Category Archives: 3rd grade and up

Apr12

Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid and Shadia Amin

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Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid and Shadia Amin

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I admittedly wanted to read this book because the author is of Palestinian descent. I have seen clips of her standup and I’m not a huge fan, although I do appreciate that she doesn’t deny her culture and Islam, doesn’t let her cerebral palsy keep her from working toward her dreams, and that she is successful.  All good messages for a 256 page middle grade graphic novel that is not autobiographical, but draws on her life none-the-less.  I was surprised, though, that there are no Palestinian references in the book, very few Arab cultural touchstones either, and yet swearing on the Quran and not eating pork are presented fairly often, almost as “bits” to be laughed at.  I truly understand that the character is presented as culturally Muslim more than centering Islam in her identity, but perhaps because the protagonist, Bay Ann, is rather unlikeable, it just rubbed me the wrong way.  I love that the people in Bay Ann’s life do not caudle her, and that she is fierce and dramatic and driven, but she is an awful friend, her obsession with Alyee Maq (yes full names are used throughout) gets annoying, and I worry that some of the humor will be missed for the younger target audience and be taken as Muslim or Arab norms.  The presentation of a disability in a well illustrated graphic novel is empowering, an amazing Arab dad is nice to see, a divorced family co-parenting is important, but the foundation for much of the story is Bay Ann’s crush on Alyee Maq, he does kiss her on the cheek for social media likes, the book starts with Halloween Idol, features dancing throughout, and concludes with a Nondenominational Holiday Spectacular.  Bay Ann’s mom is not very kind or involved, and Alyee Maq’s mom, the only hijabi in the book, also is rather rough.  This is a book where I acknowledge my own overthinking, as both an adult reader and reviewer.  If you are ok with the (random) Islamic rep, kids will benefit from seeing Bay Ann as a fully capable person who happens to have a disability.  I’d suggest seeing if your local library has the book and looking through it first to see if you are comfortable passing it on to your kids.

SYNOPSIS:

Bay Ann is a tap dancer and with Halloween Idol coming up, she plans to win.  Her best friend Michelle is going to do her make-up as a zombie bride, and be her zombie bridesmaid with Davey Matt, the third in their trio, being the dead ring-bearer dog.  They can’t be her backup dancers because she is a one woman show, but she needs them to cheer her on.  When she wins, she has the spotlight stolen from her by Alyee Maq kissing her claiming he is making “a sick girls dream come true.” The clip goes viral, as Alyee Maq is a bit of a celebrity and the competition is on.  Whether it is science fair, social media posts, or the class debate, Bay Ann is determined to knock Alyee Maq down, claim the online spotlight, and  prove her talent is more than her disability.  With each attempt failing, her resolve grows stronger and her tunnel vision pushes those closest to her away, as she joins Alyee Maq with the hopes that if she can’t beat him, she will join him and achieve the fame she seeks.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I know the book is rather intentionally ridiculous, but I wanted to cheer for Bay Ann, and I never really liked her.  I don’t like how she treats Davey Matt, or even Michelle.  If she was better to them at the beginning, I think it would have shown how disconnected her mom Malak is as well as the school administrators, and made it more funny, but it truly just makes her seem like she is awful to everyone, and thus you don’t really find yourself invested in her stardom, her friendships, or her defining her own narrative.

I wish their was some Arab rep, not just a few Arabic words tossed in here and there.  I also wish there was more Islamic centering, or honestly even less. The swearing on the Quran really bothered me, Friday prayer is mentioned in passing, but there is no impact on the characters or the story, so it seemed misplaced.

The pacing of the story is rushed, and at times a bit chaotic.  I think it is intentional, but it makes it hard to connect to the characters or to grasp their motivations.  I don’t know that I truly ever understood why Bay Ann wants the spotlight, or why Alyee Maq is famous, or why Davey Matt hangs around Michelle and Bay Ann when they belittle him. It doesn’t need to be thoroughly explained, but when you finish the book, and feel exhausted, but can’t even articulate what the book was really about other than a girl that wants to be famous for her talent not her shaking, and won’t let anything or anyone get in her way, it seems like some opportunities were missed.

FLAGS:

Close male and female friendships with touching, an unwanted kiss, lying, manipulation.  Swearing on a Quran, disrespect. Using people.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don’t know that I would seek this book out to own, but in an Islamic school library if it found its way in, I would probably not object to it being shelved.

Mar31

Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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It doesn’t matter how many Word documents you read, Goggle docs you add comments to, and screen shots you revise; to hold a physical book in your hands that you have been blessed to observe from the sidelines through numerous revisions, is mind blowing.  Reading the final version from page 1 to page 324, plus the backmatter, has left me at a loss for words with tears streaming down my cheeks. I truly cannot imagine the book any other way. All past drafts and storylines, were just stepping stones to get the book to this version, and as a fan of literature my whole life, to see this metamorphosis in real time has added to my respect and admiration of authors.  Enough about me though, this review is of the middle grade novel in verse that tells the story of Syrian American Kareem, a loveable boy caught in between choices, siblings, friends, labels, and global acts beyond his control.  He makes mistakes, he tries to make things right, and at the center of it all is his Islamic identity, love of football, and genuinely good heart.  I am biased in that I have self appointed Kareem as my nephew, but even after dozens of readings, I was moved to tears three times during the course of this reading.  I made my teens read the book and they loved it, and like them, we hope we get more Kareem in the future.

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SYNOPSIS:

Kareem loves football, particularly the Bears, and dreams of seeing his Arabic name on an American jersey one day in the NFL.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t made the school team, his best and only friend Adam has moved away, and the coach’s son is offering to talk to his dad for Kareem in exchange for some school help.  Add in a new Syrian kid at school, his mom going to Syria to take care of his grandfather, and the fruition of Executive Order 13769 aka the Muslim Ban, and seventh grade has Kareem scrambling on every down to say the least.

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WHY I LOVE IT:

The football framing, the literary inclusions, the Arabic, the Islam, all combine with such tangible heart to create a seamless read both as a compelling story and as an example of literary craft.  The language is on point and intentional, that even if you don’t know the character or novel referenced, the Arabic words included, or football terminology used, you will be invested in the characters and plot, and find yourself cheering for Kareem.  Often debut authors show promise, but their stories have plot holes, or pacing issues, or inconsistencies, that is not the case with this book.  The crumbs are there that tie everything together, the depth of the characters’ personalities reveal how developed they are, and the timeline keeps the book moving forward.  There are no dry or slow spots in the entire novel, it is easily read in one sitting as you find yourself nervous for Kareem, and curious how it will resolve.

Boys and girls, Muslims and non Muslims, Arabs and non Arabs, all will find themselves drawn to this book, and thinking about the characters, particularly Kareem, long after the final page is read.

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FLAGS:

Some stress and anxiety with missing parents.  Death, bullying, cheating, fighting, lying, racism.

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TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book is a solid middle grade, but the quality of writing and engaging plot makes it work for a middle school book club read as well.  I cannot wait to share this book widely.

Preorders speak volumes and I truly hope if you are able that you will preorder a copy, you can do so here.  Requesting your local public library to shelve the book is also a tremendous help to signal to publishers what type of stories and OWN voice authentic representation consumers will support.

Mar3

Eliyas Explians Ramadan by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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Eliyas Explians Ramadan by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

This is the fifth book in the Eliyas Explains series, and it really is what you would expect and hope, a book about Ramadan from Zanib Mian would be.  Eliyas’s voice is funny, relatable, engaging, and yet somehow manages to find a clear way to inform too.  The framing is fictional, but the book is meant to be lesson, moral, and information filled.  The voice did seem to break when Eliya’s didn’t know what “Ramadan Mubarak” meant, but it is clear that the book is meant to teach and remind middle grade kids about Ramadan from moon sighting to Eid, so I don’t think anyone other than an old reviewer would notice.  Parents might notice though that Eliyas loses his cool at one point and starts to presumably call his sister stupid, it stops at “st,” but then says he “started to cuss” which in America would be taken to mean a profanity much stronger than stupid, so just be aware, so you don’t panic if your child asks.  Overall the book is great, it is a solid 80 pages before the guided journaling begins and concludes at 115 pages.  The illustrations, changing font, and humor really make it perfect for the age group.  I gave it to my eight year old to read and I could hear him laughing, saying a few dua’as aloud, and he even came and asked me a few questions making sure he understood new information correctly.  This book would work as an independent read, a read aloud, or even an elementary reading assignment in an Islamic or weekend school.  The book is remarkable for the simple fact that it starts by naming the scholar that proofed the book, truly this is revolutionary, please can we normalize sourcing already.

The book is divided into chapters, with chapter one reintroducing Eliyas and his family to the reader. They are out on a bike ride and Eliya’s wants to know why everyone is so excited for Ramadan and giving up food and water.  Mom and dad explain taqwa and good deeds being multiplied and prayers being answered and big shaytans being locked up and Eliyas is excited (to put it mildly) to get closer to Allah swt and be a better version of himself.

Chapter two explains the moon, making intention, and waking up for suhoor.  With nine chapters before the journaling, the book discusses doing good deeds, fighting, forgiveness, shaytan being locked up, taraweeh, Laylatul Qader, and Eid.

The journaling guides readers through forgiveness, ibadah, goals, duas, kindness, feelings, connecting with Allah swt and more.  The beauty of this book is that it does pack a lot of information, but it shows a lot too, and gives kids a way to see Ramadan in action.

You can order your copy here at Crescent Moon store 

Feb5

Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

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Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

This 232 page middle grade read with a beautiful cover, has a beautiful heart as well.  A Muslim girl in a Muslim family is struggling with anxiety and family financial stresses, remarkably the book avoids tropes of blaming immigrant parents, culture, or religion.  It also doesn’t have any relationship crushes, or catty friends, bullies, or annoying sibling squabbles.  It was refreshing to see a strong character that seemed to not lack a voice, really find her voice,  advocate for herself and those she loves, apologies when in the wrong, and be surrounded by friends and family members that truly love one another.  I also appreciate that a licensed school psychologist was consulted and named in the backmatter.  As with nearly all Hena Khan chapter books, there is Islam and culture, but as an Islamic school librarian, I long for more.  There are a few inshaAllahs, mashaAllahs, salams, and references to praying, there is one solid paragraph that mentions dua, dhikr, and the Quran, but that is about it in a book that focuses a lot on fashion, make-up, social media, drawing portraits and hanging them in the home.  The protagonist is in middle school, but this is a solid middle grade read that teachers and librarians can feel confident having on the shelves and sharing with students.

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SYNOPSIS:

Deena loves art and to draw, she’s also really good at it.  She longs to take extra classes outside of school, but she knows it isn’t a priority with her bite guard already causing a lot of stress on the already financially strapped family.  Overhearing her parents fights about money adds to her anxiety and makes her nauseous every morning before school.  Determined to help her mom grow her basement clothing boutique, and increase the family income, she dabbles in social media, designs a logo, and sets up a website.  One of the new customers is a real life artist, who encourages Deena to look at art differently, and offers to take her under her wing to teach her about the power of art and decolonizing her mind. Things are starting to look up for Deena, but a disagreements with her cousin Parisa, feeling like she let a close friend down, and being overwhelmed at an immersive Van Gogh exhibit culminate with her having a panic attack at school.  The school counselor wants her to attend some therapy sessions at the school, but first Deena will have to convince her parents that this is something she needs and wants.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I mentioned a lot of my likes and loves above, but really it is a solid middle grade read where the character just happens to be Pakistani American and Muslim.  I like that Deena is just a sweet girl.  I think a lot of kids that have the emotional intelligence to know how fortunate and privileged they are, often push down their emotions and troubles, because they know others have it worse, don’t want to worry their parents, and/or seem ungrateful, and that this book can normalize getting help, advocating for yourself, and communicating with your parents, is really quite impressive.  Deena has a diverse group of friends, religion doesn’t come up much or seem to shape her perspective which is unfortunate, but it doesn’t make things harder for her either.  She isn’t bullied, there is no Islamophobia, or self-othering or stereotypes.  Deena is who she is, with a good head on her shoulders, and throughout the book you find yourself cheering for her and her success.

FLAGS:

She does draw faces, and they talk of hanging up the images in the living room.  There isn’t lying, but it kind of skirts the line at times. Anxiety.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

For even a young middle school book club, I think this book would be a quick read, but open the door for some quality discussion about anxiety that would benefit middle graders and up.  The book on the shelf will tempt readers, and handing it to kids will yield results.

The book goes on sale February 6, 2024 and you can preorder/order it here.

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.

Aug21

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi illustrated by Shazleen Khan

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Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi illustrated by Shazleen Khan

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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

Jul3

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

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

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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

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The Boy Who Saved a Bear by Nizrana Farook

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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

Mar8

Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

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Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

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Set in Ramadan this graphic novel for middle grades has a coming of age theme brought to life with fantasy, religious practices, and storylines of bullying, acceptance, and folklore.  Nayra is fasting, she prays, she says bismillah and Assalamualaikum, her  practice of her deen is never in question and by and large I don’t know that anything is “haram” in the Islamic representation.  Yes, she says bismillah in julus, the sitting position of salat, there is sihr, magic. done by the djinn, and a lot of liberties about the ghayb (you can’t really disprove them), but honestly my biggest problem with this book is that somehow even though it is a graphic novel, more visual than text, there is way too much telling and not enough showing.  The reader is told that there is bullying, but only shown that one girl calls her “baba ghanoush,” we are told over and over that she is friends with Rami and that she needs to fix the relationship, but we never see what the friendship was before, only the forced awkwardness that it is now. The inside flap of the book stereotypes the “strict family,” but we never really see them being overly demanding or difficult, and the conclusion is very naïve with both the two girls and the two djinn resolving everything on Eid. I wanted to care about the characters, but never felt a connection to their stresses, traumas, and relationships, and many mirror my own life.  In full transparency though, I must acknowledge to you all, that I do not read a lot of fantasy graphic novels or even comic books, if the choppiness, and lack of depth is what makes the genre work for others, then this book will be fun with its pink and purple pallet and tracking of the Ramadan moon.  I really might just be the wrong person to review this OWN voice djinn fantasy authored by a Palestinian Muslim who like her fictitious djinn goes by they/them pronouns.

SYNOPSIS:

Nayra is being picked on by Tanya for messing up in volleyball in PE, and gets to calling Nayra “baba ganoush.”  When the book opens Nayra fasting for Ramadan is what Tanya chooses to attribute Nayra’s lacking skill too, and Nayra is ready to find a new school.  Her family offers no support, her older siblings set the bar high and got through by ignoring the bullies, and expect her to do the same.  The one other Muslim at school is Rami, and Nayra needs a break from her, they meet to break fast every evening, but Rami is exhausting.  When an online forum somehow gets a visit from a djinn, Nayra offers to be the anchor that Marjan needs to escape the ghayb and exist in the human world.  Marjan’s past comes back to haunt them, and when Zirkouniya arrives, there is only so much protection the month of Ramadan can offer as Eid arrives and the djinn are returned to full strength.  Djinn and human alike will have to own up to their mistakes, forgive others, and rebuild the relationships that matter.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the Ramadan centering, and appreciate that the coming of age story line was not an identity crisis about Nayra’s faith.  I  finished the book feeling like I didn’t understand much.  There was a lot of build up for a strict family, and djinn wisdom, that just didn’t exist.  The conflict with the friends was superficial and the resolution the same.  Maybe I missed the visual resonance as I tend to enjoy lyrical writing and relatable text, but the story seemed really simplistic, and the characters flat.

I honestly don’t know if the liberties of the djinn world and djinn themselves goes too far or if folklore, mythology, and fantasy give it fictional protection.  There are details that perhaps come from culture, or are completely made up, I don’t know.  Djinn in Islam are real, they are made of smokeless fire, some are good, some are bad, they have genders, and families, and feelings, and communities.  Outside of that, I don’t know much, and do not presume to, when I sent @bintyounus some of the pictures from the book, she remarked, “Djinn are part of the Ghayb/unseen, So it’s not like we say oh none of it is true, but we also don’t take it as 100% true.”

The magic is minor just a fixing of a flower and flower pot, so in reality the only fantasy are the details about the djinn and the journey to the djinn world.

FLAGS:

Lying, bullying, magic, sneaking out.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

There is not enough in the book to discuss in a book club, and because of the lacking resonance, I don’t know that most kids would read the book or be interested in it. I can see it being thumbed through, but I don’t think it would be finished by Muslim kids at the Islamic school, or by my own children.  Those that know the Islamic view of djinns won’t find that enough of a hook when the story inside is about a friendship, and not a particularly deep or fleshed out one.  They might see the bullying as relatable, but being called baba ganoush doesn’t really seem that bad compared to what many endure and pining for friends, when you have a very loyal friend, also will probably be met with some confusion.

Nov21

My Garden Over Gaza by Sarah Musa illustrated by Saffia Bazlamit

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My Garden Over Gaza by Sarah Musa illustrated by Saffia Bazlamit

This book is hard to read, it hurts the heart, it doesn’t let you claim ignorance regarding the plight of Palestinians, and it shows cruelty,  a specific inexcusable cruelty, in a children’s book that will haunt you and infuriate you for weeks and months, if not indefinitely.  I’ve read a number of Palestine set books, but this one, in its simplicity, leaves me raw.  A child with a rooftop garden that helps feed her family is deliberately targeted by Israeli drones and destroyed.  This isn’t science fiction or dystopian, this is based on real acts.  The book itself threads in themes of hope, of not giving up, of remembering strength of a lost parent, of vowing to move forwards, but the catalyst for it all is not happenstance, and while the details of the occupation and oppression are not stressed and articulated, they are referenced and skillfully present to be discussed with children on their level with the included backmatter at the end.  This book is powerful and should be required reading. It is a difficult read and it has flags, but it is also a glimpse of the reality of our world, and the manner in which this book is told allows for the discussion to taken place with middle grade readers and up. The book is not text heavy, but the nature of the content makes me suggest it for mature children.

Noura, a young girl, is in her home in Gaza when drones are seen just out the window and she quickly pulls her little brother Esam away to safety.  To distract him she tells him about their father and his farm that he used to have in Umm An-Naser.  She explains how the wall cut them off from their land and when the drone noises fade, she takes him up to her rooftop garden to pick green beans.  Their mama works downstairs as a seamstress, and while they wish they had meat, the garden helps them have fresh vegetables.

The next day after Noura gets her little brother ready for the day they head to the roof, but drones arrive and start spraying chemicals on the growing plants, killing them, and sending Noura gasping to breathe.  She tries to cover the plants and swing a shovel at the drone, but it does little to save any of the food and Noura is devastated.

Noura’s mama reassures her daughter that the food can be regrown, but she is irreplaceable, as Noura goes to scrub the chemicals from her skin.  The frustration is real, but determination prevails as the family cleans the garden and begins again, just as their father did.

The last two page spread of the book is a basic map, general touchstones of the situation in Palestine, and the very real drones that fly in to Gaza to surveil, attack, and spray herbicides on crops. You can purchase a copy on the publisher’s website or HERE at Crescent Moon Store.