Category Archives: Muslim Character

Jan31

Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

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Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

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The flow, poignancy, and lyrical verses force you to slow down, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the concepts and ideas so beautifully presented in the text, and illustrated on the pages.  Whether you are reading it alone, snuggled up with a little one, or in a boisterous story time, this book pulls you in as it speak directly to the reader (or listener), burrowing inside and inspiring reassurance and confidence.  The tone of the text melds with the illustrations making the book appeal to those looking to understand, be seen, or to be empowered.  The short stanzas with the opening refrain of, “Dear Muslim child,” are a delight to read and share again and again, alhumdulillah.

The book does not have a story or a plot, but has an organization that keeps the pace moving in a poetic way. It starts by mentioning that we were meant to be, even “before Allah spoke the universe into existence.”  It then tells us about Islam, nur, names, the power of words, purifying our hearts (with wudu), listening to the adhan, and praying.  It talks of the beauty of hijab, and community, and purpose and mattering.

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The centering of Allah (swt) is not shied away from, yet the book is not preachy or overly religious.  For example wudu is shown, but not named; adhan is named but not defined.  If you wish to discuss each page, there is a lot to unfold, but if you want to just read the surface it is beautiful just the same.  The book is traditionally published, and a true accomplishment of the author, and the authors that have come before that this book, this type of book, is widely available for us all to enjoy.

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Jan28

Courting Samira by Amal Awad

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Courting Samira by Amal Awad

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Authored by a Palestinian-Australian and featuring a protagonist of the same background, this adult rom-com, is pretty halal all things considered.  The book is not preachy, hijab and not drinking alcohol are all discussed as being religious decisions, but there is no insight as to how or why they are part of Islam, they just are, and because the characters are Muslim that is what they do.  I found myself reading while cooking, which means I was invested enough to keep reading, but if I missed a line or two, to pull something out of the oven, I didn’t need to go back and find my exact spot.  It reads a lot like a Confessions of a Shopaholic or Bridget Jones Diary, Islamically it is on par with a Hana Khan Carries On or Finding Mr Perfectly Fine, where the characters are Muslim and that sets parameters, their culture adds the flavor, and the love triangle and writing adds the plot, yeah it is tropey, but most people wouldn’t be picking this up for literary insights, it is meant to be fun, and it is.  Three things bothered me with this book that gets a lot right. One, the cover, I find it ugly, additionally it mentions multiple times in the book that her eyes are blue, clearly on the cover they are brown.  Second, the labeling of “moderate,” “conservative,” “liberal,” and “fundy” Muslims.  There isn’t internalized Islamophobia, every one of the main side characters practices Islam in their way, the other characters accept it, and the stereotyping that the religious one is mean or critical is not present at all (alhumdulillah), the labels just bother me.  Finally the kiss at the end before marriage, they are engaged, and it probably is still better than many YA Muslamic romances out there, but as an Islamic school librarian, I have to mention it.

SYNOPSIS:
Samira works at a Bridal magazine, writing on occasion, but mostly getting coffee.  The book opens with her mid door-knock, looking at the manga hair of a yet another prospective husband, come to drink coffee and eat biscuits with his parents to meet her and hers in another meeting that will end with no match made.  Her parents don’t force her, she plays along willingly, venting to her cousin Lara who refuses to humor her parents, and her co-worker Cate who’s own dating dramas show Samira she isn’t really missing out.  When evil cousin Zahra is suddenly getting engaged, Samira is sucked in to familial obligations and involvement.  Menem, a guy she met at a team building activity, works near her, and they keep meeting, the icing on the cake is that his brother is Zahra’s groom. As things start to heat up with Menem, old family friend Hakeem starts acting weird, and Samira finds herself caught in a love triangle.

WHY I LIKE IT:

There are a lot of tropes of being 27 and unmarried, being a disappointment for having a liberal arts degree and the like, but at least there are not mean parents, forced religiosity, or the what will everyone say storylines present. A lot of the fun is found in the references to pop culture, that surprisingly didn’t bother me.  I was, however, annoyed when suddenly 80 pages in the fourth wall was broken.  It broke the tone, but it didn’t become a regular things, so I carried on.  A side character asks if Samira’s actions are Muslim or Arab and I like that, that distinction is presented.  I wish there was more culture, Samira is Palestinian, Menem is Lebanese, but there isn’t a lot of cultural sprinklings throughout that are specific to the two cultures. There are also a lacking of salams/assalamualaikums in their daily interactions.  It does mention Samira praying quite frequently, which I most definitely appreciated though.

Plot and character development was decent for the genre.  The pacing makes this book a quick read, I read it in two days (while cooking).  I never quite felt a connection to Lara, or rather why Samira and her were so close other than for a lack of options.  She just kind of annoyed me throughout, and never seemed to be a great friend (cousin).  A few times the book would seem to hint at something and nothing would come from it, take Zahra touching her stomach while picking out ice cream, or why Hakeem says he knows Samira can’t call her brother when she has car trouble.

FLAGS:

A kiss, a few hugs, hints at haram acts in earlier days, alcohol, music, belly dancing, texting, emailing, chatting freely with opposite gender.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I wouldn’t use this as a book club book, but I would be ok having it on the library shelf for high schoolers.

Jan26

Gates and Tales by Sally Zaki illustrated by Arwa Ali

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Gates and Tales by Sally Zaki illustrated by Arwa Ali

This 34 page picture book is adorably illustrated as it focuses on the gates leading to Masjid Al-Aqsa and sprinkles in culture, sights, and history about Palestine along the way.  I love the concept, it is unique, and I love that there are maps throughout of the masjid compound.  I truly learned a lot even though it is for early readers, naturally I wish there was a scannable QR code to learn more, but as an adult, with my kids, or in a classroom it would not be hard to search up Bab Al-Amud, Qubbat Al-Sakhra, Bab Al-Sahira, Salah Al-Din, Masjid Al-Qibli, Bab Al-Khalil, Al-Quds Citadel, Qaitbay’s Fountain, Bab Al-Asbat, or Qubbat Al-Silsilah.  Islam is also woven in, not just in the architecture or history, but also in mentioning the sunnah of fasting on Thursdays, quoting an ayat from the Quran in the text, and the kids meeting up to pray.  The writing isn’t super great,  it breaks down the fourth wall regularly, calling the readers “friends” and asking them to find things in the illustrations, their missing friends, and about foods and the flags of their country.  I’m not sure why the book hopes the readers are “from countries surrounding Palestine,” I found that a little off putting, and I’m not sure why we are supposed to memories the “gates by heart,” or how at the end we are now “victorious heroes.”  Even the defined words at the end, are a bit haphazard: za’atar, falafel and sido, being the only words highlighted, in a book with many Arabic words present. Presumably the reader found all the friends so they did reunite, it seemed to kind of falter, I thought they would show something they all love, or share some snacks, but the book, just kind of ended.  I like that the book is joyful and upbeat, I do appreciate that the last lines do mention that “Palestine is occupied today.  One day, insha’Allah, it’ll be free,” inshaAllah, inshaAllah, inshaAllah.

The book starts with Nidal introducing himself to the reader and letting you know he is going to take you on a special journey through four different gates.  He then asks the reader if they know where we are, before showing us Palestine on the globe.  He is going to “meet his pals at Masjid Al-Aqsa nestled east of the Old City of Al-Quds and includes the entire area inside the wall surrounding the Masjid.”  I love that it explains the area within the walls and the map on the opposite page is helpful.  

His mom has prepared him some snacks to share with his pals, and he puts on his Palestinian flag backpack before heading off.  He goes through Victory Gate.  Then his friend Aisha takes over and tells what gate she is entering through, shares details about the flower carved at Bab Al-Shira, and that her Sido would tell her about Salah Al-Din when they walked down Salah Al-Din street together to get to Masjid Al-Qibli, with its gray dome. Khaled and Jihad follow the same format and the book ends with the kids sitting in front of the Dome of the Rock asking what gate the reader will come through.  

I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Bookstore here and if you use code ISL at checkout you will save 10%.

Jan24

A Little Piece of Ground By Elizabeth Laird with Sonia Nimr

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A Little Piece of Ground By Elizabeth Laird with Sonia Nimr

img_2165-1There are so few Palestinian middle grade books, so on that premise alone this 216 page book has a lot of value.  Because I am not Palestinian, I do not live, nor have I ever lived under occupation, I can argue some of the concerns from a point of privilege, and I acknowledge that is not my right.  I have been asked numerous times about this book and how it frames the suicide bombing mentioned in the text and blurbed about on the back of the book. It honestly is not a large part of the story, that being said, in my outside privileged view, I do not know that a 10 year old in the west will have context to understand the act of this level of desperation from the oppression and humiliation mentioned in the book. This is why I have held off my review.  The truth does not need to be defended or explained, and I fear my reservations will be taken as such, which is not my intention.  Would I let me 8 year old read this, yes, but we will read it together and discuss.  My children are aware of what is going on in Palestine, but Karim, the 12-year-old protagonist supports the bomber, and that notion is not clearly pushed back on. With discussion, absolutely, I think readers, will truly get Karim’s perspective that something has to be done to change the status quo.  The fear when Karim is alone and the target of soldiers, the settlers forcibly seizing the family land, the humiliation of strip searching men at checkpoints, the curfews, and constant fear of attack and imprisonment are all presented through the main character’s eyes, and would also do better with some discussion, so that empathy and duas and action can result.  But, the commentary as to the suicide bombing are minimal, there is even a prank package bombing that is presented as rebellion by a side character, and I would worry how a young child, without guidance, would internalize it.   Additionally, this is yet another difficult book for me to review, primarily because it was first published in 2003, and because I don’t know how much comes from a western gaze and how much the Palestinian voice played into it. Islam is clear on the prohibition of suicide.  In the early 2000 the news out of Israel was often about such attacks, but as an outsider, I honestly do not know if it was simply Israeli propaganda and stereotypes amplifying the idea as part of their public relations strategy or reality, seeing as now that Palestinians have direct outlets to share their daily life under an oppressive occupation, there is rarely talk of suicide bombing attacks. The author states on her website:

“I first visited Israel in 1968, and enjoyed a warm welcome from many Israeli friends. Later, I lived in Beirut with my husband and son during the civil war there, and became aware for the first time of the tragedy of the Palestinian refugees. I visited both Gaza and Ramallah, in the occupied territories, in 2002, while leading workshops for Palestinian writers. I was appalled by the circumstances in which people were living, and became aware that we in the West know very little of what life is like for Palestinians living under military occupation.

I have written A Little Piece of Ground in collaboration with Sonia Nimr, a Palestinian archaeologist, storyteller, writer and translator, who lives in Ramallah. We have tried to make our story as true to life as we can.”

The book is a hard read at times, but the joy is there.  Just as we as adults scroll through the devastation, the humanity persists.  The world may try and forget that they are attempting to erase a rich culture, but even in this book, their is laughter, and crushes, and sibling squabbles, and soccer games and friendship, and food, and joy.  There is a little Islam, not much, the main character is Muslim, a best friend is Christian.  It isn’t present in their everyday thoughts and actions, more just in identifying their faith.

SYNOPSIS:

Karim and his friends are not so much different than 12-year-olds everywhere, he loves video games, playing sports, isn’t so sure what he wants to be in the future, wonders what he will look like as he grows up, and is often annoyed with his family who he loves dearly.  Karim’s life in Ramallah is also unique, he lives under curfew, he doesn’t have freedom of movement, opportunity, or equal rights, and a simple family outing can be life altering.

The book follows Karim and his group of friend as they discover a patch of land they decide to turn into a soccer field, to claim as their own.  They work on it on days they can sneak away after school, in windows of time between curfews, and before long start to take pride in what the land can be. Adopting cats, learning about new friends from the refugee camp next store, teasing siblings about their crushes is all in contrast to Karim watching his father be stripped searched at a check point, being chased off their family land when they are harvesting olives by settlers shooting at them, and pranking soldiers in desperation of fighting back against oppression.

When soldiers roll in and occupy the land the boys have claimed, symbolic of their whole country, Karim gets stuck barricaded in an old abandoned car for days, with soldiers aiming their sights on him, and wondering if he will survive.

FLAGS:

Suicide, systemic abuse, oppression, humiliation, dehumanization, killing, beating, apartheid, genocide, violence, stripping, lying, crushes, occupation, shootings, injuries.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This book does not need tools to be discussed.  It itself is a tool, to help middle grade kids be aware that this cruelty has been occurring for 75 years, this book took place 20 years ago, and today we just have social media sharing these stories more widely.  InshaAllah soon, Palestine will be free.

You can purchase this book here at Crescent Moon Store where code ISL at checkout saves you 10%

Jan14

Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

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Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

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For the last 100 days it seems the only time I truly smile is when I see images of Yemen standing with Palestine.  It is impressive, so very inspiring, and equally humbling as well.  Sadly, there are not many children’s books celebrating Yemeni culture, heritage and joy available to us in the west.  This book published in 2022 is set in the war, with memories of easier times peeking through.  When Belquis is assigned to write an inspirational story about Yemen for a global contest, she is at a loss of what to write about as she is surrounded by “bombings, fighting, blockades, loss, and poverty.” This 38 page picture book is text heavy, admittedly it isn’t particularly literary or memorable, but it shows a culture and traditions that need to be shared with our children.  The media and talking points dismiss the rich history of the countries we are attacking in attempts to dehumanize those affected.  This book does not get political or even name the sides in the conflict, it simple shows a girl and her sister rediscovering their city, their history, and their peoples’ kindness and generosity.  I hope more books about Yemen will enter the marketplace, and I pray for the bombings to stop.

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Set in Old Sana’a Belquis dreams of being a writer, but when assigned to write about something “inspirational” she is at a loss. Her geddah encourages her saying that “Some of the most inspirational stories arise from hardship.” Her father encourages her, and her younger sister Saba, to go to the roof and look out from a “bird’s-eye-view.” At maghrib time as they listen to the athan from the Great Mosque they look out at the 2,500 year old city and the qamariyat sparkling in the changing sunlight, but don’t feel inspired.

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Beliquis briefly laments the looming deadline and the lack of sabaya to eat, but decides to go story hunting by taking Saba and rediscovering their ancient city.  They pass Khala Khadija’s crumbling house as they head to the museum where they are reminded about the Queen of Sheba, Yemen’s original name Arabia Felix, and Queen Arwa.

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As they leave the museum and head to Souk al-Milh they pass lines of people looking for handouts of food and waiting in line for fuel. When the war started, the tourists stopped coming, so the girls are free to browse, and end up using their pocket money to buy bakhoor for their mother before heading back home.  Heavy hearts make them wish they had instead given that money to a hungry family, and when the cracks from the weather and bombs destroy Khala Khadija’s house completely, the girls, their family, and their entire neighborhood will show the inspiring generosity and spirit of the Yemeni people.

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As always, with most every book I read,  I wish there was a map, and while there is a glossary, I wish there was a more robust backmatter section with actual photographs of the many places, foods, items mentioned in the story. This book is important, seek it out, urge your libraries to shelve it. Learn about Yemen, make duas for the people suffering, hurting, and standing up for the oppressed, ameen.

Jan9

Zain and Mima Stand for Palestine by Eman Kourtam illustrated by Sophia Soliman

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I love this 57 page rhyming book from the perspective of a non Palestinian family pulling out their Palestine gear and taking to the streets to protest the occupation of Palestine.  Along the way the sibling duo, and thus the reader, learns about the history of Zionism, birth righters kicking people out of their homes, allyship with those on the side of Palestine, the crimes of Hitler, it shows maps of the occupation, details how movement is restricted, and even how to use BDS as a form of resistance from afar. All on an early elementary level.  There is a game at the end with an activity about resistance symbols, as well.

The book starts with Zain and Mima coming home from school tired and hungry.  They notice Mama is upset and glued to her phone, they then here noise outside and are encouraged by their mother to join the march as she hands them keffiyehs and explains that people are losing their homes in Palestine.

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The kids are not sure of what is going on, but notice the chanting and signs and diversity of people coming together to demand freedom for Palestine.  After the protest they head home and Mama explains the history of Palestine and answers their questions.  She explains who Theodore Herzl was and his idea of Zionism.  Why it is dangerous and evil.  She then explains how Hitler’s actions in WWII gave rise to Zionism in the aftermath. A two page spread of maps show 1947 Palestine/Israel, 1948, 1967 and 2005 in easy to understand visuals. Mama then explains, without identifying any specific country, that Israel has the best weapons and Palestinians use rocks and slingshots to defend their homes and families.  It shows walls and checkpoints controlling people’s movements, and the oppression that has resulted.  When Mima asks what we can do in addition to marching and chanting, Mama explains using our money wisely with the BDS movement.  The next day, the children empowered by knowledge, make signs and are ready to stand bravely for Palestine.

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This book was originally written in 2022, and sadly is still so on-point.  It is available again on Amazon after being temporarily blocked, but I hope you will purchase it from a small business such as Crescent Moon Store where my initials ISL will save you 10%.

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Jan6

Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

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Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

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I have not posted a review since the latest genocidal escalation in Gaza, my heart just cannot carry on as before, but I keep being asked about Palestinian books that I have featured in videos, but not reviewed, so here we are.  This rhyming book is not OWN voice, but I think these days we are all Palestinian, and the tone of this book is accurately love, and beauty, and strength.  It is based around colors with beautiful illustrations for each two page spread focusing on one color.  Meant for toddlers and preschoolers this book works well in small groups and story times alike.

The book starts with an introduction to the narrator, Iman, from the land of Falasteen.  The first page spread talks about olive trees and the color green, then the blue of Dome of the Rock, orange of Quds Ka’ak and brown dates.  Over 32 pates, it also presents the keffiyeh, Masjid al Aqsa, knafeh, kaftan, keys, and Masjid al Qibly. The picture glossary at the end focuses on the Palestinian points, not the colors, keeping the focus on Al Quds.

Oct9

The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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Even though the book is told from the cat’s perspective, the book never overshadows the human cost of the Syrian war.  The beautiful illustrations and clear text do not shy away from the pain and destruction, but allows for young preschool children and up to see the affects of war through the cat’s eyes, as well as the kindness and hope that prevails. Over 32 pages readers are taken to the streets of Aleppo to see the marble mosques give way to boots and destruction.  The little cat observes the changes, notes the differences and when kindness is shown to her, she finds a way to pay it forward.  I had not intended to post another book by Hiba Noor Khan so close to another book of hers, but as atrocities in Idlib increase I felt it a good time to remind us all, that the war is not “over” in Syria and the destruction and loss of life still requires our awareness, help, prayers, and attention.

The book begins with a warm scene of a little grey cat playing and lounging under the sun in a masjid courtyard. When the boots come, though, it all disappears. The cat begins to notice the changes and the fear becomes real.  

But then one day the cat sees humans that are different than the ones with boots, and she follows one. He cares for her, and she starts to feel like herself again, when she sees someone that also is afraid, the cat is determined to help.

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The book concludes with a note from the author telling about the inspiration for the story, “The Cat Man of Aleppo,” and challenging readers to find ways to share kindness.

 

Oct2

We Know What to Say: Phrases Commonly Used by Muslims by Sabria Chao

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We Know What to Say: Phrases Commonly Used by Muslims by Sabria Chao

The concept behind this 42 book is really nothing new, but the presentation is wonderful.  The large hardback size, the clear inviting illustrations, and the repetition allow the book to be a delight at story time and bedtime alike.  Each Islamic term is introduced by a diverse character with a common Muslim name being asked if they know what to say in a situation.  The child gives the word, the following two-page spread restates the term and when to use it. All the terms are shown at the end in a two page spread along with a glossary and a Note to Parents.

I love the relatable scenarios: zoom calls, rain, getting sick, etc..  I also like the rhythm of the book, it reminds me a little bit of Brown Bear, Brown Bear.  The bright colors, the simple engaging illustrations and the big size make me ecstatic to share this at story time.  So many of the books that focus on Islamic terms for toddler to preschool level are small board books.  They serve a purpose, but we have long needed a large clear book for groups of children to learn, practice, and review together.

This book was nominated for the 2023 Muslim Bookstagram Awards, but you can purchase a copy here

Sep29

Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan

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Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan

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A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! SubhanAllah the subject matter is incredible, but the characters, writing, and Islamic inclusion really make this 327 page book a must read for all upper middle grade and lower middle school aged children everywhere. The book is historical fiction, set in Paris during WWII, the Nazis are invading and the Muslims at the Grand Mosque of Paris are covertly helping, hiding, and saving their Jewish neighbors.  Based on real facts, the book does not get lost in politics, or propaganda, or the enemy, the story stays on level for an MG reader with character arcs that are not confined to the atrocities at hand. The familial love, the friendships, the bravery of so many, really lingers long after the last page is read. Knowing that Muslims in France did this and that their stories have by-and-large been lost over time, makes this book all the more important to share with our own children.  This book fills such a void for children in Western countries wondering why WWII lessons in school never mention Muslims, and that this is traditionally published in the UK, soon to be in the USA, really is a benefit to us all.  I do wish the book was more strongly sourced, there are Historical Notes at the end, but I’d love to know where to go to get more facts about it all.  Little kid me would have been obsessed, adult me can’t wait to share this book with teachers and book clubs to discuss, teach, enjoy, and be inspired by, alhumdulillah.

SYNOPSIS:

Safiyyah lives in the apartments in the compound of the Grand Mosque and while Muslims are more-or-less safe from the imminent threat of the Nazi’s, because of their connections to North Africa, their world is still changing quickly. Safiyyah loves maps, helping run errands for her father, Ammo Kader, and Ammo Imam, and spending time with her Setti.  She also loves spending time with her best friend, Isabelle at school and on weekends.  When the Nazi presence is no longer avoidable, Isabelle and her family leave, errands are no longer safe and Setti’s beloved oranges are harder and harder to get. To top it all off, her father starts acting secretive and Safiyyah starts sneaking around to find out what is going on, unraveling a clandestine network helping those needing to get away.  Her family has no intention of involving her, but when soldiers start getting suspicious of the Muslims assisting the Jews, Safiyyah takes on dangerous roles that just maybe a young girl can accomplish without drawing too much attention to herself, the cause, and the Muslim community’s commitment to helping the innocent.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that the book is fast paced and the fear of being caught is always present, yet the book is able to flesh out relationships, character growth, and religious understanding.  Little details weave in and out, and the confidence that the writer is in control of all the threads allows the reader to be swept away, completely. The interfaith aspects are not just check marks, the story shows the ease in which the communities work together and their connections are tangible.  There is no internalized Islamophobia or othering, and the way that Islam emboldens the characters’ actions is so beautiful: from the larger commitment for justice, to the personal internal reflections of wearing of hijab, praying, listening to the athan, making duas for the deceased, etc..  Spending time to ruminate on the idea that breaking an unjust law to save lives through an Islamic lens is empowering, and knowing that this is the risk that real Muslims in Paris took is so very humbling. I love that the conflict of France and Algeria is not left out as the Kabyle protagonist and her grandmother note that they are now supporting those wearing French uniforms to fight the Germans.

FLAGS:

Wish making, lying, death, fear, occupation, war, destruction, oath taking on a Quran, tasbeehs, working with wine barrels and smugglers.  There is a strong familiarity with Christian and Jewish holidays, some crossover celebration.  Some Christian angel imagery being used by Safiyyah for Ammo. Sneaking, hiding, forgery, skipping school.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Having only ever read one other book on this topic, The Grand Mosque of Paris, that would definitely be a reference I would present when introducing the book.  Whether in a classroom, a library, a home, a book club, I hope this book gets read, passed around, shared, and discussed.  Muslims and non Muslims alike will fall in love with persistent over-eager Safiyyah and hopefully remember the resistance the characters in the book and real life sought with courage and dedication for the good of humanity.

I own my UK copy and have preordered US copies for myself, my mom, my teacher friends and hope you will do the same (you can preorder here).  Please also request your local public libraries to shelve this important book.