Category Archives: Muslim Character

Nov15

Mama Wears a Hijab by Fifi Abu

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Mama Wears a Hijab by Fifi Abu

I don’t understand this 24 page 10 x 10 board book. I don’t get it literary wise, or Islamic rep value wise, and if someone can explain it to me, I will be happy to listen.  I’m figuring it is a “me” problem because the author has multiple masters, one in children’s literature and has even been on the Caldecott committee, so I don’t know why I can’t make heads or tales of the metaphors.  At times it seems they are describing the hijab, but maybe the parent child relationship, on one spread the pregnancy, possibly motherhood in general.  A few pages are beautiful, and I like the illustrations, but the continuity is lacking and makes me a little uncomfortable.  Islamically, I understand that women who cover their head often do wear makeup and perfume, but they are not part of hijab, so to have that be articulated is both erroneous and odd.

The illustrations show hijab, niqab, a duputta style, and everything in between.  The characters shown are families in a variety of skin tones, clothing styles, body shapes, and cultural settings.

The book is not a story, it functions in two page spreads of rhyme that take an abstract concept and ground it so to speak, but what the connection is, is by and large lost on me.  I know I have included more inside pages than normal, but I feel that I can’t really review it, so perhaps the least I can do is provide enough peeks for people to come to their own conclusions.

Nov14

Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

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Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

This 32 page large 10 x 10 hardback book explores how we are all different and unique, while also being the same too.  The illustrations and text present a nice way for children to learn that Allah swt created us all to be different in our appearances, what foods we like, how we dress, how we speak, but come together to all say Assalamu alaykum and stand foot-to-foot to pray.  Some of the refrains are a bit abrupt, and it really focuses a lot on physical descriptions and food, the target audience though of preschool to early elementary, will see themselves in the book, probably even a character that looks like them, and expand their understanding of al-Khaliq creating them all.

 

The book starts with an ayat from Surah al-Hujurat and then starts by asking the audience to imagine a world were everyone is the same.  It highlights that Allah created each of us starting with prophet Adam (as) to be just as we are, with different traits. From there, neighbors are introduced: their names, country of origin and favorite foods that all come together to make a table of sharing.

In school the students look different and play different, in the city the different building types are shown to come together, and in the masjid our hearts are in sync when we pray. The text concludes asking the reader to highlight five ways they are unique and a hadith in Arabic along with its English translation.

Nov11

The Gift of Eid by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrayed by Aaliya Jaleel

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The Gift of Eid by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrayed by Aaliya Jaleel

With heartfelt words and large two-page spread illustrations, this beautiful book shares a mother and daughter finding the perfect Eid gift for one another while bringing the reader into the Souq Al-Hamidiyeh, before sending them off to Masjid Al-Umawi for a warm hug.  A retelling of the classic, A Gift of the Magi, the story poignantly presents threads of love, gifts, loss, and Eid to fill the reader with joy, peace, and gratitude.  I’m admittedly very bias, as a close friend of the author, but this beautiful book doesn’t need lip service or marketing, it will appeal to all readers in all settings, and be cherished and asked for, over and over again, all throughout the year. Alhumdulillah.

The book starts with Yasmine and her mama entering the souq through the archway, and Yasmine remembering her father and her imagining the circles in the ceiling to be twinkling stars.  He is no longer with them, the magic is gone and money is tight now, but with liras jingling in her pocket, Yasmine is determined to find an Eid gift for her mother that will make her smile.

Yasmine looks around the shops as her mother counts out liras to buy za’atar, and tries to find something cheaper than sfeeha at the bakery.  She finally knows what to get her mother, but it is more lira than she has.  With determination and selflessness she makes a decision to get her mama the perfect gift.

The process separates the two, and when they reunite at the masjid for maghrib salat, it isn’t the gifts themselves, but rather what they mean, that make the laughter, tears, and love overflow.

I love the emotional depth the book conveys so deftly, never explaining or pulling the reader out of the story, thus allowing the connection to linger long after the book is closed, a rare treat in a picture book.

Nov8

Eliyas Explains Phenomenal Women in Islam by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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Eliyas Explains Phenomenal Women in Islam by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

Another wonderful Eliyas Explains book that targets elementary readers with a relatable, funny, likeable voice that weaves in information, heart, faith, and humor in a way that makes them favorites at my house, even after my children have aged out of the target demographic. I particularly enjoyed this 106 page focus on women in Islam, because like the others in the series it is sourced, illustrated, and engaging, but I felt the cover story linking the facts was also compelling. I genuinely didn’t know what the family was going to do about the expo mix-up, and was invested in not just the Islamic role-modeling of how the family would handle the set back, and what historical woman it would be connected to, but also what they were going to do with all the Qur’an Match games, and I assure you, I didn’t see the resolution coming, or the twists that followed.  I always appreciate that the author’s books don’t talk down to the readers and with the information contained, I think both children hearing the stories for the first time or those that know them well, benefit.  The way they are presented serves as a reminder for some or a tease for others to go learn more.  Alhumdulillah for this series and this book that highlights Khadija (ra), Fatima (ra), Aisha (ra), Maryam (as), Hajar (as), and Aasiya. As prices for goods continue to soar, this reasonably priced book should be an auto buy for us all.

SYNOPSIS:

Eliyas and his family are heading to an expo to set up their booth and help their Mum sell her Qur’an Match game.  Mum is a little nervous and the road trip is the perfect setting to talk about phenomenal women in Islam to give her confidence and the kids some teachable moments.  The kids are wowed by the business savvy and status of Khadija bint Khuwaylid (ra), and they want to hear about the other  women promised jannah.  Little sister Aasiya is particularly interested in who she was named after.  Once they get to the expo though, things are not as expected.  The organizers have no record of the stall reservation, tickets are sold out, and Yusuf goes missing.  Alhumdulillah, Mum stays level headed and the family trusts Allah swt to provide them with something better.  The remainder of the book is the family taking what comes at them and making the best of each situation as they make their way home, share more stories, and enjoy each adventure as it comes.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the subject and how it is presented.  I always appreciate the sourcing given at the beginning so that the stress of accuracy is abated. The writing quality allows you to be sitting right there with Eliyas in the car taking it all in.  I know that many Eliyas books have workbook style prompts at the end, but I was glad this particular one is just a straight story read.  The illustrations as always are comical, and I can’t wait to see what is up next in the series.

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISUSSION:

My kids read it and we talked and laughed, and I recommend it and the whole series for 2nd-4th grade classrooms to have for kids to read, enjoy and learn from, alhumdulillah.

Nov5

The Thirty Before Thirty List by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid

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The Thirty Before Thirty List by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid

This is the second book I’ve read by the author and while I didn’t do a full review of the first (Finding Mr Perfectly Fine), I am going to do a full review of this one, because the book might not be “halal, halal” or intentionally Islam centered, but with a robust Muslim cast it stays impressively clean and there is a lot of Islam present.  I’m glad I bought a physical copy so my nieces or my daughter can pick it up and enjoy Rana’s growth and antics.  The book is nearly 400 pages long, but they fly by, and if you are 16 and up looking for a rom com style escape book this will fit the bill.  The only thing that really gave me pause is an early label the protagonist slaps on her self as “not being a devout Muslim.”  I get the point is to not let the stereotype of an arranged marriage and strict brown parents overshadow the initial impression of the book, but the author is a better writer than that early statement indicates.  As the story progresses you see her Islam IS very much part of her identity, her environment, her outlook, and the author shows it in relatable nuanced ways that the early “telling” was not needed.  Yes, the book has the protagonist and a different boy or two alone at times, and there is some hand holding and a few hugs, but the intention is always to find a spouse, and religious lines are usually clearly on the character’s radar.  There is some talk about mortgages, and a side Muslim character that has a girlfriend he keeps secret as they go on holiday together, but again, nothing obscene, or defensive, just realistic actions from contemporary characters viewing things their own way and doing the best they can.

SYNOPSIS:

Maya’s life is pretty predictable, she lives at home, goes to work, hangs out with her childhood friend on the weekend, and dodges any attempts to be set up for marriage.  Then one day on the tube a mysterious stranger, Noah, his leather bound notebook, and everyone else in her life moving forward, prompts her to open the notebook and copy his 30 before 30 list.  Adapting what doesn’t make sense at all for her life, she never peeks ahead, but rather takes one adventure at a time.  When people from different circles in her life start interacting, and Noah reenters her life, Maya will have decisions to make and a new list to commit to, her own.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I needed a diversion, I was going to be spending a few consecutive days in waiting rooms at hospitals and knew I’d need something light, easy to read, pause, and return to, and something to make me smile.  Maya is likeable, and her family and friends relatable.  Her Bangladeshi and British culture add depth and I was genuinely surprised and appreciative with how much Islam managed to find its way in to the plot and character arcs.

FLAGS:

Relationships outside of marriage, nude model, lying, hugs, hand holding.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This would make a great adult, college, or even 12th grade book club selection, for just a fun book to laugh about and enjoy with friends.  It isn’t that deep, but there are threads that will hit, and to chat about it will bring friends closer together.

Oct13

The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community by Ibtikhaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali illustrated by Hatem Aly

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The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community by Ibtikhaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali illustrated by Hatem Aly

The third and final book in the standalone series is finally out and I absolutely love that Islam, salat, and the masjid are front and center. Faizah is once again brought to life through the incredible illustrations that provide all the emotional beats and make the book memorable.  The story though is only just ok, to be honest, it is clunky and disjointed.  I have read the book a half a dozen times to myself and twice aloud and I do not understand the Eid story line.  I doesn’t fit the themes of fitting in, being a leader, being bold, it just seemed to be there to motivate a white hijab being purchased, and it was very distracting to the cadence and continuity of the story. Every time Faizah is self reflecting on her fear, suddenly a conversation about Eid with a friend named Sophie disrupts the story. Even the refrain that “Bravery grows in your mind.  But its roots are in your heart,” sounds lovely, but is never explained or developed, so what are you to water it with? What are the right reasons?  I’m sure most will be fine with the concepts and presentation and not be bothered, but this book is an auto buy for Muslims and non Muslims alike, and while I appreciate the packaging, I wish the story itself was more, well “Bold.”

The book starts with Faizah going to Jummah with her mom and sister, and loving being part of the crowd, she then goes to fencing and loves being part of the crowd, “it feels right.  I feel right,” she says.  But then the coach calls her name and she starts to worry.  She doesn’t like when people stare at her, she worries she did something wrong. The coach has already reminded her to “saber first, then move forward,” so I’m not sure why she worries after if she did something wrong, it is a class, reminders and corrections are what happen in a class.

Then on Sunday, the trio is back at the masjid for salat before Asiya’s fencing lesson.  The coach asks Faizah if she wants to come in for extra practice before the tournament.  Faizah isn’t planning on participating in the tournament though and would rather think about Eid.  Thinking about getting together in the future with Sophie to pick out Eid clothes, is more fun than fencing.  The reader doesn’t know when Eid is, or why Faizah seemed to break into a day dream when asked about fencing.  Furthermore the reader doesn’t feel the worry of being in a competition because Faizah is not shown to be worried.

Later that night Asiya teaches Faizah the moves she learned and Faizah practices alone.  There is then a two page spread that I do not understand, on one page she is saying, “When no one is watching, I ‘m the best fencer in the world,” three lines later it says Even when others are watching, I can do it.  I can be the best.”  What happened in between? I get the following line, “but it’s hard to be my best when I have to stand out to do it,” but the the line in the middle makes no sense.  What is the point of the book if she can do it and knows it at the mid point?  And no, I’m not reading an arc, I checked out this copy from the library.

The family is back at the masjid on Friday and reassuring Faizah as they head to fencing, that she can do it even when people are watching, that bravery will come.  She hasn’t been nervous at class before, and hasn’t signed up for the tournament, so why is she suddenly uncomfortable, when at the start she loved fencing class as she felt she fit in.

Then it is Saturday, and Sophie finally comes, but not to prepare for Eid, just to discuss, how they will prepare for Eid.  At least now we know it will be next week. The next Friday, I know I feel like a calendar should have been included, it is fencing class again and Faizah is called up to demonstrate.  She finds her strength and she is shy, but realizes they are not just looking at her, but looking at what she can do.  She is leading, she is helping, she is being brave.

Finally it is Sunday, and Sophie and Faizah are at the hijab shop, and Faizah picks a white hijab because it matches the fencing clothes, and she is going to the tournament.

Yeah, sorry I spoiled it, I just really am sad that the book wasn’t as great as it could have been.  It connected the dots eventually, but not in a memorable way, and for the team responsible for this book, it really could and should have been amazing.

Oct6

My Olive Tree by Hazar Elbayya

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My Olive Tree by Hazar Elbayya

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I love that this author illustrator traditionally published book shows the ways that olive trees and their fruit connect people.  The little girl, Salam, can’t wait to grow her very own tree, but it takes a while, and when it finally sprouts, it is trampled by soldiers.  Heartbroken to lose her plant, her community shows her how they are like their beloved olive trees: their roots are deep, and they are a part of the land.  The tender illustrations, the poignant symbolism, and the love and unity that radiates through, makes this book an important read for children and adults of all ages and backgrounds.  There are no countries mentioned in the text (Palestine appears only in the author’s note), nor any religion, there are visible Muslims in the illustrations, even the soldiers are unnamed, but the setting is clear.  Picture books take years to be published and that it released at this point in history, shows how long the struggle for freedom has been taking place, and how strong and resilient Palestinians are.  This book that will be read over and over, shows even in the sadness, the feeling of hope abounds.

The book starts with Salam noting how old her grandpa is, and that only the olive trees are older than Sido.  Sido then explains to his granddaughter how the olive trees connect them all: farmed, picked, pressed, oil used to cook, olives sold to eat, added to dishes, and made into soap.  Salam goes to plant her seed and be part of the connection. She waters it and waits, but it doesn’t seem to be growing.

Finally a spout, and then a little plant, and then the soldiers march into their lands and destroy everything in their path, even Salam’s olive tree.  Sido reassures her that she will plant more olive trees in her lifetime, but Sido also wants to show her that she is not alone.  Friends, family, and neighbors, come together to show her, “just like the olive trees, when they try to break us, we grow back stronger.”

A truly beautiful hopeful book, subhanAllah.

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Oct5

Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk by Lisa Boersenand Hasna Elbaamrani illustrated by Annelies Vandenbosch

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Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk by Lisa Boersenand Hasna Elbaamrani illustrated by Annelies Vandenbosch

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This fun and silly picture book takes place in a Moroccan shopping center, where a visiting Esma Farouk, suddenly can’t find her mother.  Lost and tearful, the community comes together to help her out: from water carriers, to a man with a monkey, the acrobats, the fortune teller, the musicians, and even the snake charmer. Esma is encouraged to be brave and together they all put on a show, and reunite Esma, Mama, and Auntie Fatima.  There is no Islam, or any religion, in the text, but their are plenty of visible Muslims in the illustrations, in this OWN voice book inspired by the author’s memories of packing peanut butter and cheese on summer trips to visit family.

The book starts with Esma and her family heading to Morocco with their bags bursting with gifts, when they get there they are emptied and quickly refilled with the gifts their family is giving to them.  Esma wants to go to her favorite place, the souk, and Mama and Auntie Fatima are happy to take her.  Mama is in her new purple djellaba’ bargaining, and Esma is watching a snake charmed by music, when suddenly she realizes, Mama is not there.  Panic sets in, but Esma is quickly surrounded by kind strangers willing to help her find her family.

I enjoyed the illustrations and the love and joy and excitement that they brought to the text.  I have no way to know if the details are accurate, but I hope they are as my kids enjoyed going back and getting lost in them, even after the last page was read.  The sense of community and kindness is wonderfully portrayed and the action at the souk, makes it seem like a fantastic place that everyone should go and visit.

Oct3

The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s by Hanna Alkaf

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The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s by Hanna Alkaf

This 352 page young adult mystery, thriller could possibly be classified as magical realism, or speculative fiction, I’m not really sure, but I do know, that my expectations were really low, and I was so pleasantly surprised by how the story pulled me in and kept me engaged.  Told primarily by dual points of view, Khadijah and Rachel, the book offers commentary on sexual assault and believing victims.  The book starts with a trigger warning of “ghosts and monsters, some of whom hide beneath human faces. It includes discussions and descriptions of sexual assault, trauma, and PTSD,” before diving in to a prestigious Malaysian girls school full of secrets, hysteria, and a past that seems to be repeating itself.  There are no religious identity crisis or issues, the student body is diverse and it is a non-issue, Khadijah recites Ayat ul Kursi, makes time to pray, and wears hijab as she tries to figure out what is making the students at St. Bernadette’s scream, what happened to those that have gone missing, and how to overcome the trauma that has made her stop speaking.  The symbolism is solid, the book starts out with the screams, but builds on it by adding backstory to the main characters, mystery with the disappearance, and numerous red herrings to keep the reader guessing.  I told myself to get to the midpoint before calling it quits, but once I was there, I read the second half of the book in one sitting. I appreciated that the book was unique, there was no relationship side stories, the cultural authenticity heightened the reading experience, and that I understood the haunting magical elements.

SYNOPSIS:

St. Bernadette’s is an old prestigious all-girls school, but one day a chain reaction of girls screaming starts and the hysteria doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.  When Khadijah, who is dealing with her own trauma of being sexually assaulted by her step-father, starts to look into the causes, more questions than answers arise.  In efforts to protect her younger sister, Khadijah discovers not only has this happened as their school before, but it doesn’t stop with the screaming, and the shadows, last time a girl went missing.

Rachel’s life is controlled by her single mother, who is determined that Rachel is successful and a reflection of how perfect and successful they are, despite, Rachel’s father abandoning them.  When in an act of rebellion Rachel signs up for monologue competition, she plans to get into character, not to become the character.  As Rachel starts to lose her self to the girl with pink lipstick and white ribbons in her hair, she starts to notice sights and sounds around the school, but when she falls victim to the screaming hysteria herself, will anyone care enough to save her?

WHY I LIKE IT:

So often with magical realism, I honestly don’t get it, so I’m not sure if my excitement of having it all be clear means the book was a bit simplistic, if I’m getting better the more of the genre I read, or if the writing was just good.  If I’m being honest, it is probably a little bit of all of it.  Often with the author’s book, the story is really good, until it is not, and I honestly feel like this is her best book yet, with the threads coming through, the ending feeling satisfying, the pacing being consistent, and the plot not getting lost on tangents and over explanation.

I loved the symbolism of screaming and it being largely brushed aside as society’s collective apathy to victims of sexual assault.  No one at the school has answers, no one likes questions being asked, everyone just wants to carry on as if nothing is happening, and the juxtaposition of the silence and the hysteria for me was powerful. A few plot holes were the result of telling over showing such as the case of the Khadijah and her sisters relationship, but that Khadijah stayed largely silent throughout the book, did not mean she was unable to communicate or not present, and I thought it was shown in a meaningful way.

I liked that the overbearing mom, with high expectations, and lacking emotional maturity was not from the Muslim parent, at least in Western literature, that is a common trope.  But it is worth noting that presumably the rapists mentioned in the story are Muslim.  Their faith is not a factor, but I noticed, and so I do feel that should be shared.

FLAGS:

Sexual assault, ptsd, rape, kidnapping, trauma, hysteria, lying, ghosts, monsters, magic, fear

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think this would be a great high school book club read.  The conversation about sexual assault, both in the story and in real life would be important to have in a safe space.  The triggers would require some evaluation if the book is a good fit, but I think the elements that unfold and the commentary on expectation, honesty, trauma, monsters, etc. would create incredible discussion.