Category Archives: Non Fiction

Jan11

We are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis illustrated by Noha Eilouti

Posted on January 11, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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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.

Oct2

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

Posted on October 2, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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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

Sep22

Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: The Fatal Friendship by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith adapted by Margeaux Weston (A Young Readers Adaptation of Blood Brothers)

Posted on September 22, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: The Fatal Friendship by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith adapted by Margeaux Weston (A Young Readers Adaptation of Blood Brothers)

A lot of us Muslims name drop Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X in discussions about civil rights quite often, and at least, speaking for myself, I thought I had the general idea about the relationship between these two iconic figures. I have read a fair amount of books in my quest to identify books that show how Islam shaped the men as opposed to those that tend to gloss over their eventual conversion to Sunni Islam, but I read this book as if it were fiction and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I have not read the original Blood Brothers, but this young readers adaptation is well done in conveying the politics, environment, struggles, and humanity of these two men. Their flaws and growth, their tests, their friendship, it really is a compelling read. The focus on their friendship puts Nation of Islam as the focus, but the book does a good job of identifying it as being different than Islam. As their friendship falters, Malcolm X goes for Hajj and is seen to change, and choices made by Cassius Clay show the men quite distant at the time of el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz’s assassination, even though eventually their paths proved quite similar. The 240 page book is MG, but I think middle school readers (in classrooms, book clubs, and on their own) will better appreciate the intersection of these two giants, the events of their time, and the legacy they have left for us all.

SYNOPSIS:

The book is a snapshot in time, sometimes focusing on Malcolm X, sometimes on Cassius Clay, sometimes of their time together. It starts with background insight and then shares the rise of both of them in their respective worlds, Nation of Islam and boxing. Threaded through it all is the influence that Elijah Muhammad had on them, and key events they experienced that shaped their thoughts and opinions on race relations, politics, religion, and life. It shows Malcolm X as the teacher, and leader taking in Clay and believing in him against the Nation’s wishes and thus when Muhammad Ali pushes him away the reader sees the Champ in a different light. It shows deception and manipulation, as deep and riveting as the best fiction out there, but is very vulnerable in showing regret and both individuals’ ability to keep learning and growing. The conclusion highlighting Muhammad Ali reaching out to Malcolm X’s daughter Attallah, and the forgiveness that took place in restoring the love between the two men and their families, really was a cathartic release that reminds readers that for as idolized as these two figures are in pop culture and history, they were very real people. The book has a Biography at the end that breaks down sources by Government Documents, Archival Collections, Newspapers, Magazine Articles, Books, and Websites. It is a “Selected Biography” that is seven pages long.

FLAGS:

Racism, manipulation, assassination, hate crimes, stereotypes, propaganda, oppressions, abuse, police brutality, assault, bombing, arson, attempted murder, fear, threats, killing.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I have preordered a book for my own children to read and one for the school, I really think this book needs to be easily accessible for middle school students in libraries, classrooms, and homes. I would love to do this as a middle school book club, I think the authentic perspective will give our youth who have heard of Malcolm X and think they know Muhammad Ali some insight into really spending time with what they did, what they faced, and how remarkable their friendship was.

Jun26

A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

Posted on June 26, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

A journey to and through Medina with a focus on the five senses is a lovely concept for a book and the book is an enjoyable read for young children with the internal map, details about he Rawdah, the inclusion of Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatian, Mount Uhud, Archers Hill, and ajwa dates. The book is a little text heavy, as a decent amount of information is shared, but the illustrations are enjoyable and will help hold the attention of early elementary children. The use of sight, smell, taste, feel and sound are woven into the story, they are not highlighted or the organizing format of the book. Bonus material includes a QR code to listen to “Tala ‘al Badru ‘Alayna,” a glossary, and follow up activities.

The book starts with a little boy headed from Mecca to Medina, “the city of Prophet Muhammed’s (saw) mosque and grave, and a hope to find out why “everyone says Medina feels ‘special.'” As he sees Bedouins in the desert he wonders what they eat and how they survive. He then sees a gas station lit up like an amusement part.

As they get closer to Medina they listen to “Tala’al Badru ‘Alayna.” When they arrive at the hotel they smell oud and fall asleep. The next morning he wakes up to the sound of the athan and they walk the streets taking in the sights and smells. The color of the green dome is noted and the rose smell of the carpet when they make sujood included.

The Rawdah and the umbrellas each get their own two page spread, and then a tour guide takes them to Masjid Quba, Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, and Mount Uhud. The tour finishes with a visit to the date orchards and playing and napping in the mosque.

I wish it used the word Masjid every time, it uses both, and I’m not sure why it doesn’t just say Fajr instead of the morning prayer. I appreciate framing it as a story, but the beginning with the Bedouins and the gas station seemed to slow the story down and my littles wanted answers as to why there were so many lights and how the people in the desert survived. I also would have liked if the backmatter detailed more about Masjid al Quba and Qiblatayn, and Uhud, ultimately I wish there was more showing the little boy feeling why Medina is special and not just saying he now understands.

I’m not sure why I only ordered the Medina book and not the Mecca one as well, they are stand alone reads, but the Medina one references that that they have come after being in Mecca so consider if you are getting one to get both. I ordered mine here. Use code ISL (Islamic School Librarian initials) at checkout to save 10%.

May8

Girls Rock: Indonesia by Claudia Bellante illustrated by Josefina Schargorodsky

Posted on May 8, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Girls Rock: Indonesia by Claudia Bellante illustrated by Josefina Schargorodsky

This book is part of a series that claims to want to bring the world closer to American children. It is based on a true story, with noted liberties taken regarding the protagonists, and yet the Author’s Note says she went to Indonesia and was unable to meet with the characters whose lives the book is about. I am not against non Muslims and non Indonesians per se writing a book about Muslims in Indonesia, nor am I naïve to the fact that music inspires many and radicalism is a real threat, but to conflate ideas without explanation, and not containing that OWN voice authenticity or biography feel, really leaves this book fighting against self made stereotypes and trying to seem woke and relevant while maintaining a very Western American paradigm of what it means to be happy and fulfilled. The book (and series) may have had good intentions, but it just felt off to me, and with a publisher suggested reading age of 5-8, I think this book assumes too much about the readers prior understanding of hijab, Quran, Indonesia, music, heavy metal, radicalization, small village life, culture, Islam, Quran, imams, and prejudice and fails to assist in connecting the concepts, opting to use them interchangeably and ultimately making the 32 page book rather pointless. I think if older children read it, it is one of those books that makes one feel like they are cultured and supportive of those breaking stereotypes, but I think Indonesian and Muslim readers will just be confused about why a book is supporting sneaking and lying and why music is ok, but loud metal is not, and why a Muslim teacher could have a band years before, but the current characters are receiving backlash now, amongst so many other things.

The book starts with basic information about Indonesia: Java, Jakarta, religion, and the motto. It also includes hijab as something some Muslims wear but does not detail why or what it entails. It then introduces the reader to three girls that go to school and study Quran, as the pride of their parents and village. The girls feel something is missing and while they are “studying” they in reality are often secretly watch YouTube videos after learning about the heavy metal band Metallica from their teacher.

The girls want to learn to play, but fear their parents will get mad, why they would get mad is not articulated, so they go to their teacher and whisper their passion for heavy metal “as if they are confessing a sin.” Their teacher, Pima, says she used to play in a metal band, and that they can use the instruments in her garage to learn and practice.

So while their parents think they are studying, they are playing music. The book says music is not against their dreams, not against Islam, they choose to wear hijab, they start to write their own lyrics, and their teacher arranges for a producer to come listen to them. The girls worry the imam will get mad and so will their parents. When a local interview airs, the teacher asks negative folks, “who says a girl in a hijab can’t play loud music? Does the Quran forbid following your dreams?”

Pima regrets letting the naysayers deter her from her music dreams, but earlier said her band broke up when the members moved or got married. The parents seem fine when a festival in Jakarta is about to happen and presumably they live happily ever after.

The backmatter then throws in radicalism and Muslim feminist groups, and I’m not sure what the takeaway would be for Muslim or non Muslim children reading this book. I admittedly haven’t read the other books in the series, but I would be skeptical of their portrayal of cultures and religion after reading this one, it isn’t so much that it is wrong, but it just seems to water the reality down to make it more “palatable” and “acceptable” to American children which results in strong themes of “othering” and dismissal.

Apr19

Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah? Bite Size Journal by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

Posted on April 19, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah? Bite Size Journal by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

I love the Eliyas Explains books, but was a little curious what a “Bite-Size Journal” version would be, and Alhumdulillah, the silly relatable voice is the same, there just isn’t as much fictional story weaving together as the Angels and Miracles books had. Instead it has activities and guided prompts for the reader to engage with and space for them to write. The first 15 pages or so are Eliyas explaining about salah and what he has learned and how he has improved, and some parables through his point of view. Then the journal pages begin, and while the first few are truly “journalistic” as it progresses to the last of the 60 pages you realize along the way there was a lot of “story” included on the activity pages as well. The book isn’t blank pages and bound together as a book, it has text, it has hadith, it has games, it has questions, and trackers, and a lot of information. I love that it states that it has been checked and the Shaykh’s name is included, the positive child framing, and the reasonable price point. For first through third graders learning about salah, wudu, athan, and inshaAllah becoming more mindful of their actions and behavior, this book will be relatable, funny, and informative.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with Eliyas remembering when he was too lazy to make wudu and pray his salah, he then offers a story of an orphan and a muffin and a lady who makes the muffin to try and show readers that salah benefits and nourishes us and the maker of the muffin truly loves us. It is a little random, but it somehow all works and kids will go along with the allegory, it isn’t drawn out. He then moves to talking about how Allah swt loves him and what his parents told him that helped him to love praying. There are hadith and Eliyas’s explanation attempts, drawings, and some really powerful points about angels and being accountable on the day of judgement to Allah swt. The journal pages involve decoding, timing your prayers, writing down all the places you’ve prayed, latitude and longitude decoding and a lot more. The book also discusses the athan and Surah Fatiha.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the voice of Eliyas. It isn’t fear driven, or punishment framed, it stays positive and motivates from a place of love, but the conscience and priorities are highlighted too. It is such a crucial part of raising young Muslims, to lead with Allah’s love, but as kids get older you want to introduce consequences, and choices, and being accountable, and this book does it seamlessly with out it being overwhelming.

I honestly don’t know if I like the journal format or the other Eliya’s Explains books more, I do like the storytelling of Miracles and Angels and the way the facts are woven in, but I think for the topic of Salah this format works. I am happy with mine, and you can purchase yours here from Crescent Moon Store.

FLAGS:
None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don’t think the book would work for a book club, but in small groups at an Islamic School or Weekend School the teacher could very easily and affordably have a book for each student, or read aloud the story parts and engage the students in the activities without any difficulty at all.

Apr10

What Color is My Hijab? by Hudda Ibrahim illustrated by Meenal Patel

Posted on April 10, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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What Color is My Hijab? by Hudda Ibrahim illustrated by Meenal Patel

When this book arrived I flipped through it and loved that it tied hijab colors to careers, when I asked my seven your old to read it to my three year old and I overheard snippets, I was impressed that positive characteristics associated with the professions were articulated and embodied by the main character to inspire young girls everywhere. When I finally sat down to read the book my self, I enjoyed the joy, diversity, and backmatter, but unfortunately felt like a page was missing at the end. Over 32 pages the book introduces a color as seen on someone the narrator knows hijab, and identifies the woman’s job and a couple of characteristics. The facing page highlights that when the girl wants to have strength or show kindness she too will wear that color hijab. The text on the first page and the last page is the same, “Hijab is the crown/I wear every day./It is worn many ways, and it comes in every color.” I absolutely love the premise of the book, but it seems that the conclusion should perhaps broaden that we can be anything and everything no matter the color we wear. The blurb on the back of the book actually uses language of wearing “yellow, ‘like’ my doctor’s hijab, brown ‘like’ my teacher’s hijab,” etc. that allows for a more interpretive and less literal view of I have to wear this color or that to be a leader or athlete or loving. I know I know, I’m probably overthinking it, but I’ve read the book so many times, and each time I just feel like the conclusion tying it together is missing and makes the book primarily a color book and thus preventing it from transcending into being more.

The book text is like a poem with the opening and conclusion reading the same. The patterned body of the book works very well in establishing the links between hijab, color, occupation, empowerment, characteristics and implementation. The pictures also allow the reader/listener to broaden their knowledge about various careers and see what they look like in action and what attributes they draw upon.

At times the wording gets a little loose with “give kindness” and “show wisdom” but the overall tone conveys the sentiment and allows for the stronger, “get results” and “be a leader” to balance out the flow of the book. The illustrations amplify the color being presented, but it is worth pointing out that the hijab’s are all patterned and could be a little confusing to little readers. Similarly, the yellow hijabs appear more orange and the purple more pink.

I love that the book is authored by a Somali woman and that the illustrations show diversity (skin color, mobility, body shape), but focus on strong black women inspiring the young protagonist. The backmatter hints that it is the author’s niece and also explains hijab, and hijab styles.

I purchased mine from Book Depository, but they are going out of business, you can also purchase it on Amazon, here.

Mar13

Ramadan is Upon Us

Posted on March 13, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Just skip it sigh, I have strong reason to believe that this is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) written and illustrated book and it is just reads as a repetitive non fiction copy pasted Wikipedia page. I know there are worse books out there, but I love, love, love the little girl’s face on the cover, and it does nothing but mislead. It implies it is a children’s picture book, and the text does not read appropriate for children. The illustrations are also not uniform they are different styles and aesthetics and not on every page. There are errors in the text, and it repeats the same lines multiple times. There are better books out there and real author’s that benefit from consumer support that I hope this does not become the norm.

The book is broken into sections almost like a textbook. What is Ramadan?, The origins of Ramadan? (yes, there is a question mark), When is Ramadan?, How is Ramadan observed & practiced?, Rules of fasting in Ramadan, Prayers during Ramadan, Benefits of Ramadan, Where is Ramadan celebrated (no question mark), Laylat al-Qadr, Eid al-Fitr. I am terrible at grammar, but with the question marks and the random capitalization throughout the body of the text needs to be corrected “Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam,” salawat after the Prophet’s name also needs to be added.

The wording on occasion feels awkward, for example it says that “Ramadan’s origin can be traced back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (saw),” which isn’t technically wrong, but it sure seems a weird way to say that Ramadan was prescribed to RasulAllah (saw) from Allah (swt), through Angel Jibra’eel. It notes that the starting of the month depends on the moon and thus can vary from country to country, but it then says that it falls between late May and late June on the Gregorian calendar. By the third page of text it has mentioned twice that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic/lunar calendar. It also erroneously says that the sighting of the moon is done by religious authorities, taraweeh is 20 rakats, and that “children fasting in Ramadan isn’t common practice.” Clearly we all look for the moon and have protocols to have it verified, there are some varying thoughts on the number of rakats to be prayed for taraweeh, and many children of a variety of ages fast and are encouraged to do so.

I didn’t like the repeated statement that during the daylight hours food, drink, and other physical needs are abstained from. On one page it even says “refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in intimate relationships.” This book presents as a children’s book, but it reads for more older readers and is dry and disconnected from the format of the book.

Perhaps the book has a lot of good information, but with the errors and format I have no idea how you would gleam what is accurate and who should know what. I really couldn’t get through it as the repetition was intense, the essay feel with numbered lists and bolded sub points off putting, and the pictures terrible.

Feb3

Animals in the Qur’an Search & Find by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Guliz Gerdan

Posted on February 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Animals in the Qur’an Search & Find by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Guliz Gerdan

This book is targeted to preschoolers, but with the minor details the book sends readers looking for, I think children up to third grade will enjoy the mix of fun and learning that this book offers. The book uses animals in the Qur’an as the theme for each two page spread, tells what surah the animal is mentioned in, and some Islamic context, as well as some basic facts about the animal. Over 45 pages kids will learn about bees and snakes, donkeys and wolves, and dive in to the challenge of finding a spider with spots looking to the left or a fish with strips swimming to the right. My three year old can not differentiate between some of the more specific markings of this cow or that, but he still loves the illustrations and benefits from the brief factual text. This book is a great addition to school, masjid, and home libraries with its Islamic foundation, beautiful large execution, and wide audience appeal.

The book starts with the Arabic ayat of verse 45 in Surah Nur and the English meaning of the translation. It then establishes the format of the book, and then lists the 20 animals featured, where they are found in the Qur’an and on what page number, in the table of contents.

Each page offers the animals and some nature elements to be found on the large 10 x 10 pages. The pictures are playful and colorful with the print quality glossy and a sturdy thickness.

I enjoy the book and think most families with young elementary aged children will as well. You can purchase a copy here from Crescent Moon Store and if you use my initials “ISL” at checkout, you will save 10%

Jan16

Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila Guadalupe

Posted on January 16, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila Guadalupe

This dual lingo: English and Spanish is a linear story of Ahmed going for Jummah prayers. The rhyming text in both languages is fairly consistent and the information framed in an upbeat, fun, positive way. From waking up early and taking ghusl to reading Surah al-Kahf, the book shows some spiritual aspects, some sunnah reminders, and social Jummah interactions with friends as well. The 48 pages are good for preschool to early elementary aged readers and with the minimal text on the pages, even younger listeners will enjoy the book. I wish the religious statements were sourced, and while I didn’t initially love the aesthetics of the puppets when I first saw the cover, I definitely warmed up to Ahmed and absolutely cooed at the adorable (puppet) Imam. The book starts with a sourced hadith and ayat from the Quran and ends with questions to test your knowledge.

The story begins in a bit of an awkward fashion with Ahmed breaking down the fourth wall, and addressing the reader, and then on the next page, the “narrator” reaching out to the readers to have them pay attention to Ahmed. Then the story starts with asking if the reader knows what the special day of the week is called. It then tells us that it is called Friday in English, Jummah in Arabic and that I, Ahmed, is going to tell us about it. With all the introductions and signposting it makes the book actually start 11 pages in. I read the first few spreads numerous times trying to see what was going on, and finally just realized it has a lot of framing and set up before diving in. Alhumdulillah, after the repetitive first few pages, the book reads smooth and clearly.

Ahmed wakes up, does ghusl, puts on nice clothes, and then waits until midday to go to salatul Jummah. Muslims read Surah al-Kahf, and then get to the mosque early. It is noted that we get rewards for every step we take, we are encouraged to praise our Lord, we greet friends with Salam, and after athan we sit calmly and quietly listening to the Imam. The khutbah talks about our faith and then we pray foot to foot closing the gaps. The last few spreads are about the importance of Jummah.

The illustrations show Ahmed the puppet in different places with other Wendy Diaz books displayed in poster form, books on side tables, and graffitied on a wall. The only other character beside Ahmed and the Imam is Ahmed’s un named friend. The simple illustrated backgrounds with puppets in the foreground, the minimal rhyming text and the content presentation make this book a great addition to home and school libraries as well as ideal at story time or bedtime where early elementary aged children are able to understand both the excitement and protocols of the blessed day.

Over the years I’ve done a few Jummah themed readings and this book would be a great addition at story time. You can purchase the book here.