourth and final standalone book on the island of Serendib, by a Muslim author, with a lot of heart, kid led adventure, and fun, made me want to share it here. The beginning is a little bumpy, and sure you have to suspend reality a bit, but this story about a boy, expectation, friendship, perseverance and saving the day, had me invested and cheering for Nuwan to succeed. The story is just under 200 pages, and I love the subtle references to the other three books with sight mentions of an elephant, a leopard, and a whale. If your kids liked the other books, they will love this, and if you are in need of an easy, fast paced adventure, this book is great for readers 8-12 years old. I felt slightly offended by *SPOILER* librarian villain, but it is a work of fiction, so I’m hoping one bad apple, doesn’t dim the light on a very honorable profession.

SYNOPSIS:

A key has been found that opens an old statue and secret treasure, Nuwan wants a closer look and combined with him wanting to prove himself to his family that he is as capable as his older brother Krish, he finds himself sneaking into the library and discovering something unsettling going on. What starts out with him taking books from the North Library to the Kings City soon becomes him avoiding blame for stealing the key that is making its way to the queen, and saving a bear who wears the key around his neck from being captured by the wilderness authority for being dangerous.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that it is about a boy and a bear, but underneath the adventure it is about a boy accepting himself and finding his place in his family. His friend Sani has to help him see his worth, but she’s a pretty fierce character and I like that they can have those kind of conversations. Nuwan is a good kid and it is nice to see that even though he doesn’t see it, the reader sees how big his heart is, his strong his moral compass is, and how powerful his drive is. I do wish it said what was in the statue, or what happened to the librarian and her husband, but the conclusion stayed on the kids, and it was heartwarming.

FLAGS:

Lying, sneaking, stealing.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I doubt I’d do it as a book club, it is well below a middle grade reading level, but definitely is a must on school, classroom, and home book shelves. The added beauty is how pretty the book’s cover is and how it is magnified when placed next to the “matching” books in the series.

The book is out in the UK, but not yet in the USA: you can preorder/order yours from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/42Nwilp

Jun26

A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

Posted on June 26, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

A journey to and through Medina with a focus on the five senses is a lovely concept for a book and the book is an enjoyable read for young children with the internal map, details about he Rawdah, the inclusion of Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatian, Mount Uhud, Archers Hill, and ajwa dates. The book is a little text heavy, as a decent amount of information is shared, but the illustrations are enjoyable and will help hold the attention of early elementary children. The use of sight, smell, taste, feel and sound are woven into the story, they are not highlighted or the organizing format of the book. Bonus material includes a QR code to listen to “Tala ‘al Badru ‘Alayna,” a glossary, and follow up activities.

The book starts with a little boy headed from Mecca to Medina, “the city of Prophet Muhammed’s (saw) mosque and grave, and a hope to find out why “everyone says Medina feels ‘special.'” As he sees Bedouins in the desert he wonders what they eat and how they survive. He then sees a gas station lit up like an amusement part.

As they get closer to Medina they listen to “Tala’al Badru ‘Alayna.” When they arrive at the hotel they smell oud and fall asleep. The next morning he wakes up to the sound of the athan and they walk the streets taking in the sights and smells. The color of the green dome is noted and the rose smell of the carpet when they make sujood included.

The Rawdah and the umbrellas each get their own two page spread, and then a tour guide takes them to Masjid Quba, Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, and Mount Uhud. The tour finishes with a visit to the date orchards and playing and napping in the mosque.

I wish it used the word Masjid every time, it uses both, and I’m not sure why it doesn’t just say Fajr instead of the morning prayer. I appreciate framing it as a story, but the beginning with the Bedouins and the gas station seemed to slow the story down and my littles wanted answers as to why there were so many lights and how the people in the desert survived. I also would have liked if the backmatter detailed more about Masjid al Quba and Qiblatayn, and Uhud, ultimately I wish there was more showing the little boy feeling why Medina is special and not just saying he now understands.

I’m not sure why I only ordered the Medina book and not the Mecca one as well, they are stand alone reads, but the Medina one references that that they have come after being in Mecca so consider if you are getting one to get both. I ordered mine here. Use code ISL (Islamic School Librarian initials) at checkout to save 10%.