Category Archives: OWN Voice

Jul5

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan Illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

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We Are Big Time by Hena Khan Illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

With themes of being new in school, balancing sports and school, teamwork, focusing on the positive and pushing back on media stereotypes, this 240 page middle grade graphic novel inspired by a true story is a feel good story that can be enjoyed by all.  The all hijab wearing Muslim high school girls’ basketball team is researched and noted in the backmatter, and while often Hena Khan books feel performative, the tone of this is not identity based. The characters are Muslim, they are not questioning their religion, and in fact push back on the media who try and make it about what they have to overcome by practicing their faith, rather than on their abilities on the court.  That isn’t to say that the Islamic representation is strong.  For characters in an Islamic school, a whole page is dedicated to being the new kid in each class, but only one “salaam” is offered.  The team informs their non Muslim coach when they need to pray which is nice, but surprisingly with a Muslim author and Muslim illustrator when the protagonist prays at home with her family, the men and women erroneously stand together.  The framing, the setup, the accomplishments are all Muslim centered, but the book is not particularly Islam centered. The take away of teamwork, hard work, and normalizing Muslim hijabi women in sports is well done, and I think an easy book for kids to identify with as they read the panels of Aliya dealing with stresses and changes, on and off the court. This book releases next month, and I encourage you to consider for yourself if you feel the author has done enough with her platform to speak about Palestine before supporting or not supporting the book.

SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with Aliya, her two brothers and parents stuck in a car headed from Tampa to Milwaukee.  They are relocating to be closer to her grandparents, and the kids are not excited.  The first day for the trio at Peace Academy stands out because the school is big.  Aliya who has played rec basketball in the past, now decides to try out for the school team.  Tryouts are a bust, only nine girls show, so they all make the team.  With hopes of turning a failing program around, the school has hired a new coach, a non Muslim who used to play Division 1 ball.  It seems Aliya might start to make friends with her teammates, but then she is named co-captain which ruffles some feathers, her grades start slipping, and the team still isn’t winning. When the media takes an interest in the team, the pressure mounts to represent themselves, their school, their faith, and show what they can do on the court.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that identity is not in question and that the characters articulate the worries they have about their representation in the media, not because of something they’ve said or even Islamophobia, but just based on the framing of the questions, and assumptions that abound.

I read a black and white arc, so at times I didn’t know who was the dad and who was the older brother, but even with that confusion, the beginning is a bit stilted.  The dad doesn’t know if his daughter was any good at basketball, and the dialogue is so flat to set the stage, that I was glad it only lasted a few pages.  I appreciated that the parents were stressing grades, but were not overly narrow minded, they were presented in a very level headed supportive way as to not fall into a common desi/immigrant stereotype.

I don’t know why the prayer scene is wrong, but the more I try and tell myself it was just a mistake, the more mad I get.  This is why beta reading is so important, Muslim kids will notice, it will make the book feel just that much less authentic, and it so easily could/should have been fixed.

FLAGS:

None, a little bit of Islamophobia, but it is pretty clean

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The graphic novel format makes the book a pretty quick read, and most of the discussion points are handled in the text, so I don’t know that a book club would benefit.  I do think having it on the shelf for kids to pick up and read, will keep the book bouncing from one reader to the next.  I know my kids have all read it…that’s the beauty of graphic novels, just having it around means it gets picked up, read, and often finished, despite the readers age or even interest.

Jul1

The Last Man in Paradise by Syed M. Masood

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The Last Man in Paradise by Syed M. Masood

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I’ll be honest, if I would have read the blurb (see below) about this book from another author, I probably would not have read the book.  From the description alone, I could assume that it will undoubtedly be uncomfortable, it is an adult read, it is going to be irreverent, and I will disagree with probably whatever messaging the impossible situation the characters are placed in, come out with. But, having read his two YA books, and really liking More than Just a Pretty Face, despite the raised eyebrows I get from Muslim book fans when I say that, I felt pretty confident that Islam would not be othered or villainized, and that the writing quality would make the cringey situations worth getting through to hear the commentary that would be forth coming.  I’ve felt with the author’s other work that the Muslim characters, own their flaws as individuals, not as representatives of their faith, so, I was willing to give this book a read.

The first quarter of the book was a little stilted, but by the midpoint, I could not put the book down, as the writing did not disappoint.  Would I recommend this book? No, not to the majority of followers of my platform, much like the satire of Zarqa Nawa’s Jameela Green Ruins Everything, I know that this style of ridiculous situations to reveal humanity, consideration, and introspection, while being entertained by very Islamic concepts, is not for everyone. Did the make-out scenes in the masjid parking lot, child abuse, sleeping around, drinking alcohol, talk of pubic hair and board games, grandpa on masjid grounds watching porn, hate crimes, involuntary manslaughter, and impersonating an imam giving khutbahs and performing ghusl, cross lines? Probably, but it is fiction, it is raising the stakes to show extremes, and let the reader opine on their perspective when faced with it. And no, I won’t write my typical review about Islamic rep, because reviewers like me got called out for that too, about policing representation and confining Muslim experience to looking like one thing.  The author went really meta and called himself out for the ending of his other adult book (that I haven’t read, but probably should), The Bad Muslim Discount, so clearly no one was out of the line of fire.

Suffice it to say, this book literary wise is an easy read, the craft is on point, it flows and is compelling (except for the end, SPOILER, who was going to look after Baba, that thread just dropped), for Muslims though it will be very uncomfortable. For non Muslims, or Muslims that don’t read to see themselves represented with the fervor that I do, I think Islam is not painted in a negative light or insulted by the text.  The characters are messed up, their flaws their own, but because they are Muslim, religion is part of their understanding and view of their existence.  I do wish there was at least one Muslim character that had it together, that might hint that as a whole we are not all one extreme or another.  I don’t like labels of “liberal” or “extreme” and the book provides commentary and nuance to those flawed dichotomies as well. The book is not heavily moral, (SPOILER) the protagonist does not come back to Islam (might not have been an identity to even come back to), but identifies as Muslim, there is no YA or MG revelation or singular take away. The book centers Islam, but somehow is not Islamic rep, it simply has Muslims dealing with the messiness of life, expectation, family, relationships, and honesty.

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Blurb copied from Goodreads:
A decade ago, Azaan, a rebellious teenager with dreams of becoming an actor, was exiled from Redding, California to a religious academy in Egypt by his imam father. His crime? Getting caught kissing Madison, the girlfriend he isn’t supposed to have.

But while letting his family believe he is studying to become a preacher, Azaan ditched school and embarked on an acting career. Given that he has minimal contact and nonexistent plans to return home, he figured no one would ever know. Now, however, Azaan’s grandfather has a dying he wants to see his grandson one last time. In order to maintain the story he’s told his family for years, Azaan decides to become a fake imam. Playing at being a religious leader, he finds a community in Redding on the brink of a scandal involving his family. It’ll be the most challenging role of his life.

Navigating his new identity and old relationships, Azaan reunites with Madison, connects with old friends, and uncovers a shocking truth about his family history that threatens to expose his father as a fraud. It turns out, Azaan isn’t the only one pretending to be something he isn’t.

Before he can finish weighing the consequences of exposing his father or protecting him, an untimely death shakes Azaan’s priorities. He is forced to grapple with his religion, future, and family in a way that is sure to break hearts, but might heal a few along the way.

Jun19

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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This 40 page OWN voice written and illustrated picture book for kindergarten to elementary, addresses the question and provides some answers that Palestinian diaspora children have faced for years, about the attempted erasure of Palestine by way of not labeling the country on maps.  The book does not name the occupiers, so hopefully it will avoid bans and censorship, as it does not shy away from articulating the taking of land, theft of homes, and renaming of villages.  The refrain is that “Palestine lives in you and me,” and that can never be taken away.  That the book stays on level and is traditional published is quite impressive for the contents contained. I love that their are resources as the beginning for adults to learn more, that Isha prayer is mentioned, The Proudest Blue is in an illustration, that rohi, omri and habibti are woven in, and the Author’s Note is detailed. 

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The book starts with little Falasteen at school, the class has a new map of the world and everyone is taking turns telling about where their families are from.  Let me pause here and say, this was my biggest, only real problem with the book, the illustration hints that the map is the rug, and the rug is just shapes of the continents, it is not a political maps that shows country boundaries, but I also read an e-arc so maybe something will change in the illustrations, but none-the-less, I note it here because it is the first page.  Moving on, when it is Falasteen’s turn she doesn’t see Palestine and when she asks her teacher, her teacher tells her, “I think there is no such place.” I wish I could say this is extreme, but I’ve been hearing similar conversations from friends for over 30 years, at least in the book the teacher isn’t mean about it, just ignorant, real life sadly, is often much more aggressive.  This is the catalyst though that prompts Falasteen to start asking her question.

When she gets home, she asks her Jido, who is tending the grape vines, why Palestine is not on the map, and he draws her a map to take to school the next day to share with her friends and teacher.  He tells her, her “teacher needs teaching.” Let me pause again her, I was initially a little surprised at this tone, and SPOILER that at the end it doesn’t circle back to her teaching her teacher and class, but on the second reading, I was glad for it.  No one should have to prove their existence, that is my bias of wanting to be accepted or palatable to an outside gaze.  Teachers all the time get asked something they don’t know and if it on topic will go and find an answer, to dismiss little Falasteen intentionally or out of ignorance regarding her home country, is not something that needs outside approval, or that needs to be proven.  Outside acceptance is not required in this example of reality. 

She then asks her Teta who is cooking in the kitchen, why Palestine is not on the map.  Teta tells her about when soldiers came with their tanks and guns, and burned their fields, and she had to leave with Falasteen’s mom in her arms to keep her safe.  She shows her the key that she keeps from her home that was taken, and how she longs to return.

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After Isha prayer, Falasteen asks her mother the same question.  Her Mama tells her that some places don’t need a map to be found, and that “Palestine lives in you and me.”  That even though Falasteen has never seen Palestine it is within her.  When she tells her mother that her teacher told her it doesn’t exist, her mom explains that those that say it doesn’t exist, that make the maps, cannot erase them, their memories, their culture. 

The remainder of the book is more hopeful and prideful of the places where Palestine is found and the hope that someday they can visit. I enjoyed the read, it is important, it is needed, and I hope you will preorder/order it to show your support.

Jun14

Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir illustrated by Nez Riaz

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Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir illustrated by Nez Riaz

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For ages four to eight this 40 page picture book really introduces great concepts of leadership, business, support systems, and dreaming big.  Before Leena Mo, leads a company though, she thinks up ideas to solve a problem, she turns her ideas into a plan, tests her hypothesis with her prototype, and takes her invention to the next step when demand grows.  Investors, employees, storage, sales, Leena Mo has not only created a product and a company, but she is leading a business, and inspiring others, even back in her Mama’s home in Iraq. With a Mama wearing hijab, a singular mashallah in the text, and the Arabic word for “my dream” Helmy being what she names her snow clearing robot, children everywhere will be inspired and encouraged to think a little bigger than they may have done before.

I love that this business concept is brought down to an early elementary age (and even younger), in a way that they not only will understand, but also be inspired by.  Younger kids might not get the steps, but the fun engaging illustrations, and simple text builds to show that the idea is also growing, and even four and five year olds will grasp that this is exciting.  There are books about science, inventions, even increasingly more about financial literacy, so this is in many ways a next step, that touches on those concepts, but really focuses on the investors, growth and leadership.  The story and concepts weave together, and that culture finds a place as well, is a testament to the quality of this solid, joyful OWN voice read.

The book starts with Leena playing outside in the snow with her friends, when her Mama asks her to shovel before it gets dark.  Leena hates shoveling.  She finds it worse than raking leaves, doing the dishes, and even taking out the garbage.  Instead of complaining though, she starts to dream up an idea of something that would make clearing the snow easier.  She decides on a robot, and gets to work designing and building and testing.

Once it works, a neighbor, Miss Irma, asks to borrow Helmy, and when she returns it, the rest of the neighborhood wants to know where they can purchase one of their own.  When Miss Irma invests in Leena and her team, the next phase begins and as parts turn into products, and equations determine cost, the team of Leena, Olivia, and Lily starts rolling out Helmies.

The sweet ending of inspiring others, will also hopefully inspire readers to think bigger, dream bigger, and recognize the role support,  teamwork, and leadership all play in bringing ideas to life.

The book can be preordered and soon ordered anywhere and everywhere books are sold.

Jun10

Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Tatiana Gardel 

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Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Tatiana Gardel 

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At 48 pages this picture book provides a tender window into a little boy with anxiety, a small voice, and a huge imagination.  I absolutely love that Xavier is the star, the other kids are not mean or overly nice, they are important, but at the story’s core is him finding his confidence, and accepting himself, through his love of superheroes, sketching, and imagining what-ifs.  Xavier is Muslim, there is an “Assalamu Alaika” on one of the pages from another character to him, a superhero by the name of Super Saleem, and Islamic decor in the illustrations in his home.  Religion is not centered or explored in this Muslim authored book, but Muslim readers will see the subtle hints and feel seen immediately.  I love that Xavier discusses coping techniques his therapist has taught him to help with his anxiety and that the tone is empowering and positive.  A good story for kindergarten through second grade, and a great way for kids with anxiety to see themselves represented, and a window for others to grow their empathy and compassion.

The book starts with Xavier at school, which is loud, and wishing that he could make his small voice big.  He notices the big voice kids, have lots of friends, and he can’t seem to find the words when people talk to him.  He gets nervous, and as a result, he is lonely.  One day he discovers Super Saleem and that inspires him to create his own superheroes that are unstoppable.  When raindrops start to fall, a new kid, comes to help, and BJ likes Xavier’s drawings.  Xavier wonders if he has finally made a friend.  The book shows that even when things are going well, there can be a lot of worries, stresses, over thinking, and missteps. But being brave to keep trying, can have super results.

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Jun8

The Story of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha by Humera Malik illstrated by Basmah Syadza

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The Story of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha by Humera Malik illstrated by Basmah Syadza

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This early chapter book discusses some of the key parts of Hajj and Eid al-Adha in a fictionalized manner.  A young girl, Sumayyah, spending the weekend with her grandparents finds an old photo album of their trip to Hajj, and bed time, walks to the park, and baking muffins, all provide great opportunities for grandma and grandpa to share their experience, the Islamic concepts, and the historical roots of this pillar of Islam.  The book is presented in a gentle way with concepts explained in broad terms, some related to experiences Sumayyah can relate to, and kept light and age appropriate.  The book is not particularly detailed, or even as informative as many picture books, but allows early independent readers to emerge themselves in the story, pick up on familiar and new facts, and hopefully gain a bit of an overview about Hajj and Eid al Adha.  Their isn’t a plot, it is characters and their dialogue providing a framing for the concepts to be shared.  The illustrations are sweet and make it accessible to the target audience, and while the author’s note acknowledges that further information can and should be sought from people of knowledge.  I really wish this book would have sources or a scholars approval, or where to go for more information.  Overall, a good book for our kids, and an easy read that they will benefit from, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with establishing the characters, the photo album, and the curiosity surrounding it all.  There are nine chapters in the book: The Photo Album, Prophet Ibrahim, Ihram, Tawaf, Sayy, Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and The Ka’bah.  The titles really outline the book and what it covers.  The rituals are explained and the historical concept given and often linked to something Sumayyah and her grandparents are doing.  For example, Sumayyah is inspired by Hajarah’s bravery running between As-Safah and Al-Marwah and uses that to fuel her determination to tackle the zip line at the park.

I enjoyed the approach to the content, it doesn’t just list everything as steps or facts.  The history, the acts of hajj, blend together to make it read like a story, even with the predictable framing of teaching the character to teach the reader.  My 8 year old knows a lot of the facts and details, but could chat about them a bit more after reading this book, alhumdulillah.

Jun7

A Letter to the Beloved: Dear Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Rumeysa Abis

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A Letter to the Beloved: Dear Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Rumeysa Abis

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I was a little skeptical about a 32 page rhyming letter to our beloved Rasullah, illustrated in book format, but it is cute and it won me over.  The rhythm keeps the rhyme from feeling too forced and allows for some forgiveness when it misses the mark, it also makes the book appeal to a wider audience. Even my preschooler could sit through it pretty well.  The book being the letter without any stilted framing, has a lovely authentic voice of a young boy, also named Muhammad, asking the Prophet (saw) questions and chatting in a very stream of conscience sort of way. It blends facts that the young boy knows with his stresses and asking the Prophet for advice.  The font is meant to look like a child wrote it, but it is a little cumbersome for children to read, and even adults (me) during read alouds.  I do wish the book was sourced, nothing really seemed wrong, but having it sourced or approved by a scholar is just a reassurance to the reader, and in my view a responsibility of the author.  The only line I didn’t like was near the end, when the boy hopes “that you will remember me, from this letter I am writing you.”  I feel like it will confuse kids, is the letter being sent? How would he know you when you’ve never met? What will be done with the letter once written? The illustrations are hit or miss, some are absolutely lovely, others a bit off, for example a music book on top of a picture of Masjid an Nabawi and the Kaaba, some also easier for small groups to see than others.  For kids there really aren’t a lot of books about Prophet Muhammad saw that are not textbook like in their portrayal, so I like the approach this takes, I just wish a few things were tweaked.

The book dives right in, with Muhamad introducing himself to our Prophet, he writes that he was named after him, and all about his family.  He then starts to tell what he knows about Prophet Muhammad, and questions he would like to ask.  Its a one sided discussion about siblings, smiles, appearances, kindness, and generosity.

The little boy then wants to know about Buraq, splitting the moon, talking to angels, standing out numbered at Badr.  It then turns to food and the little boy wondering about if RasulAllah would like mustard and relish, and burgers.  

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He imagines the Prophet visiting and leading his family in prayer and the scent that would then linger.  The boy hopes to meet him in Jannah, and promises to do his best to follow Allah’s decree. He signs off and sends salawat upon the Prophet. There is then a place for readers to write their own letters to the Prophet.  

Jun5

Sam(ira)’s (Worst) Best Summer by Nina Hamza

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Sam(ira)’s (Worst) Best Summer by Nina Hamza

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The first 15% of this 336 page book were rough, the internalized Islamophobia/othering, the excessive discussion of Halloween and being toilet papered, but then I don’t know, something suddenly changed, and I was hooked.  There really is no plot, the reader just spends the summer with Samira, the highs the lows, you see it all through her tween eyes, which worked great for me because I truly loved her voice.  Her dry witty humor, the short choppy chapters, once the forced Islamic rep faded (I know, the irony is not lost on me), the book was hard to put down.  It has Muslamic flags: music is a HUGE part of the book, there is lying, mention of beer, parties with boys, Halloween, dancing, bullying, racism, ageism, Islamophobia, stereotypes, but it also has a lot of heart, finding yourself and voice, amazing sibling support, community, a super grandma, a little brother who is on the spectrum and absolutely a star who holds his own. It is very idyllic even for middle grade, but I think if you are ok with the aforementioned flags and have a middle grader trying to find their place or has had some friend trouble, this book will resonate and be well loved.

SYNOPSIS:
Sam/Sammy/Samira is wrapping up a school year that did not go as planned even though she found she loved being a photographer for the yearbook. She had a huge falling out with her best friend Keira, and she cannot wait for a summer of never leaving her room.  Her parents and older sister are heading to India, leaving her with her little brother Imran, and Umma, their Grandma who came from India to watch them. The end of school culminates with the yearbooks being delayed, her house being toilet papered, the talent show performance that she quit- being completely changed and incredibly racist, Keira spreading lies, and a new girl moving in to the neighborhood.  It is a lot for Samira, and summer is just getting started.  Umma knows the whole neighborhood before the week is out, and starts building a community that rallies around the three of them.  Samira becomes a roadie for a band, Imran gets an old artist to teach him to paint, parties are planned, voices are found, friendships are established, and videos are made celebrating the success and obstacles of it all.  Every time they call the rest of the family in India, even the reader realizes just how much they all have grown.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I just love Samira, she is relatable, funny, and you just cheer for her. I wish her lens though was Islamic.  She doesn’t wear a swimsuit because she misread the dress code, but had no Islamic perspective hesitation of going to a swimming party with boys.  She gets blamed for sneaking beer to a gathering and it says she doesn’t drink, but doesn’t stress, that it would be a huge, huge deal Islamically, not just because she is underage.  Music and dancing aren’t even blips on the radar. Umma prays, Sammy finds it annoying that her prayers seem to take longer when Sammy is waiting for her.  Once it mentions that Sammy was told to pray, but it never shows her praying.  Islam seems very forced, just enough for the character to mention Islamophobia in other instances where the label creates stress for the family.

The character development of Imran and Umma, even though they don’t change at all, has depth and grounds the story. I read a digital copy that doesn’t have any backmatter, but I do hope that the autistic rep is accurate.  Imran’s perspective and heart are so engaging and his and Samira’s relationship is very tender.  There is no pity, or looking down, he legit is fully fleshed out and awesome.  Umma is incredible too, her magic network of getting things done really is a super power.  She connects with people, has a huge heart, and picks her battles.  I wish I could take an internship from Umma.

I can’t figure out if the resolution to the “climax” is intentionally understated because Samira has moved on and grown, and having a big explosion doesn’t fit her character, or if it was just not written strong enough.  That is why I put climax in quotations, because there really isn’t a lead up, or rising action, it is a progression, but it is like the rest of the smaller ups and downs, it is just a stress of the day-to-day living of the protagonist.  The other thread of the “climax” being Alice’s grandma coming home from the hospital, really just seemed weak.  She should have come to the party in her wheelchair, I really didn’t get why it centered the party for being for her, but then let her leave.

I like that Keira wasn’t given redeeming qualities, and her treatment of Samira was never justified.  Often the bullies are shown to have hard lives, which is fine, but sometimes they are just mean.  Samira really takes the high road in handling Keira and what she wants their interactions to look like in the future, which is much better messaging than most books about bullies contain, and I really appreciate that.  

FLAGS:

Bullying, racism, stereotypes, lying, Islamophobia, agism, mocking, teasing, music, dancing, vandalism, mention of Halloween and beer.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION: It wouldn’t be possible to do this as a book club selection in an Islamic school because of the music element, but depending on the school, it might still be ok to shelve in classrooms and the library.

Jun4

I’ll See You in Ijebu by Bunmi Emananjo illustrated by Dian Ejaita

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I’ll See You in Ijebu by Bunmi Emananjo illustrated by Dian Ejaita

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As a window into Nigerian life, this 32 page book is beautiful, celebratory, and an incredible resource to learn from and emerge yourself in, as the beautiful pages, and delightful language sweeps you away to Ijebu and Olu’s grandparent’s house for Eid al Adha.  As a Muslim, this book’s framing might require some conversation with little ones that may or may not be right for your family.  The protagonist in the book, Olu, is Catholic, her siblings and parents are as well, her mother’s family however, is Muslim.  The multi-faith family celebrate each others’ holidays, for example Olu goes to the mosque to pray after taking communion at church, and the cousins haven’t seen each other since they came to Lagos to celebrate Christmas.  Eid al Adha is celebrated with a big meal, prayers, and being together, but nothing specific about belief or doctrine is included in the text. The tender heart of the story is the subtle bond between Olu and her grandfather, Baba, even though language differences prevent them from talking. The writing style is as beautiful as the full page illustrations, with part of each page dedicated to more traditional story telling, and another complimentary part expressed in a more lyrical fashion that reads often like a song.  The backmatter is robust with information about Nigeria (including a map), Food, Fun, Faith and Family, Oriki, Fashion, an Author’s Note, a recipe for Puff Puff, an Illustrator’s Note, and a list of people who helped create the book. The book is OWN voice written and illustrated, but I do not think either are Muslim, and while the publisher lists the book as being for ages 4-10, it is a bit text heavy, so take that into consideration. 

The book starts with Mummy calling Olu and her brothers for breakfast.  Daddy is in America at their old home visiting his brother, and today they are going to Ijebu to visit Baba and Iya Akin for Eid.  This year Olu is eight and will finally get to help make the Sallah feast. The traffic is bad in the hot weather, with smells of vendors cooking filling the air.  The family listens to Afrobeats and 90s pop music until they are finally there.  When they arrive Baba is waiting and sings Olu’s oriki as they embrace.  Food is a big part of visits to Ijebu, as they pick ripe cashews, sugar cane, guavas, and mangoes on Baba’s farm.

When it is finally Eid the family walks to the nearby mosque for prayers in matching outfits.  Then it is time to cook the two rams for the Eid feast.  Olu is going to braid the ram intestines.  It is a lot to cook and a lot to eat. When the week is over, and it is time to leave, once again it is Olu and Baba’s hug that make the love tangible and the book emotional as they say their wordless goodbye.

Jun3

Sami’s Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Huseyin Sonmezay

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Sami’s Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Huseyin Sonmezay

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This sweet 32 page story, blends themes of loss, grief, giving, homelessness, Islam, Eid al Adha, and joy with simple early reader level text and beautiful illustrations. The book never gets preachy and doesn’t other, making it a great addition to all shelves, everywhere. There is information about Eid al Adha and what a homeless shelter is in the backmatter along with a glossary that explains, Islamic and Turkish terms.

Sami loves Eid and celebrating at the carnival with Dede, his grandfather, but this year, Dede is not there, and Sami is sad. When a package from Nene arrives from Turkiye with Dede’s favorite sheep decorated Eid tie for Sami, things start to look up. Sami never wants to take it off, and even wears it over his new Eid clothes as they head to the mosque for prayers. After salat and before the carnival, the family visits a local butcher and picks up meat to take to the homeless shelter.

Sami has never been to a homeless shelter and has only heard of his parents going and helping there. He asks his parents about it on their way and once they arrive heads off to play ball with a boy, as his sister shares her doll with a little girl. When it is time to leave for the carnival, Sami imagines what the his life would be like if he lost his home and belongings, and makes a decision, knowing exactly what his Dede would do.

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I love how the book weaves in information about Islam by having the family praying, listening to the imam, wearing new clothes, and giving in charity, without pulling out of the story. Same for the Turkish cultural inclusions of food and words. I also like that in the illustrations the mom wears hijab when out of the house, but not inside. It all comes together smoothly and is unapologetic, even while handling the sadness of his grandfather no longer being with him, the empathy at the homeless shelter, and joy at the carnival.

My only concern is when it says both in the text and in the backmatter that meat is given: one third to friends, one third to family and one third to the poor. I don’t know that it is wrong, but to clarify you keep one third for yourself (and family), and distribute one third to friends, and one third to the poor. Additionally, I also know a lot of people might not love the illustration style, but the picture of them in the mosque, won me over.