- A Girl Called Genghis Khan: How Maria Toorpakai Wazir Pretended to Be a Boy, Defied the Taliban, and Became a World Famous Squash Player by Michelle Lord illustrated by Shehzil MalikThis children’s biography of Maria Toorpakai Wazir, Pakistan’s world famous squash player, is simplified and suitable for children 2nd grade and up. At 42 pages with bright illustrations older kids will understand a little bit more about the cultural norms that were being oppressive and the strength and risks Maria took to play a sport… Read more: A Girl Called Genghis Khan: How Maria Toorpakai Wazir Pretended to Be a Boy, Defied the Taliban, and Became a World Famous Squash Player by Michelle Lord illustrated by Shehzil Malik
- A Little Golden Book: Ramadan: A Holy Month by Malik Amin illustrated by Debby RahmaliaAs a child I had a stack of Little Golden Books, my libraries always have a good part of a shelf with Little Golden Books, my own kids have a few dozen of them, but honestly I don’t know that I love any of them, aside from the Monster at the End of the Book. … Read more: A Little Golden Book: Ramadan: A Holy Month by Malik Amin illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
- A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi AntliA 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… Read more: A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli
- ABC’s of Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Michile KhanI absolutely love this ABC book, it truly does Pakistan proud and I’m thrilled that I could obtain it, it wasn’t easy, sorry not sure where you can get it in the USA, and it isn’t available even at Liberty Books in Karachi, but if you can find it, grab a copy, or two because… Read more: ABC’s of Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Michile Khan
- Accused: My Story of Injustice (I, Witness Series Book 1) by Adama BahThis is the first book in a new middle grades nonfiction series and is Adama Bah telling her own story about being detained as a 16 year old and falsely accused of being a suicide bomber. A story that sounds like a movie plot is painfully real and terrifying and hearing it in her own… Read more: Accused: My Story of Injustice (I, Witness Series Book 1) by Adama Bah
- Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila GuadalupeThis 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… Read more: Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila Guadalupe
- Alia’s Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq by Mark Alan StamatyBased on the true story of Alia Muhammed Baker, the Basra librarian who saved 30,000 books in 2003 from the destruction during the Iraq War, this 32 page graphic novel, is an AR 3.9 and while it isn’t a chapter book and isn’t just a picture book, it works well for 2nd through 4th grade… Read more: Alia’s Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq by Mark Alan Stamaty
- Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World: Extraordinary Stories of Incredible People by Burhana Islam illustrated by Reya Ahmed, Deema Alawa, Nabi H. Ali, Saffa Khan, Aaliya Jaleel and Aghnia MardiyahThe 30 stories presented over 197 pages are inspiring, and this compilation so desperately overdue. The book is not chronological it is completely random, and at first I was confused, but as I made my way through the book, I actually grew to love not knowing who I would be reading about next. Yes, there… Read more: Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World: Extraordinary Stories of Incredible People by Burhana Islam illustrated by Reya Ahmed, Deema Alawa, Nabi H. Ali, Saffa Khan, Aaliya Jaleel and Aghnia Mardiyah
- Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day by Wafa’ TarnowskaA nonfiction picture book for teens that features amazing women from ancient times to the present day. Many of the women featured are Muslim and each entry receives a teasing summation page with a full page portrait from one of five international artists before a two page, more in-depth biography is presented. The 112 pages… Read more: Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day by Wafa’ Tarnowska
- Animals in the Qur’an Search & Find by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Guliz GerdanThis 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… Read more: Animals in the Qur’an Search & Find by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Guliz Gerdan
- Baba, What Does My Name Mean? A Journey to Palestine by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Lamaa JawhariThis lyrical journey through Palestine’s major cities, shares historical facts, geographical information, cultural richness, and love for a homeland that will inspire and educate all readers. There is a lot of information pressed in to 32 pages and at times the rhyming text, illustrations, and maps are powerful, and at other times overwhelming. The 8.5… Read more: Baba, What Does My Name Mean? A Journey to Palestine by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Lamaa Jawhari
- Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon StudioThis 12 word, 10 page, touch and feel board book is nothing special, yet for some reason it does make me smile. It could be better, and absolutely, “star” has nothing to do with Eid, but that it is in our public library, that it is full of joy for our littlest humans, and that… Read more: Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon Studio
- Baby’s First Ramadan by Clare Lloyd design and illustrations by Eleanor BatesI was excited to see publishing company DK add this Ramadan book to their board book selection, but overall it didn’t wow me, or even really impress me. It has realistic pictures of diverse Muslims celebrating Ramadan, simple text, and bright images, but it read awkward as it switched between first and third person, realistic… Read more: Baby’s First Ramadan by Clare Lloyd design and illustrations by Eleanor Bates
- Baddawi by Leila AbdelrazaqThis 8.5 x 8.5 middle school graphic novel biography tells a powerful story of a young boy coming of age and striving to find his place in the chaos of the Nakba and its aftermath. Over 128 pages the reader will learn and be outraged about the displacement and genocide of so many Palestinians as… Read more: Baddawi by Leila Abdelrazaq
- Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila AdaniThe world’s oldest library proudly stands in Fez, Morocco: started by a Muslim woman, restored by a Muslim woman, and in this 40 page book the library itself tells its own story in a book authored by a Muslim woman. The personified library shares a few highlights from its early start as a corner in… Read more: Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani
- Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz with Renee WatsonThis 248 middle grades (AR 4.9) fictionalized biography of Betty Sanders, later to be Betty X and then Betty Shabazz, is the early years of her life in Detroit during the 1940s and how she understood her place in her family, and in the community. Written by her daughter, the book hops around to major… Read more: Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz with Renee Watson
- Call Me By My Name: 99 Names of Allah by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Azra MominIf you are going to put out a book that has been done hundreds of times before; think numbers, alphabets, Islamic phrases- then be sure and make your book stands out. And while yes there are numerous English and Arabic books of all sizes about the beautiful names of Allah, this book does in fact… Read more: Call Me By My Name: 99 Names of Allah by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Azra Momin
- Connecting with Allah: A Treasury of Poems by Mona Zac illustrated by Neamah AslamSimilar to Call Me By My Name, this book stands out in highlighting the Names of Allah swt. In this collection it is the descriptive poetry, warm illustrations, urge to reflect and act, and space to think through and write up your own du’as that make this book so versatile. I can see a middle… Read more: Connecting with Allah: A Treasury of Poems by Mona Zac illustrated by Neamah Aslam
- Could Be Anything! by Eman Mouneimne El Ayoubi illustrated by Victoria RomanenkovaThis is not normally a book I would review because it will read like paid endorsement, which it is not. It is a 32 page personalizable book, that I’m highlighting because it exemplifies a concept of Islamic literature, that is often lacking. We have numerous books teaching Islamic concepts to toddlers and preschoolers, but forget… Read more: Could Be Anything! by Eman Mouneimne El Ayoubi illustrated by Victoria Romanenkova
- Craft it Up This Ramadan and Eid by Zayneb Abdullatif photography by Sidoie DjunaediThis book is not new, but I saw it at my library and thoroughly enjoyed looking through it. I’ve hosted, helped, and attended numerous Ramadan craft fairs and story and craft times over the years, and I know everything can be found online. Yet somehow this 79 page, 2015 published book was kind of fun… Read more: Craft it Up This Ramadan and Eid by Zayneb Abdullatif photography by Sidoie Djunaedi
- Crayola Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Colors by Mari SchuhThis 32 page non fiction children’s book uses colors to introduce the very basics of Ramadan and Eid from a non Muslim point of view to a non Muslim audience. The book is done decently and shows diverse Muslims and bright colors interwoven with facts about the month, but by-and-large it is forgetable and just… Read more: Crayola Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Colors by Mari Schuh
- Eid al-Adha: Festivals Around the World by Grace JonesI had hoped to go through all the recently published non fiction hajj and Eid al-Adha books at my local library, the same way I went through the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr ones to check for errors and accuracy, but they really didn’t have many, and those that they did have were not published in… Read more: Eid al-Adha: Festivals Around the World by Grace Jones
- Eid al-Fitr: Festivals Around the World by Grace JonesNO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Seriously, astagfiraAllah! This 24 page middle grades non fiction book about Islam and Eid published in 2018 with smart-board connections and QR scan media enhancements on its surface would seem to be a great classroom all-in-one to learn about the basics of celebrations, Islam, Ramadan, and Eid. BUT, NO! The… Read more: Eid al-Fitr: Festivals Around the World by Grace Jones
- Eliya’s Explains Miracles by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel HillsIt is quite remarkable how my standards and expectations have grown and evolved. I anxiously have waited for the next book in the Eliyas series, having loved the Angels book that came out nearly two years ago. Zanib Mian’s voice makes the reading of nearly all her books enjoyable, whether it is a fictionalized tale… Read more: Eliya’s Explains Miracles by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
- Eliyas Explains + Bite-Size Journal: Why Does Allah Let Bad Things Happen? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel HillsThe book stems from the genocide occurring in Gaza, but expands to cover the more general concepts of qadr (destiny), tests, and sabr. The book assumes that what is happening in Palestine is known and does not discuss specific details, allowing the book to be both timely, yet universal. As with all the books in… Read more: Eliyas Explains + Bite-Size Journal: Why Does Allah Let Bad Things Happen? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
- Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah? Bite Size Journal by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel HillsI 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… Read more: Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah? Bite Size Journal by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
- Eliyas Explains: Angels by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel HillsThis last Ramadan I tried every day to listen to Sheikh Omar Suleiman’s Angels in your Presence series with my kids and discuss Angels with them. I learned so much and got to wondering, why other than the 10 or 15 facts we all learn as children do we not talk about Angels more. So… Read more: Eliyas Explains: Angels by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
- Eliyas Explians Ramadan by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel HillsThis is the fifth book in the Eliyas Explains series, and it really is what you would expect and hope, a book about Ramadan from Zanib Mian would be. Eliyas’s voice is funny, relatable, engaging, and yet somehow manages to find a clear way to inform too. The framing is fictional, but the book is… Read more: Eliyas Explians Ramadan by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
- Environmental Sunnahs: Emulating the Prophet One Earth-Friendly Act at a Time by Alia G. Dada illustrated by Sarah HafeezThis beautiful book explores how intertwined Islam and caring for the earth are in a kid appropriate manner. The rhyming lines and fun illustrations are accompanied at the end by very detailed sourcing, references, and tips. All non fiction or fictionalized fact books should be sourced this well, it really has set the bar, and… Read more: Environmental Sunnahs: Emulating the Prophet One Earth-Friendly Act at a Time by Alia G. Dada illustrated by Sarah Hafeez
- Fatima Al-Fihri by Aaliyah Tar Mahomed illustrated by Winda LeeThis adorable simple nonfiction highlight of the founder of the world’s first university still existing, The University of Al-Qarawiyyin, is perfect for preschool/kindergarteners and up. The brightly illustrated, large minimal text passages spread out over 16 glossy pages breathes life in to a remarkable character and celebrates an accomplishment that every one should be familiar… Read more: Fatima Al-Fihri by Aaliyah Tar Mahomed illustrated by Winda Lee
- Festivals and Celebrations: Eid al-Fitr by Louise NelsonThis non fiction Eid book is not accurate, detailed, engaging, or something I would recommend schools or libraries shelve. It used to baffle me, but it now infuriates me that books like this continue to be published as non fiction, when they unfortunately perpetuate many of the same errors of similar earlier books, Muslim beta… Read more: Festivals and Celebrations: Eid al-Fitr by Louise Nelson
- Float Like A Butterfly by Ntozake Shange illustrated by Edel RodriguezThis 40 page biography beautifully presents major events of the famous boxer’s life without going in to much explanation. While it is an AR 4.7, it is still a picture book, and might work better for younger kids with some conversation and context, than for middle grade readers looking for anything in-depth about the beloved… Read more: Float Like A Butterfly by Ntozake Shange illustrated by Edel Rodriguez
- Girls Rock: Indonesia by Claudia Bellante illustrated by Josefina SchargorodskyThis 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… Read more: Girls Rock: Indonesia by Claudia Bellante illustrated by Josefina Schargorodsky
- Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts from the World’s most Infamous Prison by Sarah Mirk, introduction by Omar Al Akkad, illustrated by Gerardo Alba, Kasia Babis, Alex Beguez, Tracy Chahwan, Nomi Kane, Omar Khouri, Kane Lynch, Maki Naro, Hazel Newlewant, Jeremy Nguyen, Chelsea Saunders, and Abu ZubaydahThis 208 page graphic novel, is indeed graphic. The unbelievable horrors detailed in the stories shared are all sourced and referenced in the nonfiction anthology. The intent isn’t shock and awe like the war that created such abysmal breaches of justice to be done in our name (Americans’), but is definitely a painful reminder of… Read more: Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts from the World’s most Infamous Prison by Sarah Mirk, introduction by Omar Al Akkad, illustrated by Gerardo Alba, Kasia Babis, Alex Beguez, Tracy Chahwan, Nomi Kane, Omar Khouri, Kane Lynch, Maki Naro, Hazel Newlewant, Jeremy Nguyen, Chelsea Saunders, and Abu Zubaydah
- Hakim’s Odyssey: Book 2: From Turkey to Greece by Fabien Toulme’It is easy to assume that refugee stories are all the same, but in my experience, the more I read about the journeys people take in desperation for safety, the more I realize it doesn’t matter if “parts” are similar, the individual experience should never be dismissed or become commonplace. I try to make a… Read more: Hakim’s Odyssey: Book 2: From Turkey to Greece by Fabien Toulme’
- Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca SabelkoThis 24 page 2023 published non fiction book about Eid, is meant for babies to seven year old according to the publisher. A large spread of comprehension abilities that is thus required to be vague, simplistic, and at times not very successful at conveying much of anything. The large font and bright colors are engaging,… Read more: Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko
- Hello! A Welcoming Story by Gina K. Lewis illustrated by Maria Jose’ CamposThis 62 page early elementary story is told from two perspectives, you flip the book to read each parallel story from two points of view, the refugee children’s and the children welcoming them. Overall, I feel it is very well-intentioned and gets a lot right, but I found myself not feeling comfortable with some of… Read more: Hello! A Welcoming Story by Gina K. Lewis illustrated by Maria Jose’ Campos
- Hind’s Hands: A Story about Autism by Umm Jawayriyah and Juwayriyah Ayed illustrated by Emma AppleThis is an important book to show representation of an underrepresented group, not just those with autism, but also those that love them and live with them. It is also important to spread awareness so that those that do not have first hand experience can show compassion and patience for the individual and those around… Read more: Hind’s Hands: A Story about Autism by Umm Jawayriyah and Juwayriyah Ayed illustrated by Emma Apple
- Holiday History Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr by Marzieh A. AliTraditionally published non fiction Ramadan and Eid books have more errors than they should. I was hopeful with this one, the author is a Muslim and accomplished author, and it started out good, but then it hyper fixated on the foods eaten which can never be accurate. Muslims are everywhere in the world, and no… Read more: Holiday History Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr by Marzieh A. Ali
- Hope on the Horizon: A Children’s Handbook on Empathy, Kindness, & Making a Better World by Onjali Q. Rauf illustrated by Isobel LundieThis delightful 288 page handbook pulled me in, inspired me, enlightened me, and allowed me to reminisce about incredible fictional characters from iconic books, tv shows, and movies. Concepts such as kindness, empathy, friendship, deflecting negativity, seeing beyond labels, and asking for help, are framed around the fictional character’s strengths to introduce famous real life… Read more: Hope on the Horizon: A Children’s Handbook on Empathy, Kindness, & Making a Better World by Onjali Q. Rauf illustrated by Isobel Lundie
- How to Get Hijab Ready: A Guide for Muslim Girls Ages 8 to 11 by Aisha Elwan & Megan Wyatt illustrated by Sarah HafeezYes I know it isn’t fiction, but How to Get Hijab Ready is such a fabulous and much needed book that any positive attention I can direct toward it, I feel is effort well spent, Alhumdulillah. The book is obviously meant for 8 to 11 year old girls contemplating hijab. The beauty of this how-to… Read more: How to Get Hijab Ready: A Guide for Muslim Girls Ages 8 to 11 by Aisha Elwan & Megan Wyatt illustrated by Sarah Hafeez
- I am Malala By Malala Yousafzai and Christina LambNaturally we all have heard Malala’s story and while some are inspired by it, some seem to have major hostility toward her and her approach. Chosing to take her at face value and be inspired by her, I was generally looking forward to reading her story before I ever entertained thoughts of using it as… Read more: I am Malala By Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
- I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced By Nujood Ali with Delphine MinouiI don’t often read non-fiction, but like I am Malala, I am Nujood , Age 10 and Divorced seemed too compelling to turn down, plus it isn’t a long book, just 188 pages even with the epilogue, reading group guide, notes and acknowledgements. Written on a 6.2 reading level, the story of this young girl,… Read more: I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced By Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui
- Ibn Yunus: The Father of Astronomy by Ahmed ImamThis book is part of a new Muslim Scientist Series featuring 24 glossy colorful 8×8 pages highlighting a great Muslim from the Golden Age of Islam. Meant for Muslim children ages 4-7, the book sets out to teach and inspire little Muslims, and does a pretty decent job of presenting it in a memorable easy… Read more: Ibn Yunus: The Father of Astronomy by Ahmed Imam
- Inventors of the Golden Age (Just like) by Umm Laith and Muhammad Khaider Syafei (Proud Little Muslims)Usually when you purchase a personalized book, the charm is that you get to see a name of your choosing in the story, and that you can make the main character look a certain way. So imagine my surprise when this book arrived, and yeah sure my son’s name and likeness was included, but the… Read more: Inventors of the Golden Age (Just like) by Umm Laith and Muhammad Khaider Syafei (Proud Little Muslims)
- Iqbal by Francesco D’AdamoIqbal is the fictionalized story of the young Iqbal Masih, a real boy who escaped virtual slavery in a carpet factory to fight against child labor in Pakistan. Although the book is a short read at only 120 pages, it is heavy in content. The description of the children who work all day often tied… Read more: Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo
- Islamaphobia deal with it in the name of peace by Safia Saleh illustrated by Hana ShafiThis nonfiction book has given me pause. The information, the approach, the presentation, the importance, is all really well done, I just can’t really grasp how to use the book. It is broken up in to four sections: Islamophobia 101, The Believer, The Intolerant, and The Bystander. In each sections it has scenarios, comic strips,… Read more: Islamaphobia deal with it in the name of peace by Safia Saleh illustrated by Hana Shafi
- It’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr! by Richard SebraSigh, another erroneous children’s nonfiction book from a holiday book series targeting classrooms. This 24 page book is meant for pre-school to first grade and in addition to being vague and repetitive, states that Muslims have a holy book that was written in Ramadan. It never states the Quran by name, and clearly it wasn’t… Read more: It’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr! by Richard Sebra
- Journey of the Midnight Sun by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Aliya GhareWhat an absolute joy to learn about something real for the first time in a children’s picture book meant for ages 3-5. I am baffled that this story wasn’t celebrated and shared by not just Muslim’s everywhere, but Canadians as well. It is a sweet instance of real life being harder to believe than fiction. … Read more: Journey of the Midnight Sun by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Aliya Ghare
- Khadijah: Mother of History’s Greatest Nation by Fatima BarkatullaI depart from the Islamic Fiction that I enthusiastically seek out and read, to share and review a work of non-fiction that swept me off my feet. Perfect for children eight and up, and particularly ideal for girls, this book is absolutely physically beautiful and the content is as well. This 176 page book flows… Read more: Khadijah: Mother of History’s Greatest Nation by Fatima Barkatulla
- Let it Go: Learning the Lesson of Forgiveness by Na’ima B. Robert and Mufti Menk illustrated by Samantha ChaffeyThis 32 page rhyming book follows a little boy around as he is weighed down by a lot of things not going his way. He doesn’t want to forgive until he is the one that hurts someone else and realizes we all make mistakes, forgiveness is not a weakness, and we all feel angry at… Read more: Let it Go: Learning the Lesson of Forgiveness by Na’ima B. Robert and Mufti Menk illustrated by Samantha Chaffey
- Let’s Think about Allah’s Great Garden by Ali GatorAt 22 pages this book’s title aptly describes the contents within: at times factual, sometimes breaking down the fourth wall and asking readers to do something engaging, at times fictionalized, and often meandering and reflective. The book is all over the place and only cohesive in theme. It has sat on my shelf untouched by… Read more: Let’s Think about Allah’s Great Garden by Ali Gator
- Letters from a Prophet by Zimarina Sarwar illustrated by Giorgio BacchinI’m not a fan, as a general rule, of lift the flap books for toddlers (they just tear them), so imagine my delight when I was completely captivated with a lift the flap book for middle grade and up! And the flaps are not trivial, they reveal letters from Prophet Muhammad (saw), maps, interesting facts,… Read more: Letters from a Prophet by Zimarina Sarwar illustrated by Giorgio Bacchin
- Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir with Judith Henderson illustrated by Katherine AhmedThis nonfiction picture book memoir is about Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir’s love of basketball, accomplishments, and ultimate decision to choose her hijab over her career. For elementary readers the 40 page book reads like a story, and shows what it means to work hard, be talented, stay true to yourself, and be willing to fight for what… Read more: Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir with Judith Henderson illustrated by Katherine Ahmed
- Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali by Isabel Sanchez Vegara illustrated by BrosmindA few things surprised me in this latest addition to the non fiction biography series Little People, Big Dreams. First that a police officer told him to learn how to fight if he wanted to face the thief that stole his bike. Second, that the 32 page book targeting 5 to 8 year old children… Read more: Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali by Isabel Sanchez Vegara illustrated by Brosmind
- Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes illustrated by Sue CornelisonOften children’s stories of refugees fleeing war are hopeful in a forced way that seems to want to protect them from the reality of what is going on in the world. As adults we often cling to the ones with happy endings for our children and for ourselves, because the tragic ones are too numerous and overwhelming… Read more: Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes illustrated by Sue Cornelison
- Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai illustrated by KerascoetI’m going to try my best to review a nonfiction autobiographical book and focus on the story, not on the author because yikes, Pakistanis have strong opinions about Malala, and I have no desire to get pulled in to an argument. I’m half Pakistani, I know the position of both sides. I have read both… Read more: Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai illustrated by Kerascoet
- Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal: A Brave Boy from Pakistan by Jeanette WintersAgain I break from my fiction preference to review another book about these two remarkable individuals: Malala and Iqbal. In this beautiful book linking two brave children from Pakistan, Jeanette Winter’s brings their stories to a young audience in a powerfully simplistic way. Written on an AR 3.6 level, each story is 20 pages and presented… Read more: Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal: A Brave Boy from Pakistan by Jeanette Winters
- Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz illustrated by AG FordI had hoped to have a handful of selections to review for Black History Month, but alas I started too late in collecting titles, inshaAllah next year I will be better organized. I did want to share this beautiful book though, as a great story of hope and love, that I don’t think is often… Read more: Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz illustrated by AG Ford
- Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib’s Journey to Washington by Rashida and Adam Tlaib with Miranda Paul illustrated by Olivia AserrI wasn’t particularly looking forward to this book. Books by politicians are always suspect, by a politician currently in office- more so, and a book written about one’s self can be a little self promoting to say the least, but when I saw my library had it, I put it on hold and thought to… Read more: Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib’s Journey to Washington by Rashida and Adam Tlaib with Miranda Paul illustrated by Olivia Aserr
- Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani by Megan Reid illustrated by Aaliya JaleelThis 40 page nonfiction biography is beautifully illustrated and informative. I had never heard of Maryam Mirzakhani the Iranian born, first female winner of the Fields Medal. Her life from loving stories and not liking math, to becoming a student and later a professor in the United States is remarkable and inspiring. Second through fourth… Read more: Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani by Megan Reid illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
- Muhammad (SAW) By DemiThis book attempts the enormous task of creating a picture book biography for kids about Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him). While the text seems adequate and engaging for children with a basic knowledge of RasulAllah’s life, I think it would overwhelm any young non-Muslim reader. The story starts with Prophet Muhammad’s birth and… Read more: Muhammad (SAW) By Demi
- 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… Read more: 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)
- Muhammad Najem, War Reporter: How One Boy Put the Spotlight on Syria by Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus illustrated by Julie RobineThis 320 page full color middle grade graphic novel is a powerful and moving read. The memoir focuses on the young Syrian boy who began reporting on the war from the perspective of children and sharing his work on social media. The raw emotion, the determination to make a difference, the familial love, are conveyed… Read more: Muhammad Najem, War Reporter: How One Boy Put the Spotlight on Syria by Muhammad Najem and Nora Neus illustrated by Julie Robine
- Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time by Saira Mir illustrated by Aaliya JaleelWomen you have heard of, some you are meeting for the first time. Some you like, some you disagree with, women that cover, women that don’t, some young, others older, some athletic, some academic, some a little bit of both. One fictional, a few political, but in the end, all strong women of today, all… Read more: Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time by Saira Mir illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
- My First Book About Allah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali LodgeThis 26 page non fiction sturdy board book packs in a lot of information in a really simple way that will keep little one’s attention and hopefully encourage them to ask deeper questions as they grow. The illustrations are soft and alternate between detailed familiar scenes and simple background style scenes that draw attention to… Read more: My First Book About Allah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
- My First Book About Ramadan: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali LodgeOnce again, Sara Khan pushes the standard of what can be conveyed and presented in a toddler board book. This book on Ramadan not only introduces concepts of the blessed month to our littles Muslims, but also provides details that will allow the book to stay relevant even as a child grows. The soft, yet… Read more: My First Book About Ramadan: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
- My First Book About Salah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali LodgeLooking at the books in the series, reading them to my children, getting the latest one delivered to my doorstep: every step along the way makes me smile, alhumdulillah. The soft warm illustrations and impressive amount of information lovingly conveyed in board book form really makes the series a staple for young children. The newest… Read more: My First Book About Salah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
- My First Book About the Qur’an: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children y Sara Khan illustrated by Ali LodgeI had planned to review the Ramadan book in Sara Khan’s My First Book about series, but needless-to-say all of the board books in the collection look remarkably similar and the one on my shelf, that I thought was the Ramadan one is this one, the one about the Qur’an. Rather than find another Ramadan… Read more: My First Book About the Qur’an: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children y Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
- My Name is Bana by Bana Alabed illustrated by Nez RiazOWN voice books are always important, and while we see a rise in minority voices claiming their own stories, to read a child’s story about war and hope by a child, is particularly impressive. Bana Alabed was born in 2009, she is an activist, a Syrian refugee, and now an author. Her clear voice doesn’t… Read more: My Name is Bana by Bana Alabed illustrated by Nez Riaz
- My World of Hamd: A Reflective Book on Gratitude by Lateefah BinuyoThis thick hardback 46 page book is a great next step after teaching your kids to say “Alhamdulillah” to helping them to understand what it truly means. Meant for second graders and up, this book is text heavy and encourages deeper thought, reflection, and practice. It is not a quick read, and some children may… Read more: My World of Hamd: A Reflective Book on Gratitude by Lateefah Binuyo
- Nana Asma’u by Aaliyah Tar Mahomed illustrated by Winda LeeThis book may only have 14 pages of text and be meant as an introduction for early preschool aged children and up, but I learned so much, or rather was made aware of so much that I knew nothing about, that I’m now eager to research her and the Sokoto Caliphate and the impact of… Read more: Nana Asma’u by Aaliyah Tar Mahomed illustrated by Winda Lee
- Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story From Afghanistan by Jeanette WinterIt is widely written about, even amongst children’s literature, that in parts of the world, girls are not allowed to go to school, but that many find ways to do so anyway. What sets this book apart is that it is based on a true story, and while there is some hope for Nasreen, overall… Read more: Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story From Afghanistan by Jeanette Winter
- Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara AlfageehDespite my initial hesitancy, the book really won me over. The inspiration behind the story is impressive, but even if it was complete fiction, it would still be a cute book. Over 40 pages, the illustrations and simple text introduce you to Zahra, a young girl in the UAE with big dreams and a lot… Read more: Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh
- Nour’s Secret Library by Wafa’ Tarnowska illustrated by Vali MintziSet in Daraya, and based on a real events in Syria, as well as the author’s own life in Lebanon, this 32 page elementary and up story does an amazing job of showing relatable childhood adventures and ingenuity shining through even in the most horrific of environments. The book is inspiring and warm, but the… Read more: Nour’s Secret Library by Wafa’ Tarnowska illustrated by Vali Mintzi
- One Sun and Countless Stars by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht AminiI don’t think that Hena Khan is necessarily a controversial figure, but some days her work feels very polarizing as some praise her ability to share OWN voice desi American Muslim stories while others feel like she waters down the very stories she is sharing to appease the majority. Irregardless of our nuanced views, many… Read more: One Sun and Countless Stars by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
- One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Mariam QuraishiThis book is so long overdue, yet at the same time it was worth the wait. The writing is simply superb: Fatima al Fihri is celebrated, Islam is centered, there are references, and the story compelling. We, Muslims, as a whole know so little about the beautiful impact fellow Muslims have had on the current… Read more: One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Mariam Quraishi
- Ordinary People Change the World: I am Muhammad Ali by Brad Meltzer illustrated by Christopher EliopoulosI think this 2022 published biography of Muhammad Ali just might be my favorite. At 40 pages long and meant for first graders and up, it actually mentions that he is Muslim in multiple places. So often these biographies about him or Malcolm X fail to incorporate their religion and just relegate their name changes… Read more: Ordinary People Change the World: I am Muhammad Ali by Brad Meltzer illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
- Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria RiazThis is a hard review to write. I have been trying to get this book in my hands since it was published and just could not. I’d ask people to bring it from Pakistan, or try and order it on Amazon to find it out of stock. And then finally I was fortunate that my… Read more: Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria Riaz
- Owl & Cat Islam is… by Emma AppleThe book’s charm is its simplicity. The text is minimal and the illustrations a small portion of the page. But at 59 pages the book finds power in showing what Islam is to muslim and non muslim children alike. To say that I liked the book is an understatement, I loved it! It is perfect for… Read more: Owl & Cat Islam is… by Emma Apple
- P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book by Golbarg Bashi illustrated by Golrokh NafisiI first heard about this book maybe a year ago when it was making waves for including such passages as “I is for Intifada, Intifada is Arabic for rising up for what is right, if you are a kid or a grownup!” The book was in limited supply however and hard to find. Recently a… Read more: P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book by Golbarg Bashi illustrated by Golrokh Nafisi
- Palestine: The Special Edition by Joe SaccoWritten between 1993 and 1995, and compiled as a complete set in 2001, this 285 page adult non-fiction graphic novel is not really something I can review, even if I knew how. As we have passed 100 days of the escalation in Gaza, on top of the ongoing horrors of Israeli occupation, I am hoping… Read more: Palestine: The Special Edition by Joe Sacco
- Proud: Living My American Dream (Young Readers Edition) by Ibtihaj MuhammadI had high expectations for a memoir about such an inspiring figure, so I treaded timidly into the book waiting to be disappointed, but after finishing the book in two days (high praise considering I have four kids), I realized I was holding my breath for nothing, the book and Ibtihaj are amazing! Now three… Read more: Proud: Living My American Dream (Young Readers Edition) by Ibtihaj Muhammad
- Purity & Prayer: A Rhyming Picture Book of Sacred Rulings by Ameena Bint Abdir Rahman illustrated by Reyhana IsmailThis book is definitely non fiction, and I’m reviewing it because I figure some of you like me, have looked at it online and wondered how it can do everything it claims. The book is 50 pages, fully illustrated (with faces), meant for children before the age of accountability, written in rhyme about fiqh (wudu… Read more: Purity & Prayer: A Rhyming Picture Book of Sacred Rulings by Ameena Bint Abdir Rahman illustrated by Reyhana Ismail
- Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: Traditions and Celebrations by Melissa FergusonThis 2021 nonfiction middle grade book about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr breaks sections down by key concepts and the use of stock image photographs. The information is fairly accurate, no major flags, just a few awkward stresses: that kids look for the moon, that meat is so important at iftar, but most of the information… Read more: Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: Traditions and Celebrations by Melissa Ferguson
- Ramadan by Mari SchuhThis 16 page holiday book is one in a series of six. It keeps the text simple, the images bright and inviting, and turns the pages in to a search and find activity to increase time spent with the material. The information is accurate and basic, there is nothing wrong (phew) with this recent addition… Read more: Ramadan by Mari Schuh
- Ramadan by Susan L. Douglass Illustrated by Jeni ReevesThis is a non Fiction book about Ramadan that is thorough and accessible. It has an AR level of 3.7 (third grade, seventh month), and with the short sentences and well-spaced text, I wanted to include this book so that those looking for an informative book for their independent readers (second grade and up) would… Read more: Ramadan by Susan L. Douglass Illustrated by Jeni Reeves
- Ramadan is Upon UsJust 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,… Read more: Ramadan is Upon Us
- Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Lisa Bullard Ilustrated by Holli CongerThis is a non fiction picture book that tells a very basic story about Ramadan through Rashad’s young voice, with informative sidebars giving facts and details about Islam, Ramadan, and Eid. Broken into four chapters the book is very concise at just 24 pages, highlighting the key aspects of Ramadan: Where’s the Moon, Thinking About Allah,… Read more: Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Lisa Bullard Ilustrated by Holli Conger
- Read for a Better World: Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: A First Look by Percy LeedI honestly don’t know who this 24 page book is for and to what purpose it would be read. It is non fiction, it is listed for 5-7 year olds. But the sparse text feels toddler-ish, and it is so simplified, that it doesn’t teach, educate, or inform anyone about Muslims or Ramadan, it does… Read more: Read for a Better World: Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: A First Look by Percy Leed
- Roots and Wings: How Shahzia Sikander Became an Artist by Shahzia Sikander and Amy Novesky illustrated by Hanna BarczykAt 40 pages, this biography about Pakistani born artist Shahzia Sikander is filled with culture and experiences. The story shows the influences of her family, the city of Lahore, her love of math, and her art education have in shaping her in to the artist she is today. The book features photographs of her work… Read more: Roots and Wings: How Shahzia Sikander Became an Artist by Shahzia Sikander and Amy Novesky illustrated by Hanna Barczyk
- Salaam: Mindfulness for Muslims by Humera Malik illustrated by Najwa AwatiffI had planned to wait until the physical book comes out on the 15th to offer up my thoughts, but the Kindle version has released and I want to help put it on everyone’s radar. My own kids went back to school today and emotions and feelings are all over the place: excitement, nerves, anxiety,… Read more: Salaam: Mindfulness for Muslims by Humera Malik illustrated by Najwa Awatiff
- Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam by Diane StanleyThis is a beautiful historical biography of Salah al-Din, known in the west as Saladin, that I felt worth sharing despite it not being fiction. Written on an AR Level of 7.0 the 48 pages are highly wordy, and cover a lot of historical ground. There is a post script, a glossary and bibliography at… Read more: Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam by Diane Stanley
- Seeking Refuge: Navid’s Story…A real-life account of his journey from Iran created by Andy Glynne and Jonathan TopfThere is a whole series of these Seeking Refuge stories that were made for BBC and then turned in to books. The stories are told from children themselves that have endured and experienced the need to leave home and have now settled in the United Kingdom. The tv shorts covered five children’s stories from, Zimbabwe,… Read more: Seeking Refuge: Navid’s Story…A real-life account of his journey from Iran created by Andy Glynne and Jonathan Topf
- Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant by Allan DrummondSet in Morrocco, the fictionalized framing of a children’s story about solar energy and sustainability at the the world’s largest solar plant in Ghassate will appeal to curious children in kindergarten and up. Told through the every day life of Jasmine, a little girl living near the plant, the concepts are not technical, but give… Read more: Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant by Allan Drummond
- Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood by Ibtisam BarakatThis memoir may qualify as non fiction, but the majority of this 176 page book is told from the perspective of the author when she was three years old, so much of it reads to me as somewhere between historical fiction and autobiography. No matter how you categorize it though, this AR 5.8 book is… Read more: Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood by Ibtisam Barakat
- That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story by Huda FahmyI’m not entirely sure why I didn’t review and highlight the first book, “Yes, I’m Hot in This: The Hilarious Truth About Life in a Hijab” I really should have, so to cut to the chase if you don’t follow the author/illustrator on social media you really should and you should read both her books.… Read more: That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story by Huda Fahmy
- The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina by Fatima Sharafeddine illustrated by Intelaq Mohammed AliThis non fiction, 32 page book is important in introducing 3rd graders and up to a very influential Muslim that shaped the world. I try to keep to fiction reviews, but as someone who didn’t learn about Avicenna/Ibn Sina until college, I feel like the sooner we can inspire our Muslim children to know some… Read more: The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina by Fatima Sharafeddine illustrated by Intelaq Mohammed Ali
- The Bee Tree by Stephen Buchmann and Diana Cohn illustrated by Paul MirochaThis is one of those books that it is hard to know who the target audience is and who would most enjoy the text heavy 40 pages about a boy coming of age in Malaysia by harvesting honey in a traditional manner. The two page spread illustrations are rich and inviting, and with an AR… Read more: The Bee Tree by Stephen Buchmann and Diana Cohn illustrated by Paul Mirocha
- The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess with Laura L. SullivanThis amazingly captive 370 page, nonfiction autobiography details life during 1992 through 1995 in Bihać, Bosnia through the eyes of a 16-year-old Muslim girl. The horrors of war, her determination to survive, a lifesaving cat, and her coming of age, all come together to make for a compelling read that is both reflective and inspiring.… Read more: The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess with Laura L. Sullivan