Jun26

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Posted on June 26, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

This graphic novel swept me off my feet and left me in tears, not because of the hard life and sadness that life in a refugee camp entails, I had braced myself for that, but because of the hope and humanity and beauty that is so powerfully expressed and conveyed in this 264 page book. Meant for 3rd graders and up, I think kids through middle school should be encouraged to read it. The illustrations and colors are incredibly well done and the story is based on a true story that needs to be told and shared. It is definitely in the top 10 books I’ve read this year and I keep catching my 11 year old re-reading this book repeatedly (like 5 or 6 times).

SYNOPSIS:

Omar Mohamed lives in Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. His father was killed in the Somali war and his mother has not been seen after she sent Omar and his younger brother Hassan to run with the neighbors to escape the violence. Hasan suffers from seizures and doesn’t speak, save one word, Hooyo, mother in Somali. The two boys have an adopted mom Fatuma, who looks after the boys in the camp as if they were her own. Unable to go to school, Omar spends his days looking after his brother, playing soccer with plastic bags, and waiting in lines for water, food, and news of a better opportunity.

When Omar gets the chance to go to school (5th grade) he has to make the difficult decision of pursuing his own opportunities, with the hope of helping Hassan later, or living day to day and taking care of his younger brother. He is finally convinced that education will help them both, and that if the girls can find a way to do their chores and attend class, he can too.

Each transition from primary, to middle to secondary school requires testing, and only the top get to continue. Determined to stay in school, Omar studies while dealing with life’s many challenges and the daily additional challenges of living with little food and resources.

When Omar and Hassan’s names finally appear on a UN interview lists for resettlement, hope seeps in, but the wait and the uncertainty prove to be yet another test. Along the way there are side characters from the United Nations that show compassion, other families that show how generous and loving humans can be, female classmates show him how to take advantage of his privilege and friendships that move friends to family.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The book is gripping and has heart. I don’t know what I expected, but I truly could not put it down. The character’s stresses are felt and emotions are conveyed so powerfully, that I don’t know that you can read the book and forget it. The most emotional part for me was his honesty in dealing with his brother, the strength of his friends, particularly female, and the bond to Fatuma. Truly their living arrangements and loss of family is gut wrenching, but it was the little things that touched me the most. The honesty of Omar having to decide if he was tempted to not go to school because he was scared. Was he using his brother as an excuse to stay with something he knew. The emotional tipping point of no return for me was when he realized Fatuma would not be able to go to the second interview with the UN and would not be a part of what came after. Of course I knew that, but by that point I was so connected to the character, that when Omar realized it, I broke for him. To feel that connection in a graphic novel was new for me, perhaps a first, and alhumdulillah I am better for it.

The characters are Muslim and behave traditionally with praying and Ramadan and Eid.

FLAGS:

There is talk of khat, something the men chew on the side of the road to forget things. There is some violence, bullying, a young girl getting married before 6th grade and having a baby.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Yes! I am hoping if and when we resume school I am starting with this book inshaAllah, for my middle school book club. There is so much to talk about and understand and empathize with.

Jun22

Is My Mom Like Other Moms? written and illustrated by Humera Malik

Posted on June 22, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Is My Mom Like Other Moms? written and illustrated by Humera Malik

This book celebrates moms over 43 pages, but focuses on the little things that make moms different and ultimately the same. Told from a little girl’s perspective as she sees other moms and daughters and wonders if her mom’s hijab makes her different. Some moms have spiky hair or curly hair, she notices some have black hair others blonde. Ultimately she realizes it isn’t the outside appearance that make a mom special.

The sparse text and sweet illustrations on the 9×9 pages makes the book perfect for toddlers and up; particularly as kids start to notice that people look different, and that not everyone wears a scarf.

The book starts with the asking of the question and then details some little things that moms and daughters do while looking different. They drop the girls off at school, they play hopscotch, go to the grocery store, read stories at the library, and laugh.

All moms she concludes are different in some ways, and the same in others. She then articulates that her mom is perfect and she wants to be like her when she grows up.

The book doesn’t specify why her mom wears a hijab and it is always called a scarf. The book is for Muslim and non Muslim children alike and is a great book to enjoy at bedtime or in small groups.

Jun19

More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood

Posted on June 19, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood

This book is a Muslim YA romcom OWN voice written by a Muslim male. Woah, right? And the actual story, sigh (blush) I enjoyed it, and part of me is disappointed in myself for how much I enjoyed it. Most of the characters are Muslim and all over the spectrum in their religiosity so to speak, there are a lot of jokes at the expense of tenants in Islam and trivializing of certain concepts which really isn’t something to celebrate, but it reads real and there is a lot of Islam that is front and center and deep and though provoking. For most non Muslim readers, I’m sure 15 or 16 and up would be fine with the content and 353 page length, but as a former Islamic School Librarian, I’d have to reserve recommendations to college age. The protagonist is 19, there is talk of sex, but not crass, the main female character has a past that includes a sex tape, and there is a lot of language, but its also really funny and really relatable and really sweet and takes place in high school.

SYNOPSIS:

Danyal is a pretty face, but he isn’t very bright. He goes to an elite private school though somehow, and while he is admittedly dingy, he is also very kind, innocent and generous. He was held back at some point in school and is 19 as a senior in high school. He works in a French restaurant and dreams of being a chef. He has no desire to go to college and as the only son of Pakistani immigrants, they are not thrilled with their son’t future plans. Danyal is pretty chill about it though and his mom wants to arrange his marriage, and he is willing, although he is crazy in love with his friend’s twin sister. He is religious and hasn’t really broken any of the Islamic relationship rules, he prays fajr, and just kinda floats through life doing the best he can and forgiving himself and others when they mess up.

When his mom arranges a meeting with Bisma he is willing to get to know if they are a match. She however, fully discloses her past to him when they head out for coffee, which involves her rebelling, once a few years earlier, against her father and going to a party, further rebelling and getting drunk and then making the poor and regrettable choice to sleep with someone. To make matters worse, the event was video taped and spread around the community forcing the family to move. Bisma is pretty religious and really studious and really sorry, but her father and most community people don’t let it go. Danyal thinks that is stupid, one mistake shouldn’t haunt her forever, unfortunately he doesn’t think chivalry and pity are enough of a reason to marry her as he doesn’t think they are meant for each other. Basically, he is still really crushing on Kaval. So he and Bisma decide to be friends.

When Danyal’s history teacher in a fit of spite nominates Danyal for a prestigious Renaissance Man competition, Danyal calls on Bisma for help. The topic is Winston Churchill, the beloved British leader, but Danyal quickly learns he is not beloved by most Indian subcontinent people. Kaval offers to help so that Danyal can win the competition, impress her parents and then maybe give them a chance. But, suddenly Danyal doesn’t know if that is what he wants. He wants to be himself, he wants to be accepted, he wants Bisma.

WHY I LIKE IT:

You know how it is going to end, you don’t know entirely how it is going to get there, but you know where it is headed, yet the book is still compelling and fun. Between the banter of the religious friend, and the no longer religious friend, the advice the French Chef bestows on Danyal and Danyal’s complete and utter cluelessness to everything, the book is really warm and the characters really like-able. I dislike the stereotype of the “religious” character, but the other side characters are better developed.

On occasion I think Danyal’s stupidity is over done, he isn’t an idiot, he just isn’t book smart. So when he doesn’t know what “break a leg” implies for example, it seems a tiny bit off. I know his friends say he isn’t funny, but I think he is hilarious, especially with his commentary on the Desi community. “It is the curse of brown boys everywhere. We either die young or we live long enough to see ourselves become uncles.”

The role of Islam is incredibly prominent, and the characters understand what it means to be Muslim differently. Sometime I agreed with them, sometimes I didn’t, sometimes the characters didn’t agree with each other, sometimes they did. There is a lot to think about: destiny, Allah’s mercy, Qalb-e-saleem (a pure heart), caring for the less fortunate. Even politically there is a strong thread of colonialism, which the characters wrestle with and with being immigrant’s children. There is a lot packed in, but it flows so smooth and the writing rich with authenticity, that quite often I would laugh out loud and read various lines to my young children.

FLAGS:

Talk of sex and losing virginity, but not detailed, just stated. The chef is a lesbian. There is lots of language including the F word, not thrown in effortlessly, usually for a reason, and often reprimanded. There are a few kisses on the cheek and lips between Danyal and Bisma, but in a Disney princess movie sort of way.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Not for middle or even high school book club. I don’t think that it is a completely “halal” romance story, but I think I wouldn’t be concerned if juniors and seniors were reading it, I think they would love it, and I might just have a few that I want to suggest it to…

Jun15

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Trisha Springstubb illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Posted on June 15, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Trisha Springstubb illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

This 32 page book for ages 5-8 is a perfectly presented story about inter-generational and intercultural friendships. Big on sentiment and heart while keeping the text short allows the compassion the two friends have for each other and their actions of showing how they feel toward one another speak volumes. The illustrations appear to be cut paper and add to the thoughtfulness that the story presents.

Khalil and his family live upstairs and are noisy. Mr. Hagerty is quiet and lives downstairs. The two bond over their love of the back yard. While Mr. Hagerty works in his garden, Khalil hunts for bugs and rocks and treasure.

When Khalil doesn’t know a word, Mr. Hagerty teaches him. When Mr. Hagerty can’t remember a word, Khalil helps him.

That summer it is hot, really hot. The carrots are all shriveled, and Khalil can’t dig the hard earth for treasures either. So the two decide to have “refreshments,” which means chocolate cake and milk.

That night, the two friends separately plot to cheer the other up. They put their plan in to action and, no I’m not going to spoil the sweet acts the two do for each other. But it is clever and sweet and all the things that make a feel good story stick with you and remind you that age and culture and color are nothing when two people open their hearts to learn and grow.

There is no reason anyone casually reading the book would think that Khalil is a Muslim, and who knows maybe he isn’t, but the name Khalil caught my attention and the author’s dedication is to a Khalil, Muhammad, Fatima, and Adam. So yes, I totally am claiming it. Even if it isn’t, the old white man, and the young boy of color bonding is a great message in-and-of itself that we need to see more of in literature and real life.

Jun12

Stuck in the Middle by Sumayyah Hussein illustrated by Diana Silkina

Posted on June 12, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Stuck in the Middle by Sumayyah Hussein illustrated by Diana Silkina

At 122 pages this early chapter book with frequent illustrations is a great book to share with 2nd-5th graders. It is has a great message and lesson with lots for children to relate to with regards to life with siblings, getting frustrated, making mistakes and recovering. The lesson is strong, but doesn’t become preachy as the protagonists voice rings true to her age. Mistakes are made by many characters and situations are fleshed out so the reader can understand why things are done. By showing that there isn’t one side to a story, and that knee jerk reactions are common, readers will get that ultimately we are still responsible for how we act, and learning from our transgressions is part of growing up.

SYNOPSIS:

Salma is the middle child in a busy family, and very little is in her control. When her frustration over her brother stealing a chocolate bar, causes her to lose her cool, and then she is forced to run errands with her family, homework doesn’t get done in time and she finds her self in detention. Normally a very good student, teachers and other students are shocked that Salma is in trouble. Things don’t improve when her brother steals her carrot cake the next day, and in a plot to get even, Salma ruins her brothers brand new PS4 controller. She also turns a blind eye at school when she sees someone picking on him.

Doing her best to avoid being discovered as the culprit, or being in a position to see her brother being bullied, her guilt starts to get to her. When an ambulance has to come to the school for a kid that got pushed and needs stitches, she realizes she has to make things right, even if that means getting in trouble.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that it is so relatable, honestly switch Salma with my middle son Haroon, and the 13 year old boy that doesn’t want to go out with the family, with my 13 year old daughter that doesn’t want to go out and we are looking in a mirror, haha. The family is Muslim and they practice and let the religion shape their view of the world and how to function within it. The girls wear hijab and use the hadith premise that they have to fix a bad deed with a good deed to provide the solution to the mistakes made earlier in the story.

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I already made my middle child read the book, and because of the length it wouldn’t lend itself to a book club, but I can see teachers having kids read it and then discussing, just like I am doing in my family. It is sweet and well done and a great addition to your bookshelf.

Jun8

Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Posted on June 8, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Ebony Glenn

This 32 page picture book meant for preschool to 3rd grade really should be required reading for EVERYONE. So many lessons, so beautifully conveyed in the simple text and beautiful illustrations that I made each of my kids read or listen to it and then discuss: self confidence, nay sayers, self esteem, race, passion, body image, kindness, and perseverance to name a few. Accelerated Reader Level is 3.2 as older kids will understand a bit more than the younger ones, but I truly believe all will benefit. Written by a Muslim woman of color, featuring a girl of color and illustrated by a woman of color, this OWN voice book has it all for girls and boys alike.

Tameika loves to sing and dance and be on stage in front of an audience (stuffed and unstuffed). She feels like she can be anything she wants and when her school puts on a production of Snow White she can’t wait to audition to be a princess.

She arrives early the first day of auditions and helps her friends with their lines and nerves. But then she hears them whispering that she can’t be Snow White. “She’s too tall, too chubby, too brown.”

Their words deflate her as she internalizes their thoughts about her. She doesn’t feel like singing or dancing and she questions her appearance. Her mom tries to build her back up. Her father reinforces her qualities, and slowly she starts to think maybe her parents are on to something.

The next day she has to face her fears and when she steps out on to the audition stage. She knows what she loves, she knows the joy it brings her and she has to dig deep to push the negative away and shine.

Yes, I’m going to spoil the ending, she gets the part and she rocks it, ok I’m projecting based on her smile. But it truly isn’t about getting the part and excelling at it, it is trusting that you are perfect as you are and confidently owning it.

The book is available everywhere, even the library, so please go get it, read it with your kids and get discussing! Fiction is a great start to talk about racism and fat shaming and all the other things that you think are hard, but kids need to hear and see and talk about from a very early age.

Jun5

Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know by Samira Ahmed

Posted on June 5, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know by Samira Ahmed

I really should give up reading Samira Ahmed books. This is the third one I’ve read, and while she is definitely getting better, I still don’t know why her editors don’t fix her flat notes. Like in Internment, the premise in this book is amazing, but other parts are just cringe-y and painful and really, really unnecessary. My guess is, she would identify herself as a romance YA author, and yet consistently in her works, that is the most lacking part: the character building and forced romances. The art history mystery, the inspiration and “real” life of the characters from the past, the setting of Paris in the summer, the fight for woman to be heard are all so well done and compelling and interesting that this romp that blurs fact and fiction might deserve a read, but you have to overlook the forced love triangle, excessive kissing, be willing to suspend reality regarding Alexandre Dumas, Eugène Delacroix, and Lord Byron, artifacts and sleuthing, but if you can do all that, this 337 page book for 9th grade and up, is definitely fun and hard to put down.

SYNOPSIS:
The protagonist is 17-year-old French-Indian-Muslim-American Khayyam, who is spending her summer in Paris with her professor parents like they do every year. But this year is different as she is being ghosted by her boyfriend Zaid back in Chicago and has just been humiliated by her poor research attempts to link a missing painting from artist Delacroix to author Dumas in an entrance essay competition to her dream school. Khayyam’s story is really just beginning though as she steps in dog crap and bumps into a descendent of Alexandre Dumas as she wipes it off. A cute descendant, who shares the name with his distant grandfather, and viola’ the two of them are off on a whirlwind adventure of clues and attraction and mystery solving.

Khayyam’s story is interwoven and told between small glimpses of Leila’s story. Leila is a Haseki, a chosen concubine of the Pasha in Ottoman Turkey, but the lover of Giaour and friend of the jin. As we learn her story from 200 years earlier and her struggle to break free of her gilded cage in the harem, only to be defined by the artist and poets and author men around her, her story and Khayyams collide.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I know precious little of art history, I can name drop a few artists and paintings, but that is being generous, so the fact that I have no clue what is real and what is fake and what is possible, made this story all the more fun and engaging. Yes, I researched, aka Googled, stuff as I read and am perfectly content to accept the fictional what ifs that the book offers. I love how the art world and literary world are one in the book and that they inspired each other. The way the sleuthing, the finding of artifacts, and unraveling of it all is presented is indeed a romp. Realistic? Not a chance, but fun. I also love how both Khayyam and Leila had to define themselves and ultimately not do it in the reflection of a male.

The rest of the book, is a bit of a stretch. Leila’s story naturally has holes in it as it is told in broken pieces, but Khayyam’s story does too. I just didn’t care about her past boyfriend/ex-boyfriend/friend, whatever Zaid is or was, and clearly after moping about him for 300 pages and then not even giving him a proper goodbye, means that the author and character didn’t really care either, which made the already forced, cringe-y annoyingness all the more grating. As for the relationship, the other piece in the triangle, with Alexandre, was fine in that there was angst, but they put it aside to solve the mystery, so it didn’t bother me too much. Of course the fact that Khayyam is a practicing Muslim who seems to have no problems with boyfriends, and making out and that her parents don’t mind either, makes the faith aspect all the more befuddling. I guess practicing might be a stretch, her mom and her go to Jummah prayer on Friday, thats about the extent, and she mentions she doesn’t drink. Zaid, sets up a tutoring program at the masjid, but his instagram has him hanging all over girls too, so not sure why the characters are even Muslim. I suppose it is good to have that diverse representation, but it doesn’t seem to make much necessary sense to the overall story.

FLAGS:

Implied concubine activities, with the Pasha and the lover. Lots and lots and lots of kissing, nothing graphic, but annoying amounts of it being mentioned.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I want someone to discuss it with me and point out where the facts end and the speculation starts and when the full on fiction takes over. I don’t think I could use this book as a book club book because of the center stage of the haram romances in both Khayyam’s time and Leila’s. But if you have read it, talk to me about it, I’m curious!

NPR’s Review: https://www.npr.org/2020/04/11/831873365/in-mad-bad-dangerous-romantic-sleuths-uncover-a-byronic-secret

Jun1

Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi

Posted on June 1, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi

This sweet 32 page book is the purr-fect way to introduce the arrival of a new baby to toddlers and preschoolers. Instead of siblings preparing for a new arrival, it is three very different cats that need reassurance that there is enough love to go around.

Minouche, Pasha, and Amir live with their humans Myriam and Sami, and life is good. Minouche likes to hide, Pasha is regal, and Amir the Siamese is very curious. One thing they all have in common though, is they like to curl up on Myriam’s belly.

And her belly is growing! They are finding it harder to fit, and it even moves. Then one day Myriam and Sami leave early in the morning without even saying good-bye.

Finally she comes home. She is carrying a basket and disappears in the room without even acknowledging the cats. The cats sneak in and see a funny little creature that squeaks.

Grandma steps in to assure the curious little cats that there is enough love for the new baby, Ayla, and them. Feeling confident, the proud cats take on protecting their little human and the family full of love.

There isn’t anything Islamic in the book, but it definitely is culturally rich in the names, illustrations and the author is Moroccan.

The sweet book would be a great way to get siblings comfortable with a new one on the way and let them talk about how the cats thought, felt, and handled the change. Even children not about to have a new addition will find the silliness and sweetness entertaining and enjoyable. The pictures are gorgeous and fun and the text and presentation perfect for bedtime, story time, and anytime.

May29

Running Overload by Jake Maddox illustrated by Tina Francisco

Posted on May 29, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Running Overload by Jake Maddox illustrated by Tina Francisco

This 72 page graphic novel features a female Muslim protagonist trying to balance her desire to be a great cross country runner and the rest of her life. Meant for 3rd graders, the lessons are applicable and relevant for readers in middle school as well.

SYNOPSIS:

Nimo Mohamed has made the varsity track team, and is determined to keep up with the older girls. She is training too hard which her coaches and parents warn her against, but she doesn’t listen. As a result she is lying to her family about what she is doing, her grades are suffering, and her body is exhausted to say the least. After coming dead last in a meet, getting a D on an English test, and injuring her knee, the truth comes out and her dad has her quit the team. Can she convince him to give her one more chance? Can she learn to pace herself?

WHY I LIKE IT:

There is nothing Islamic in the book except for the main character’s family. The women wear hijab when out, not at home and they have Islamic sounding names. I like that she is modestly dressed when she runs and that no one seems to care that she is Muslim. This story is not about her faith, it is a universal story of balance, and the character highlighting the moral is Muslim. Her parents are divorced, but are on the same page regarding her running and school balancing act, and they come together to support her. I also like that the book is a sports book and has a female girl of color as the lead. There is a lot of very intentional diversity in the book and it is refreshing to see.

There are questions at the end, and running vocabulary and tips for running as well.

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book wouldn’t lend itself well to a book club, but would definitely provide one-on-one discussion opportunities. The short linear story is all about imparting teachable moments on the reader, which isn’t a bad thing, but I think the real strength is that the book is one of a larger series that should really be in every classroom and library to show how balance and integrity and strength and diversity are values that we need to hear over and over, not just in one running book, but from a lot of different sources.

May25

My First Muslim Potty Book by Yousfa Janjua illustrated by Golnar Servatian

Posted on May 25, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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My First Muslim Potty Book by Yousfa Janjua illustrated by Golnar Servatian

I’m not sure why this book is just coming out now and why I never realized how important it is. It sounds silly, but we as Muslims are very precise about our bathroom habits and cleanliness and the fact that this is the first book to address it for children is actually, kind of surprising. But Alhumdulillah, you only need one if it is done well, and over 16 pages of cute illustrated rhyme filled pages, istinja is explained and normalized. The book is a great tool to use, not only, when potty training toddlers, but also for reviewing with your preschooler when they might be leaving home for the first time and/or seeing other people’s bathroom habits.

The book starts out with a thorough “Note to Parents” explaining istinja, tahara as well as giving parents some tips to handle potty training in general. The book starts by noting how you started out as a baby and are now growing and part of the growth has you ready for big kid underwear.

It talks about what it feels like when you need to go, and how when that feeling happens, you need to hurry to the bathroom. If you hurry and still have an accident, we (the parents) will clean it up and not to worry.

The book teaches that you enter with your left foot, and ask for help if you need it. That you sit down to do your business because poop and pee are najis, impure. You then have to do istinja, which is like a germ fighting ninja!

It teaches the toddler to call for mom or dad to wash them with the lota or bidet or pot using their right hand to pour and their left to wash. You then use toilet paper to dry. After you flush, you wash your hands for 20 seconds, leave with your right foot and be done.

The book then has a glossary, some ayats of Quran and some Hadith as well as Duas relating to the bathroom. The 8×8 hardback book is done really well and conveys the key points on a kid’s level, which is great.

I love that the book uses Islamic Arabic words and shows a diverse family being patient and encouraging. I am fine with the child illustrated as reading a book while on the toilet, but I think some parents might frown on that. The book is meant for Muslim kids, and does a good job of showing the practicing family in the illustrations and in the text.

Thank you to Crescentmoonstore.com for their great price and service!