Category Archives: OWN Voice

Dec25

The Thread that Connects Us by Ayaan Mohamud

Posted on by
Standard
The Thread that Connects Us by Ayaan Mohamud

 

At just over 400 pages this book expertly blends the stresses of school, bullies, and friends in the UK with the twists and secrets of broken families, shattered hearts, and a past that needs to be reckoned with.  Told in dual perspectives from girls thrown together by the actions of their parents, Safiya and Halima maintain distinct voices that are rich with Somali culture, Islam, vulnerability, and ultimately love and hope.  The book is YA, but the premise is a bit mature and is better suited to older teens in my opinion, I think a high school book club would be wise to consider this book, as once you start reading, it is difficult to put the book down. 

SYNOPSIS:

Safiya is mature beyond her years.  Since her father abandoned her and her mother five years prior, she has managed the bills, the upkeep of the home, and for the most part her grades. Hooyo checked out and is rarely more than a silent being curled up unable to care for herself, much less her daughter.  With the the help from the community, particularly her best friends and neighbors Muna and Yusuf, Safiya has a found family that helps her weather the tough times.  When her dad moves back to London with his new family from Somalia, Safiya is forced to deal with not only all the painful memories of her past, but also the very real presence of her family living in her neighborhood, showing up to Eid prayers, and taking over the safe haven that school has often served as when home life has been so cold and lonely.

Halima’s father died when she was young, and life with her Hooyo in Mogadishu was good until her mother remarried, Safiya’s dad.  Her two younger half brothers that came further added to the rift between her and her mother, and now that they are moving to England with the husband, despite her protests, has her plotting a way to return to her home.  The language, the culture, the weather, are all added stresses to finding her way, and are compounded when she gets paired up to have Safiya show her around and help translate for her in school.  

The two girls hate each other, at least they have that in common, but their inability to avoid each other forces them to interact more than either wish to do.  As questions, and secrets are voiced, the two girls realize that they might have to work together to get what they want, and figure out their past.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I really enjoyed the owning of the characters’ language and culture and faith and how easy it was to be invested in their world.  Nothing pulls you out of the story, it is rich and lush and the reader can figure out why even though there is a crush, nothing is going to happen, and why they are wearing hijabs, and waking up to pray fajr, the balance is both inviting and educating, without the reader even realize it is happening, because hello, we are to busy trying to figure out what these two girls’ parents have done. 

The story has layers, and the emotional attachment I feel to both these girls, made me glad the story was over, they deserve some peace, but also desperate to know that they are going to be ok in the future too.  I can’t say too much without the risk of spoiling, but the writing is strong, the plot solid, the details intentional and relatable, and the characters very real.

FLAGS:

Lying, bullying, fighting, assault, crush, drug use, arrest, accusation, gossip, abandonment, relationships, edibles, affairs.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
This would be such a great upper high school read, the way the story unfolds will keep readers hooked from the first page and motivate those that start, to finish.  Students will see themselves in the characters, and be sleuths themselves trying to uncover what secrets are true and how do the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

 

Dec24

Our Neighborhood: Friday Fun by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anoosha Syed

Posted on by
Standard
Our Neighborhood: Friday Fun by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anoosha Syed

img_8215-1

At 26 pages and 55 words, this adorable board book conveys Jumu’ah sunnahs, joy, Islam, and community.  The simple rhyming words and bright engaging illustrations are meant for babies to three year olds, but I have a house full of older kids and this book made them all smile.  The book is part of a larger non fiction series, “Our Neighborhood,” that focuses on different communities, and the first of two that celebrate Islam.  “Excited for Eid” will be released before the end of the year.  The 7 x 7 size and thick pages can work in small groups in addition to bedtime.  Whether your audience is Muslim kids learning about Jumu’ah, or non Muslims learning about what Muslims do on Fridays, the book will have a large appeal and be a joy to read over and over.

The book establishes it is Friday and then the characters get ready for Jumu’ah at the masjid.  They shower and groom, and trim, and head to the mosque for a talk before the adhan signals the time to pray.  After duas they give charity, hug their friends, and share a meal.

The little kids, male and female, pray together, but I took it to be realistic as often little kids are with one parent and are not segregated like the adults.  The illustrations show some of the kids in hijabs, others not, some of the adults in duputta style head coverings, others in hijab, and some in niqab.  “Allah” is written in Arabic above the mimbar, and the word “sadaqah” is on a box under donations and above mosque.  All the other words are the English versions of the word, except Adhan is in the text and not defined as the call to prayer.  There is no glossary.  The book really is for Muslims, by Muslim, but as a mainstream published book, it also is an easy window to open for non Muslims to see us in our element on Jumu’ah, alhumdulillah.

img_8222-1

Dec21

How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil

Posted on by
Standard
How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil

This 276 page book drew me in from the first page and held my attention until the last. I can’t recall ever reading a fantasy book in a single sitting.  The Islam, heart, Malay culture, and family dynamics have me hoping that maybe there will be a sequel, and that hopefully this debut novel is a first of many from the author. Of course I have minor critiques, the book definitely in the middle had some repetition and pacing hiccups, the rising action and climax could have been stronger, and there are a few noticeable loose threads, but Insyirah is a loveable protagonist that you really hope can sort through her family secrets, save the day, and be at peace with her decisions.  There is a lot of Islam, and it is well woven into the characters’ identities, the plot, and the lens of the book.  If you are Muslim reading it, you will see the fasting on Monday and Thursday, and staying in wudu a little different than non Muslim readers, but no matter who you are, you will enjoy the plot, the adventure and fun ride that will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite.

SYNOPSIS:

Twelve year old Insyirah and her mom are moving back to Malaysia to care for her elderly grandma.  Insyirah is anxious and not thrilled to be leaving Australia.  She hardly has time to miss her old life though as family secrets, discovering she can see and interact with jinn, and learning that an old jinn with a big grudge is after her.  Navigating the seen and unseen words, the rules of her mother opposed to those of her grandmother, and figuring out what she wants will take time to ponder, learn, and reflect upon.  Unfortunately, Syirah doesn’t have that kind of time, as she keeps falling into the unseen world, realizing that a jinn bound to her blood line will soon be under her control, and that pesky jinn haunting her school is trying to get her to leave Malaysia.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I am intrigued by the the way the book holds space for Islam, culture, and fiction, and interweaves the three.  Islam is adhered to, along with the worship, and uncompromising faith in Allah swt, and while the jinn are kept as being real, as understood by Muslims,  their day to day antics cultural and fictional positioning, is richly developed and not put in conflict with deen, seemingly trying to keep everything halal.  I am not a scholar, I would not venture to proclaim that this does or does not cross lines, but the author is very aware of the threads at play, and has a solid awareness of writing craft, so the result is a great story, that feels authentic, without being “shirk-y.”

There are some pop cultural references that might age the book a bit, but I love the shootouts to Hanna Alkaf books.  For me, a Western reader, that really is my only other Malay juvenile literature reference, and the vibes are similar, so it was nice to see the connection.  

FLAGS:

Jinn, loss, death, fear, murder, threats, lies, enslavement, haunting, scaring, secrets, fighting.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This book is solid middle grade, but I think older kids will enjoy the story and find plenty to relate to, learn about, and be captivated by.  I think this book will be a great addition to home, school, and library shelves, and while my copy is from Australia, I believe a US version will be available in 2025, inshaAllah.

Dec15

Hidden Fires by Sairish Hussain

Posted on by
Standard
Hidden Fires by Sairish Hussain

I will not be getting over this book any time soon. It broke my heart, and all my other critical organs, in the most delightfully well-done way possible, and undoubtedly I am better for it. I don’t read a lot of adult fiction these days, and with some diabetic retinopathy concerns, I couldn’t read the 384 page adult book about generational trauma, partition, the Grenfell Tower fire, family dynamics, bullying, self-harm, and resilience, but was pulled in to the audio book version instead. The Desi-British voices of Yusuf, Rubi, and Hassan were refreshing to my American ears.  The multi-perspective book told in parts richly develops the characters, their relationships, and their current, past, and future struggles.  The author is Muslim, as are the characters, and while they all practice in their own way, it is undoubtedly who they are, and their Islamic identity is not questioned, feared, blamed, or apologized for.

SYNOPSIS:
The book weaves three distinct voices. Yusuf, is an 80 year old an immigrant who lived through partition, raised his family in the UK, has lost his wife a year prior, and is struggling with haunting memories of the past, failing health, regular loss of friends, and loneliness.  Hassan, Yusuf’s youngest son is a workaholic who is married to a non Muslim, non Desi who is suffering from fibromyalgia and who’s mother unexpectedly passes away in Spain.  Rubi, is Hassan’s 16 year old girl who is overweight, bullied, lonely and about to take her GCSE exams when she is dumped on her grandfather Yusuf’s door while her parents head to Spain.  The book opens in Ramadan the night of the Grenfell Tower fire and the horrific event affects them all, stirs memories, and shapes futures.  From there the layers of each character slowly unravel as they cope with the swiftly changing present as they desperately work to break free from the past.  As dementia plagues Yusuf, Rubi finds purpose in being needed, and Hassan is forced to re-prioritize his life before it is too late.

WHY I LIKE IT:
The book takes a slow approach to building up the characters and their back stories. It is almost feels like world building as a book would if it were a fantasy, it doesn’t info dump, but at some point the hooks are so deeply embedded that you really cannot leave the characters and their world and you have to finish the book, just to ensure they are ok.  Because I listened to the book, I feel like there might have been some Islamic content that was not completely ok, but again I was having vision issues and couldn’t note where to go back and check.  I think it is fine, and because it is an adult read, I think the audience can discern accuracy, but please know, I’m not 100% green lighting the Islamic rep.  It is undoubtedly well done and fasting and praying are a part of the characters, but their relationship to their faith and their understanding of it, is presented as theirs, it doesn’t get preachy or make broad statements about Muslims everywhere or Islamic doctrine.  

FLAGS:
There is body shaming, self-harm, trauma, death, torture, killing, lying, abuse, fear, guilt, dementia, bullying, assault, physical violence, drug use (mentioned), attempted suicide (mentioned), music, theft, make-up, close male and female relationships, Muslim marrying a non-Muslim, hallucinations.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think mature high school seniors or possibly even juniors could benefit from this book with discussions.  I think Rubi’s voice tied to her father and grandfather, will really open up youngsters perspectives, and provide a great vehicle to hear their thoughts, fears, worries, concerns about body image, self harm, aging grandparents, accessibility to parents, etc..

Dec9

The Power of Du’a by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

Posted on by
Standard
The Power of Du’a by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

img_8062-1

Having not read the author’s first book, Ramadan Reflections, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this non- fiction/memoir/anthology/self help/spiritual focused book. Alhumdulilah the tone is easy to read, the chapters consistent in their format, the quotes and passages sourced, the personal stories relevant, and the information often moving and inspiring.  At times it did feel repetitive, but ultimately the book has staying power, and now that I have read it once cover to cover, I can see myself picking it up and reading a chapter or two at random and being again drawn in again.  While nothing in the book seemed “off” I did find myself wondering though, what qualifications are needed to write a book such as this, and did not find the author’s bio satisfying in providing that information.  Yes, there is a statement of praise by Mufti Menk on the cover, but similarly I don’t know if that means he “checked” and “approved” the book, or just liked the concept of it.  Ultimately, I don’t know that it matters, but I do feel it is worth disclosing, since it did linger in my mind, and I would have appreciated some transparency in the matter.  The 258 page book is meant for adults, but older teens will find it valuable too, even if a number of the stories are related to pregnancy.  I love that this book is traditionally published in the UK, it is for Muslims by a Muslim, but the glossary at the back and the way it is written, would allow even non Muslims to be drawn to the beauty of conversing with our creator, subhanAllah.

The book is divided into four parts: Du’a of Need and Want, Before Du’a, The Du’a, After Du’a, and each of the parts has multiple chapters that explore, develop, and illuminate the concept heading.  Each chapter starts with an ayat, or hadith, or quote, then gives a personal reflection of what the chapter sets out to do, and how the story about to be shared came to the author.  A personal du’a story from a real person is then shared.  The author then uses examples from the story, along with hadith, examples from the Qur’an, and/or guidance from scholars to build the case of the chapter’s intended goal.  Often there are then action items in a pull out box of suggestions the reader can do to “Develop Your Du’a” or strengthen one’s connection.  The final paragraph of the chapter is, “Allah, Transform My Du’a” where an example is given of a how to phrase your du’a.

I love that you can implement every single bit of knowledge into your du’a and your day, immediately.  If you read a chapter, you have something to ponder and act on, if you read multiple chapters you have more.  The implementation is easy and accessible, because of how it is presented.

Many of the stories, and the lessons from them are emotionally humbling.  I often found tears on my cheeks as I saw my own vulnerability, fears, worries, and hopes expressed on the pages.  And the passages that moved me today, I could see having a different effect on me if I reread them in the future.  Similarly, pages I skimmed, I have no doubt could truly grip me in the future as well.

I’m glad I own the book, glad I read it, and can see me recommending it, suggesting it, and gifting copies to others. The importance of du’a and the balm it provides is something we all know, but how to go about it to make the most of it, is often something we need assistance with and can be facilitated by this book, alhumdulillah.

Dec4

Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny: The Travelling Dentist by Emma L. Halim & Her Mum Mary Tucker illustrated by Alissa Mutiara

Posted on by
Standard
Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny: The Travelling Dentist by Emma L. Halim & Her Mum Mary Tucker illustrated by Alissa Mutiara

Sometimes you just need a sweet little story about a traveling (sorry one l I’m not British) dentist going under the sea to help a hammer head shark with a toothache.  This rhyming story for toddlers is perfect for the demographic as duas are said to get through the pain and fear and the reliance on Allah swt that all will be well.  The Muslim animals and the fun illustrations make the story appealing whether your child is afraid of the dentist or not, and the focus on the duas in the backmatter, makes the book a good tool for repetitive use.  It is worth noting that their are 32 pages in the book, but the story is only 20 pages.  There is a glossary, multiple dedications, scanable codes for activities, ads for other books, duas, sources for duas and author bios in the back.

The book starts with Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny introducing themselves as traveling dentists for all animals, even those under the sea.  When they get a call from Sonny, they set an appointment time, gather their gear on a boat and then head underwater to the shark village.

Sammy is glad they are there, as he is in pain. They clean his teeth, but need to remove the wiggly one, and that scares him.  He says a dua and before he knows it the huge tooth is out, alhumdulillah.

The book then has a two page spread about duas that help when you are “feeling funny inside” in Arabic, English transliteration, and their meanings in English.  A fun book with a great mix of story, silliness, education, and heart.

Nov23

Vultures in the House of Silence by A.R. Latif

Posted on by
Standard
Vultures in the House of Silence by A.R. Latif

img_7966-1

This 312 page richly imagined Islamic fantasy is both engaging and compelling.  It is too advanced for me to review as it weaves a complex tale based on history, religion, fantasy, and imagination.  I do know that it was for the most part well written, I have some issue when the character’s diction would include words that felt too contemporary slang, but it didn’t happen too often.  The pacing though, unfortunately for me, was definitely off.  Undoubtedly the author has tremendous skill.  The emotional pulls, the world building, the consistent cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, kept me curious to see what would unfold.  The story beats just dragged more often than they should have for no clear reason in developing the plot, defining character arcs, or adding to the rising action.  I don’t think I ever stopped reading at the end of a chapter, those hooks were well placed, but when I stopped in the middle of the chapter, it often took four or five days for me to be motivated enough to open the book back up.  I truly think it just needs a good editor to help cut certain scenes, and smooth out the tempo.  The idea and layers are great, and if I, as someone who struggles with middle grade fantasy, couldn’t walk away from this YA/Adultish read, I’m sure lovers of fantasy, jinn, monsters, Islamic history, found family, gray characters and action, will find this book an enjoyable read, even the slow parts, that  I struggled with.  So no this is not a negative review,  I am hopeful my teenagers will read it and enjoy it, I just really hope the author will consider working with an editor to elevate the text as it truly has potential.

SYNOPSIS:

I don’t know that I can retell the story, it has a lot going on and I’ll probably inadvertently spoil something, so here is the summary from the back of the book:

“A boy wakes up surrounded by corpses. Unable to move, he is assaulted by vultures who stop pecking at him only when he speaks. To survive this nightmarish ordeal, he tells them the story of how he ended up on their menu…

What follows is the wild tale of the young gardener Khurafa, coping with the aftermath of the Mongol invasion of Baghdad and the death of his parents amidst the bloodshed. After a vivid dream and several supernatural encounters, he becomes convinced that an ancient group of nine sorcerers called the Servants are bent on world domination. Accompanied by his scholarly mentor Shaykh Nariman, and the sly, uncannily perceptive Zakiyya, he seeks saintly help against the Servants, but finds mostly monsters instead.”

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the opening, it really grabs you, the emotion of Khurafa and the loss of his parents and his predicament with the vultures connects you to him and his vulnerabilities.  The twists are also well developed and keep the book interesting.  I feel like the end needed more, and the middle needed less.  SPOILERS: I didn’t get the cat, or the going from village to village.  All the names, and all the drama at each village, dragged for me.

It appears the book is meant to be a series, so I wonder if many of the characters that died will return, but I feel like the final battle was a little disappointing, and anti-climatic.  All the build up and then it went so quick.  I appreciated the full circle on the House of Silence, and the answering of some of the questions, but for all the emotion  at the start, the end didn’t mirror that in the cathartic way I hoped it would.

I say all this with full acknowledgement that I am not drawn to fantasy, I am not well versed in Islamic history, and it is absolutely possible, that I just don’t get it. In brief, I am not the target audience.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I think this book could be a good book club selection, with some motivation to get to the end, I think readers will be happy that they did, and I would imagine they would be willing to read the next book in the series. For many I would imagine it would be the first Islamic fantasy they will have read that has the layers, richness, and intrigue that this book does, and inspire them.

Nov14

Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

Posted on by
Standard
Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

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

 

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

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

Nov11

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

Posted on by
Standard
The Gift of Eid by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrayed by Aaliya Jaleel

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

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

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

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

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

Nov8

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

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

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

SYNOPSIS:

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

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

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISUSSION:

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