Category Archives: Muslim Author

Jun1

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

Posted on June 1, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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.

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!

May22

A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Posted on May 22, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

This fabulously fresh and honest book told in alternating OWN voices shows how two seemingly different 6th grade girls discover how much they have in common as they learn about themselves and their families along the way. Sarah is a Muslim Pakistani-American, and Elizabeth is Jewish and has an English immigrant mom, the two come together over food, family stress, discrimination, and middle school social drama to form a solid friendship. But fear not, it isn’t easy and the book will keep upper elementary/ early middle school girls hooked. Not sure if boys will be as drawn to it, but if they can get over the brief mention of having a period, they too will enjoy the story. The 336 page book shows how much we have in common, and how hard fitting in can be for everyone.

SYNOPSIS:

Sarah is starting a new school, a public one, having been at a small Islamic school prior to 6th grade. She is not happy about it and to top it off, her mother is teaching an after-school cooking class at the school that she is required to attend. Hoping to sit in the back drawing and go unnoticed, she finds she can’t sit quiet when her classmates start giving her mom a hard time. Unaware of why she had to leave her previous school, and tired of her mom needing her help with her catering business, Sara also has to help her mom study for her citizenship test, handle two little brothers, deal with no friends at school and not being able to celebrate Halloween.

Elizabeth loves cooking. Her mother does not. She is excited to learn Pakistani food at the cooking club even if her best friend thinks they shouldn’t be learning things from “them.” Elizabeth is admittedly nerdy, and struggling with a life-long friend finding others to spend time with, her life at home is difficult too. Her dad is always traveling for work, and her mom is depressed with the recent passing of her mother in England, to the point of not really functioning. With Elizabeth doing the cooking at home, and trying to get her mom to study for her citizenship test, Jewish holidays and obligations get neglected, and Elizabeth not knowing how to help her new Muslim friend handle racism, is spiraling herself.

When the two girls decide to give each other a chance they find they might be able to be more than just cooking partners, but it seems like one of them always does something to mess it up. Either saying something hurtful, getting defensive, or not sticking up for each other. The girls get their mom’s together to study for their test, but it isn’t so easy for the girls, who are hesitant to trust one another.

An upcoming cooking competition, offers the girls a chance to make a cross cultural fusion dish that can wow the judges, help Sarah’s family’s financial situation, prove to the school that diversity is a good thing, and hopefully give the two girls a solid friendship.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love how authentic it sounds and feels and how it doesn’t focus on boys or crushes, but on friendship between two girls at an awkward point in their lives and the family stresses they are experiencing. The book is for all readers and does a great job of not going overboard with what the girls face. I love how tolerant they have to learn to be with one another and that they have to learn to drop their defensive guards.

I read the book in two settings and didn’t want to put it down, it has enough pull that you really want to see where the book is going and are happy to overlook the slight repetitiveness of them stressing about the competition, but doing nothing but talking about the stress. Really the competition doesn’t even seem that important at the end, but considering everything going on, that to me is exactly as it should be.

I love the rich culture of Pakistan, England, Islam, and Judaism that seep in and never get preachy or dogmatic, but get celebrated and experienced. This is why OWN voice books are so beautiful and powerful. Admittedly, Elizabeth’s family is not super religious, but a few more similarities would have been nice. Yes her brothers are eating pepperoni Hot Pockets, but a shout out about halal/kosher marshmallows would have really rung true for so many of us that stock up at Passover.

I also love how the side characters have substance and aren’t just used as a foil to show something about the main characters. They get a little flesh on their own, and that enhances the richness of the story. Seeing that they have their own struggles to overcome as well shows how none of us have it all together, and that we are all capable of improving ourselves.

FLAGS:

The girls meet during school hours when Elizabeth lies about her period starting to get out of class. Sarah mentions that hers has already started. Elizabeth mentions that her Jewish grandmother is visiting her son and his husband, nothing more is said, just that. There are some derogatory things said about Sarah and being Muslim and Pakistani, but really mild.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I want to find a way to do this book for a middle school book club. I’ve already told my 13 year- old daughter it is required summer reading. The Muslims have diversity within themselves, some wear hijab, Sarah does not. The book is so relatable and the personas sound the age for their views and struggles and perspective. The financial stress, the mental illness, the immigrant experience, the racism, the politics, are all wonderfully woven together, and the food, well, there is a reason I didn’t recommend this book at the beginning of Ramadan, you are welcome. Happy Reading.

May18

Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria Riaz

Posted on May 18, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria Riaz

This is a hard review to write. I have been trying to get this book in my hands since it was published and just could not. I’d ask people to bring it from Pakistan, or try and order it on Amazon to find it out of stock. And then finally I was fortunate that my cousin was able to purchase it for me, get it to my dad who was visiting Karachi, my dad then mailed it to me within the U.S. and voila a book that sells online for $15 (and is currently in stock) in my hand for RS 475 (less than $3), I mention this because if I had paid $15 for a 7×7 inch book that has only 16 pages, I’d be grumpy. Having paid less than $3 (plus shipping) and involved multiple family members in the process, if I’m honest, I’m still a little disappointed with.

The book is beautifully illustrated, the author is the illustrator so why not make the book larger, so the illustrations could be appreciated? The book is really short and very vague, even the note at the end could provide so much more about this national hero, his accomplishments, his struggles, his goals, his legacy. And I’m not sure why it doesn’t.

The book is framed with kids presenting superheroes in class: Superman, Hulk, Spiderman, etc., two kids wearing grey shirts and white pants start their presentation about Edhi.

In rhyming lines the kids talk about how Edhi’s mother would give to the needy and how he continued this giving whatever he could spare from a young age. How giving everyday made his heart grow big. He gave to everyone and didn’t discriminate based on skin. It mentions that he started an ambulance service and we should follow his plan of helping and donating.

The note at the end talks about how to donate and how superheroes have big hearts and share not just with people they like, but even people they don’t like. The author then says that she donates money and skill.

The writing is clear enough for the sparse words on the page. I don’t want to critique a Pakistani writing rhymes in British English, because I speak one language, and clearly realize the beauty in being able to speak and write and convey in more than one language, but it is a bit awkward in parts.

The idea of the book is beautiful. Edhi was a humanitarian that needs recognition both within Pakistan and abroad. But, I really wish this book had a bit more substance to it. I think it can get a conversation going with little kids, but older kids will find it very generic, and unless a nearby adult can add to the story, it sadly won’t be remembered.

A portion of the book goes to support edhi.org, but it doesn’t specify how much.

(size reference):

May11

Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

Posted on May 11, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

In rhyming couplets spread out over 32 pages with adorable illustrations, this book is a great introduction to the whispers of shaytan that encourage us to be naughty, and how to counter them without frightnening young listeners. Meant for preschool age children and up, this is the second book by the author discussing an important religious concept in an easy to understand manner (the first book was about Kiraman Katibin) that empowers children to make great choices and find strength in doing so, even when mistakes are made.

The “Note to Parents” at the beginning provides great framework for the takeaway message of the book. That yes, shaytan whispers to us and we will make mistakes, but the power is ours to overcome such temptations and inshaAllah do good.

The book starts out a bit shakey for me as the rhyming is a bit off on one page, and the blame for the little boy with the great hair’s naughtiness is blamed solely on shaytan. As a former teacher, this is always a tricky concept when trying to teach children to take responsibility for their actions, but then knowing full well that shayateen are real too.

Once the flip side, of how to protect yourself from shaytan, starts: by saying aoudhu-billahi minashaytanir rajeem, bismillah, salam, reading Quran, calling athan, etc.. the book flows really well.

I love how much information is conveyed about the jinn and their purpose and how they cower and put their fingers in their ears to not hear the praise of Allah swt.

There is a glossary for the Arabic words and Islamic references, some kids might need some additional understanding about jin and responsibiltiy, but a solid book that I have read over 20 times to my 4 year old in the last week, alhumdulillah.

Thank you again to Crescent Moon Storefor their incredibly quick fullfillment of the order.

May8

The Story of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him): Ramadan Classics: 30 Stories for 30 Nights by Humera Malik

Posted on May 8, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Story of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him): Ramadan Classics: 30 Stories for 30 Nights by Humera Malik

I debated posting about this book for so long that Ramadan is more than half over. But as a reference for years to come, I thought I should go ahead and throw my late support toward this Ramadan tradition and a book deserving of space on your shelf for children 4th grade and up. I’ve seen people praising it for a few years, and finally I ordered it this year, however, I wanted to not only read it, but also test it out first: reading a story a day, discussing and asking the correlating questions with my own children, before reporting back. I cannot and thus won’t comment on the accuracy of authenticity of the book, nothing stood out as erroneous to me and there is a bibliography at the back, but there is a reason I try and steer clear of non fiction, I’m just not qualified to comment.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with the birth of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and ends with the selection of Abu Bakr (ra) as the first Khalifah. Each chapter is between one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half pages and the 30 chapters plus one Eid day chapter (so a total of 31), covers 103 pages in all. There are a few pictures of where the Battle of Badr took place, the Cave of Hira, not many. There are three questions at the back of the book for each of the chapters, but no answers. The book is pretty linear, just the second chapter bounces back to Prophet Abraham (as) and Hagar and the story of Zamzam and then the rebuilding of the Ka’bah. It is a glorified timeline, which in this case is a good thing. It doesn’t go off on tangents or provide a ton of outside references, it is concise and general, but hits the key parts: marriage to Khadijah, first revelation, migration to Abyssinia, Taif, Hijrah, treatment of slaves, year of sorrow, Battle of Badr, Battle of Uhud, Treaty of Hudaibiyah, it talks of tensions with various tribes, coming to an agreement about the Khalifah, and more.

I think younger children might possibly be able to have the short chapters read to them and then explained, but really, it would be a lot to process. The words are simplified and the gist of situations are conveyed, but topics aren’t necessarily shied away from. It discusses that Prophet Muhammad (saw) had more than one wife, and that there were slaves, and there were tensions with the Jews, and Bilal was tortured, all things that picture books might skip over.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like that even my young teen could read and involve herself without feeling like the exercise was childish. Many of the answers are open ended in nature and require more than just a one word answer. It allows for children to add other facts that they know about RasulAllah to the dialogue and make connections to our history with our current life very easily. Even children that know the story of Prophet Muhammad (saw) will find the book engaging and smooth enough to read through again (and hopefully again each Ramadan) and learn new tidbits, understand concepts more clearly and be reminded about the beauty of our Prophet.

FLAGS:

Nothing

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

If I was a teacher, I would definitely start each morning reading a chapter and doing the Q and A, whether it was Ramadan or not. I think we need to be more connected to our Prophet and grow our love and appreciation for him, so books like this are such a great tool in accomplishing that goal.

May4

Mikaeel and Malaika: The Power of Dua by Kazima Wajahat illustrated by Gustavo Gutierrez

Posted on May 4, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Mikaeel and Malaika: The Power of Dua by Kazima Wajahat illustrated by Gustavo Gutierrez

Mikaeel and Malaika are back in this 32 page hardback book that explores why duas sometime seem not to come true. Done in a hilarious manner that brings in riddles and problem solving elements, it is perfect for 6-8 year olds. Younger children will enjoy the beautiful illustrations and silliness, and older children (and parents) will thoroughly enjoy Big Boss’s play on words and the illustrations showing his parenting style. I’ve read the book multiple times to myself, my toddler, and even my older kids; each time surpressing a smile and enjoying the message lovingly and entertainingly conveyed: “rewards are best when the time is right.”

The book starts out with a problem to be solved, a mystery: who took the shoes from the masjid. I know such a real world problem in a picture book, but fear not, super hero siblings Mikaeel and Malaika are on it. There is just one problem, their super powers are gone.

They head to Big Boss, aka their father, to find out what happened to their powers, only to learn they were part of a “14 day free trial” and their superjet? It was sold on Spamazon. At a loss of what to do, Big Boss reminds them that they have one super power left, the power of dua.

The kids run to pray and then they wait. When they can wait no longer, they go to see if the shoes have been returned, but…they haven’t. Big Boss gives them some sage rhyming explanaition that they don’t understand, but try to unravel in an apple orchard. When that doesn’t work, he gives them more advice and they follow it up in a butterfly garden. With no answer insight, Mikaeel gets frusterated and wants to know why his dua won’t come true.

Finally understanding that Allah (swt) does things at the perfect time and only at the perfect time, the children change their dua and the shoes are found, and the lesson learned and shared.

I love Big Boss, and this book makes it much more clear than in Mikaeel and Malaika: The Quest for Love, that his advice and riddles are in rhyme, but that the rest of the text is not. I love that he is a hands on parent changing diapers, cooking, and guiding his kids. His steralizing of an infintile waste unit, and skimming a superhero manual are awesome and silly.

The book is about Muslim children, for Muslim children, but I think any child would enjoy the story to learn what Muslims believe, and any religious child who believes that there is one creator would be able to relate to the story as well.

The book ends with an ayat from the Qur’an in English promising that Allah swt answers the prayers of the supplicants. InshaAllah there will be more Mikaeel and Malaika adventures, and more of Big Boss and Super Agent M.O.M., too.

May1

The Most Powerful Night: A Ramadan Story by Nada Hassan illustrated by Soumbal Qureshi

Posted on May 1, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Most Powerful Night: A Ramadan Story by Nada Hassan illustrated by Soumbal Qureshi

This beautiful poetic book about Laylat Al-Qadr explains in detail and wonder the importance of the most blessed night in the blessed month of Ramadan. The soft purples and pinks of Laila’s room, and the repetitive refrains set the mood and tone of an informative bedtime story that will convey the awe and mercy of the night to seven and eight year olds.

The book is 40 pages, and pretty text heavy, but it flows smooth enough, and the details in the pictures are enough to keep little ones engaged. Younger and older children will also enjoy the story as both an introduction to the night the Quran first came down, and as a reminder of the gifts to be had.

Laila is sad that Ramadan is leaving as she peers out the window and sees the moon resmembling a crescent again. Her mother takes the opportunity to tell her about the blessings of the last ten nights, and Laylat Al-Qadr specifically.

“The Night of Power and Miracles,” Laila’s mother explains is a night like no other, that comes only once a year. Thousands of angels come down until there isn’t a speck of space that they do not fill.

The night that is better than a thousand months and all our deeds are multiplied 70 times, the night the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Laila wants to make sure she pronounces it correctly and practices saying Laylat Al-Qadr. Excited to make sure she is praying and reading Quran that night, she is desperate to know what day it is. Her mother explains to her that we do not know. Laila uses this to her advantage to get to stay up past bedtime for each of the last 10 days.

The book begins with Surah Al Qadr in Arabic and with the meaning of the translation in English. It ends with a glossary, more information about Ramadan, and a glimpse of the author’s first book: Ramadan Around the World.

The 9 x 11 hardback binding and font are beautifully done and with there no other books for children that I can think of that discuss Laylat Al-Qadr, I foresee this one being read at least once a year, if not more, for many years to come, alhumduillah.

Apr27

Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

Posted on April 27, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

New this year in the Ramadan category is this gorgeous 40 page hardback book that mixes information about the blessed month with personable characters very well. It stays on track without getting silly, even with a talking cat and a reoccurring super hero dinosaur, but I don’t understand the attempted rhyme scheme. I’ve read the book over a dozen times trying to map it, and sometimes it is so natural that it makes reading it aloud smooth and lyrical, and sadly a few times it seems so forced that it makes the sentence nonsensical or awkward. There is so much information, so beautifully paced and illustrated for children 4 and up, that I’m willing to overlook the few sentences that irked me to recommend this book for you and your children to enjoy this Ramadan. Without a glossary though, it is probably best for Muslim children, or those with someone who can explain words such as: suhoor, iftar, adhan, SubhanAllah, dua, Allah, etc..

Khadijah and Cat are looking for the moon to know if it is the start of Ramadan, and once they find it, they rush to spread the news. Immediately everyone starts decorating and celebrating and sharing delicious food.

They then head home to sleep so they can wake up early for suhoor. They make a point to eat something healthy to sustain them for the whole day, then they pray and go back to sleep.

Cat wakes up ready to eat and is surprised that they have to wait until sunset before they can eat or drink anything. Khadijah explains that Ramadan is a holy month and one of the five pillars of Islam. The illustrations show the other pillars, but the explanation of Ramadan is a bit advanced with words such as regression, unpriviledged, compassion, and purifying.

The next page continues listing off what Khadijah and Cat are learning about Ramadan, as they spend time praying and reading the Holy Quran. At the sound of the fourth Adhan they break their fast. The names of the salat or that they pray five times a day is not mentioned, but lends itself to a great teaching point.

They then pray and eat and take the neighbors some gifts. Cat is convinced that the day was good and is ready for the next 30. The last ten nights are identified as important and Laylat al Qadr is mentioned as being special, but it does not tell why they are unique.

Khadijah and Cat then invite you to fast and see why Ramadan is so special. The end of the book has some questions, a Ramadan count down and a coloring page. I was surprised that there was not a glossary as the Arabic words in the text are enlarged, and often not defined.

I love the font and binding and horizontal 10 x 11.5 layout. The illustrations are gorgeous and the details in the decor and Khadijah wearing hijab while out, but not at home are very well executed. I’m not sure why the Meer-Rex is in the book, he is never identified or given attention, maybe in future books he will have more of a role, inshaAllah.

I ordered mine from Crescent Moon Store and received it within days of placing the order, thank you!

Apr24

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed

Posted on April 24, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed

I’ve never been a huge fan of short stories, but this book has me reconsidering such an arrogant approach, as every single story in this collection has me feeling the warmth of Eid, the joy of authenticity, and the beauty of being a part of a faith with such strong female writers. Fifteen entries for middle graders in mind: short stories, poetry, and even a graphic novel, spread over 304 pages that shine light on Eid in today’s world, Eid al Fitr and Ramadan make up the bulk of the focus, but Eid al Adha and Hajj are in there too. And the best part of the book is that you will see yourself in it, possibly all through out it, but reading such diverse OWN Voice stories are sure to make a Muslim reader feel represented and right at home, and give non Muslim’s a peek at us from the inside, inshaAllah.

SYNOPSIS:

I don’t know how to review the book as a whole since there really are 15 different stories, that are each heartfelt and strong in their own right and yet somehow made better by the company around them. There were no weak links. There are stories with bickering siblings, annoying cousins, different cultures, mixed background familes, divorced families, converts’ stories, stories of families where money is tight, stories with illness, stories of loss, a story from the perspective of a refugee, and stories of reaching out of your comfort zone. There is one story about Eid al Adha and a story starring a Shi’a muslimah feeling different within Islam. There are stories told from boys voices and girls voices and every single story has a take home message, some more subtle than others, but all there and all real. I feel like even a summary of a story would prove a spoiler and take away from one just falling in to the collection and receiving the warm hug that awaits. I’ll leave the summaries to their titles and well known authors to spark your curiousity.

Perfect: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Yusuf and the Great Big Brownie Mistake: Aisha Saeed

Kareem Means Generous: Asmaa Hussein

Don’ut Break Tradition: S.K. Ali

Just Like Chest Armor: Candice Montgomery

Gifts: Rukhsana Khan

The Feast of Sacrifice: Hena Khan

Seraj Captures the Moon: G. Willow Wilson and Sara Alfageeh

Searching for Blue: N.H. Senzai

Creative Fixes: Ashley Franklin

Taste: Hanna Alkaf

Eid Pictures: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Not Only an Only: Huda Al-Marashi

Maya Madinah Chooses Joy: Ayesha Mattu

Eid and Pink Bubble Gum, Insha’Allah: Randa Abdel-Fattah

WHY I LIKE IT:

I recieved this book as an Advanced Reader (digital) copy and I am thinking I want a hard copy too, (I wasn’t able to view the artwork). A lot of people ask me and I see postings in various social media groups asking for suggestions of books to read each night as a family in Ramadan, and I think this one would work for grades 3 and up. Have each kid read the story throughout the day and then discuss in the evening. Every story will have something that is familiar, probably something new, and each has a teachable moment. I think different kids will identify with different aspects of the story and to articulate them in Ramadan will really bring the already memorable characters to life.

The book is very well done, and reads very smooth and cohesive, it really has a unified tempo and mood which is remarkable because so many different author’s and voices are included. The book stays focused on the feeling rather than getting too weighted down by doctrine. There are stories that feature hijab prominantly, and a bit of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and some slight mention of islamaphobia, but it focuses on the friends and the love that support us, both Muslim and non, that make Eid and life hopeful.

FLAGS:

Clean

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would consider this as a book club book to be hosted just as I hope to do this Ramadan with my own children in my home (see above). I think really I just want to buy a bunch of copies to give as gifts to the fabulous elementary aged children I know, alhumdulillah.

Islamic School Librarian

Reviewing Children & YA Islamic Fiction, Books by Muslim Authors, & Books Featuring Muslim Characters

Category Archives: Muslim Author

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

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

A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria Riaz

Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

The Story of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him): Ramadan Classics: 30 Stories for 30 Nights by Humera Malik

Mikaeel and Malaika: The Power of Dua by Kazima Wajahat illustrated by Gustavo Gutierrez

The Most Powerful Night: A Ramadan Story by Nada Hassan illustrated by Soumbal Qureshi

Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed