Tag Archives: 2025

Mar18

Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma

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Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma

 

If you see this 224 page middle grade book, the title might hint that the content is LGBTQ+ as the rainbow often symbolizes such, but if you look closely at the cover you don’t see a rainbow flag, just a Chinese scene on one side and on the other you will see crescent moon lights being hung up above a masjid silhouette, merging together with a little girl holding a rehal, a book and some art supplies. If you then turn the book over, or search the internet, and read the blurb, you will learn that the book is about Sophie, a Chinese Muslim girl learning and sharing her heritage at the school’s Rainbow Fair. As a result, I requested an arc to read and review. No where does it reveal that the book centers queer characters, LGBTQ+ support and allyship, consistently parallels Islamic faith with sexual and gender identities, and prioritizes intersectional identities and agenda over plot and insight. Had I known this, I wouldn’t have read the book, I share this review simply as a heads up to its contents, so families can decide for themselves if it is for them. The book is MG and honestly, it feels misleading and intentional that it is not articulated in a book meant for nine to 12 year olds.  With identity exploration of being Chinese, a child of immigrants, a main character being bisexual, the protagonist repeatedly claims to want to learn about her Muslim identity, but very little information or interaction with the knowledge is sadly ever shown.  The plot seems to just become a forced juxtaposition of two marginalized communities: Muslim and LGBTQ+, to make the point that we are all more than one label. I understand that my view and practice of Islam, is not every Muslims, but trying to have a faith identity and sexual/gender identity parallel one another by having the protagonist “coming out as Muslim,” and being “outted” as Muslim by her bisexual friend before she is ready, is an awkward read. It continues in this approach comparing a trans character being misgendered in a locker room to a Muslim character not having a space to pray, and likens the diversity of a mosque BBQ to the pride parade. I support finding common ground, but when questions about Muslims stoning gays are left hanging, the reader never getting a convincing answer to why her parents hide their Islam, and there is no real rising action, climax, or character arcs- I feel like the labels and the author’s agenda, even if OWN voice, are the point of the book, and it doesn’t make for a compelling read.

SYNOPSIS:

Sophie and Katie did their school’s Chinese booth together last year at the Rainbow Fair, they are best friends and do everything together, but since Katie has come out as bi, she has new friends and is petitioning to add an LGBTQ+ booth, and the rules say she can only be at one booth.  When a sleep over breakfast calls attention to Sophie not eating bacon, it comes out that she is Muslim, not something she meant to keep secret all these years, but something not even Katie knew about.  When discussions about being Muslim spill over into class when booths are being assigned, Sophie decides to do the Muslim booth. She is afraid her parents will be disappointed, and even though she knows nothing about Islam, she is ready to learn.  A new kid at school, Anna, is Muslim and joins Sophie at the booth, and as the two become friends, Anna tells Sophie there “is more than one way to be Muslim” and of course she is a “real Muslim.”  Empowered by not having to pick one identity, Sophia and Katie and all the other kids change Rainbow Fair and show how everyone is more than just one label.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The premise on the back of the book is promising, I just feel like the book missed meeting its own stated intention. The characters are not developed, there are no moments of growth or self reflection, they have no arc or relatability outside of a label.  Sophie paints her parents to be strict, but the precious little that is shown, never backs that up. As a result the reader has no idea why Sophie doesn’t just tell her parents she is doing the Muslim booth and ask them about Islam. After they see the booth at the fair, they say they don’t talk about Islam because of Islamophobia in America and feeling othered in China, but that is it.  Exploration of that would be a far more interesting story: Why did they leave China for Taiwan? When did they migrate to America, was it recent, or did they slowly start to hide their Islam? Dad learned to read Arabic in Taiwan, what was the Chinese community like? Why don’t they celebrate Eid, but have a Christmas tree, did something happen? Why do they not eat pork but drink alcohol? Sadly the two dimensional parents are not fleshed out and Sophie faults them, while constantly trying not to let Chinese stereotypes define them, but the repetitive contradiction, just leans into the labels and fails to make them feel real and relatable.

The book is all talk and no show, and with no real plot, the talking gets repetitive. Breaking the fourth wall we are taken in circles of the same talking points that more than once had me checking if I had bumped the screen and gone back to pages already read. Threads are introduced and then abandoned: what is the point of the whole roller derby thread aside from showing Sophie makes powerpoints, and her parents give in? The girls never go roller skating, it is not something that bonds them. We only know they are close because we are told they are. The beginning and end show Sophie can smell food and decipher its contents, so why isn’t that part of the story as she is trying to figure out Eid foods, cooking, the lunch offerings at the mosque? It hints that the Black culture booth is being suppressed, but it never develops it, nor articulates any real push back, it just skirts the issue. Why the judge-y competitive aunt and uncle? Is their inclusion meant to make Sophie’s parents more or less likeable? Does it reinforce or dispel Asian stereotypes?

From the very start the book feels forced.  Sophie has never gone to a sleep over, her best friend plans a sleepover birthday, but is willing to change it if Sophie can’t come.  What kind of stilted set up is this, why wouldn’t these bffs plan the birthday together, and get Sophie’s parents on board first? It makes no sense that if she can’t come it will be changed and not be a problem because they are so close and she has to be there. It also immediately contradicts the looming conflict of the book, that the parents are strict.  They gave in to roller derby, they give in to this sleep over, and have no problem that two of the girls are dating that sleep over, and “Shane is non binary and doesn’t identify as a girl or a boy.” Clearly the parents are very supportive.

Consistently Sophie drops words, or cultural practices, but doesn’t explain them or engage with them, both the Chinese historical and cultural rep, and Islamic, quick example, she has a Quran but never reads it, we don’t learn about the immortals her dad wants her to feature at the Chinese booth.  It makes it seem superficial and further distances the reader from connecting with Sophie, with culture, with faith, with the book.  Speaking of books, it really bothered me that two books mentioned as being intersectional, Black Muslim Author, Autumn Allen’s All You Have to Do, and Queer Muslim Author Adiba Jaigirdar’s Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating are YA books, isn’t that off to mention repeatedly books that your target audience won’t know, or be in the demographic yet to read?

I could go on and on, but I will stop, I think it is clear I didn’t enjoy the book. 

FLAGS:

Islamophobia, alcohol, LGBTQ+, microagressions, racism, labels, stereotypes

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
There is no way I could shelve this in an Islamic School.

Mar10

My First Book about Charity: teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

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My First Book about Charity: teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

The newest board book in the My First Book series is a gentle and wonderful introduction to charity, both sadaqah and zakat. Sourced with ayats from the Quran, there is also backmatter that has Facts about Charity and Questions and Answers. I’m always amazed at how much information the series consistently contains in the 26 pages for our littlest Muslims.  With soft illustrations and smiling joyful faces, each page radiates warmth, information and simplicity in a way that grows with toddlers, to preschoolers, to early elementary aged readers, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with affirming that Allah has given us more blessings than we can count, and some of us have more than others.  To help those that have less, Allah wants us to give charity.  The book briefly explains that Zakat is one of the pillars that is required, and sadaqah is an extra reward that is not just money.

It talks about the sunnah of giving charity, and numerous ways that kindness can be carried out.  It shows respect and helping and concludes with Allah’s names of All-Knowing and All-Hearing before the final supplemental spread.

I don’t know how many books are planned for the series, but I love looking at them all lined up.  I share them with my own children and now that there are accompanying puzzles and a boxed set, I’m positive I’ll continue gifting them, not just to new parents as I’ve done in the past, but to toddler and preschoolers as well.

Mar7

Mariam’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and her Food Truck of Hope by Leila Boukarim illustrated by Sona Avedikian

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Mariam’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and her Food Truck of Hope by Leila Boukarim illustrated by Sona Avedikian

This 44 page biographical picture book set in the Palestinian refugee camp, Bourj Al-Barajneh in Lebanon, centers the story of Mariam Al-Shaar and her determination to start a restaurant and food truck despite the restrictions of refugees and women. Her drive and persistence leads to the creation of Soufra, the home of not just good food, but also community, hope, dreams, and change. the The illustrations, the heart of the story, the backmatter, are all well done, yet for some reason, the emotional impact seemed lacking for me.  I didn’t “feel” inspired, or moved.  I didn’t feel her pain, her grit, her joy when it all came to fruition. For a biography, I didn’t feel like I got to know Mariam, or why this was her dream.  The book explains being a refugee, and not having full rights, but it doesn’t show the reader. We are told Mariam wants to do “something,” but the “something” she finds, is what other women want. “We want to cook,” they tell her.  “We are good at it.” The reader though never is shown, why they want to cook, or what is stopping them from cooking, and even if Mariam wants to cook too.  It is clear the struggles Mariam faces when she wants to branch out and start taking the food to those outside of the refugee camp by way of a food truck, but lines such as “They tell her not to risk it,” fall flat when the reader doesn’t know what is at risk.  The absent context makes it hard to cheerlead and understand why this is so revolutionary.  Ultimately, it is a lot of telling, not showing. The story is fine on the surface, but I don’t think it will linger and illuminate refugee struggles, Palestinian struggles, or women’s struggles beyond the page because we are not show what those are, and how inspiring it is that Mariam Al-Shaaar overcame them.

The book starts with prose that describes that Palestinian refugees “live between worlds.”  The camp is not just physical walls, but also walls that keep her from living her dreams. She decides to do something about it, but doesn’t have to do it alone, she reaches out to others and “Soufra is born! A feast.  A table full of food.”  It is a way for women to come together to cook, earn a living, and be among friends.

People around the camp flock to Soufra and the women “have changed.  Their children have changed. Mariam has changed.” Mariam wants to take Soufra beyond the camp, and is determined to buy a truck, learn how to drive, and share their food.  More walls can’t keep Mariam down, after two years, the food truck is a reality. 

The book concludes with an Author’s Note about the author interviewing Mariam Al-Shaar, a beautiful Food Glossary, details about Refugees and Refugee Camps, and a Selected Bibliography.  The author is not Muslim, but Mariam is and she and many of the illustrated women wear hijab and are visibly Muslim. 

 

Feb4

Maymoona’s Moon: A Special Eid Story by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Zayneb Haleem

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Maymoona’s Moon: A Special Eid Story by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Zayneb Haleem

I love the illustrations of this book and have been trying to get it since it released in Australia to no avail, it finally is being released here in America and the 32 page hardback book is so cute to look through.  The story is, well, sigh.  It isn’t bad or wrong, but for a religious centered book, it has no Islam, no Eid feels, no faithful reliance.  Rather than using religion to bring the sighting of the moon to little Muslims and non Muslims, and blending it with the protagonists desire to be an astronaut as the framing of the story, it just focuses on the celestial intrigue.  “Cosmic compasses,” “galactic goggles,” and a cheering squad are needed for “Operation Galaxy Gaze,” there are no “Bismillahs” or “Alhumdulillahs” when looking for the moon, and ultimately seeing it.  Again, it isn’t wrong, it just seems a little unfortunate.  This book will be read in Islamic and public schools, libraries, and everywhere else children, preschool to early elementary, gather with hopes of hearing a Ramadan or Eid story.  I’m just fairly confident, none will leave knowing what Eid is, or why it is important to Muslims.  They will get that Maymoona loves the stars, there is an “inshaAllah” when she dreams of being an astronaut some day, but even the backmatter entitled, “Why is Seeing the Moon so Important for Eid?” focuses on just that, the seeing of the moon, not the month of Ramadan ending and Eid joy prevailing.  I know I’m harsh when it comes to Islamic rep, this one just skirted the line of telling us about searching for the moon, leaving Ramadan behind, and the excitement of Eid, when it so easily could have shown us, and left a lasting impression long after the book closed.

The book starts with the sights and sounds of Eid approaching. There is only one thing left to do and that is something Maymoona takes very seriously, looking for the moon.  It is the most exciting part of Eid for her, as she dreams of being a future astronaut.  She assembles her team to plot and plan, her gear to give her the best chance of success, and she squashes her nerves and makes her ascent to the best vantage point.  And then she waits, patiently to see if the wind will move the clouds, if her dreams of landing on the moon will come to fruition, if tomorrow will be Eid.

The large 8.5 x 11 pages with a matte finish make this book easy to share in small groups or at bedtime, and really let the pictures charm the audience on each and every spread.

Jan28

Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

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Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

I have read this book dozens of times and I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. If you remove the title and second to last page and just READ the words, the book could be about any holiday that you might clean and decorate for, that would involve giving gifts, putting on henna, wearing new clothes, praying, and sharing food at. The illustrations imply that it is a Muslim holiday with about half the women in the pictures wearing hijab, and a few decor items that say Eid Mubarak in English and Arabic, but readers that are unaware or unfamiliar might not grasp that it is faith based at all, and the Author’s Note mentions, but doesn’t detail much about the religious significance either. During one reading, I felt it also could almost seem like a mystery, that the title just happens to ruin. The cat Nylah goes to different houses on the street seeing and hearing the tidying and banner hanging and gift wrapping occurring, but doesn’t know why no one has time for her, until the big reveal that it is Eid. I think for little non reading kids that actually might be my approach, to share the book without the title and back blurb and see if they can figure out why everyone is too busy to play with Nylah.  I don’t know that it is tokenism, or that Islam is left out to make the book palatable for the Western gaze, I could be wrong though, I really just think this is the author’s style.  Having read her chapter books that always center animals, feature community, and include Muslim names, I think this is just an extension of her lyrical writing in her debut picture book. The book would work for either Eid, but the backmatter is the author’s reflection on Ramadan and Eid al Fitr.  I know I’m the minority that struggles with Islamic holiday books that leave out the Islam, so for those of you that do not find it disappointing, the book is sweet.  Nylah is a cat that is welcome and known to the entire neighborhood, to come and go as she pleases, the age engaging illustrations complimented by the cadence and rhythm of the structure, lines, and diction are easy to read aloud to groups of all sizes, and hold the attention of 3 year old children and up.

The book starts with a family “wiping and scrubbing, tidying and sorting, everything in sight.”  When no one has time to play with Nylah, she heads outside under the crescent moon, and goes next door to Bilal’s house, where he and his family are decorating.  When she tries to play with the ribbon, she is once again told they are too busy to play, so she slips into Reem’s house where they are doing henna.  This continues from one house to another until the next morning when her family all dressed wakes her up to go to the park with them for prayers and Nylah realizes it is Eid.  Now the children are not too busy and everyone plays with Nylah.

Yeah, I know, taking a cat to Eid prayers sounds wild to me too, kids love imagining though what chaos might ensue.  There is enough hinted at that Muslim families can find the clues and make the book more religious or holiday centered, but I wish it showed the cat seeing praying or reading Quran, hearing the athan or thikr, or something that would ground the book in Islam, but alas, it does not.

The book concludes with an Author’s Note and scanable QR Code for a free audio reading.

Jan27

Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

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Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia


We can always use more Eid al Fitr stories, but to stand out in an increasingly crowded field, really requires something special, impeccable story telling, and repeatability.  Unfortunately for me, this book just comes up short.  Food centered books are already so over done, toss in small font that nearly bleeds into the binding where you would hold the book for story times, top it off with a vague story lacking the OWN voice charm that a religious holiday centered book, by a Muslim, that is noted to be slightly autobiographical should have, and the recipe is just going to feel lacking.  There isn’t anything “wrong” with the book, it just doesn’t really seem like it will be memorable or asked for again. Focusing on a mom and daughter moving the night before Eid, the book has elements of adjustment, new traditions, change, nerves, salat, iftaar, looking for the moon and making a new friend- layers that should resonate with readers, but somehow for me, stayed on the surface of this 32 page book for preschool to early elementary aged children.

The book starts with the protagonist talking about the city where she was born, the community, the family atmosphere, and her mama’s famous Eid cookies.  But this year will be different, it is almost Eid and Reem and her mama are moving away from the city to a house with a yard. Reem is not excited, in fact, she spends much of the drive feeling carsick.  Once they arrive it is time to unpack, break their fast, pray and look for the moon.  The excitement of making making cookies with her Mama sustains her, until she notices the walnuts are missing. Change is inevitable, and Mama is determined to show Reem that they can make do with what they have.  When neighbors come over to welcome them to the neighborhood, a new friend might be just what Reem needs to settle in.

The book seems to be deliberately vague, and I don’t know that it will bother children, but it bothered the journalist in me.  Why are they moving, what city are they leaving, is Sarah Muslim or just knows to say Eid Mubarak, but doesn’t say walaikumasalam.  I also feel like the publisher didn’t properly invest in the book.  The text is tiny, when ample space is available on nearly every spread.  Blocks of text on the lower inner binding make one’s hand cover the words when reading to a group, and certain paragraphs seem to be erroneous or at the very least awkward.  Take for example this paragraph when they are unpacking, that I stumbled over every time I read it. “Tonight, it’ll be just me and Mama who look from between tall boxes.” Maybe it is in reference to looking for the moon, but the next page does have her and Mama planning to look for the moon.  Similarly, when the walnuts can’t be found, Reem wants to go back, but Mama says the store is too far. The mother in me was fuming that she didn’t see it was more than about the nuts, go give the girl a hug. Earlier Reem remarks that “Finally, Mama kept her promise,” in regards to the cookies, but is it finally they are making cookies or does Mama not normally keep her promises. I know I’m being picky, but it starts to add up, the reader doesn’t feel that Mama and Reem are in this together. That they listen to each other. So it is hard to get emotionally invested. And when I review I try and unearth why a book doesn’t work for me, and all these little hiccups for me, become obstacles that keep the book from being great.  Sadly all it needs is some good editing and my critiques really could have been resolved, sigh.

Even though the book is set at Eid, and shows the mom and daughter praying, they say salaam, they look for the moon, there is no real Eid as a religious holiday stressed, the focus is the cookies and the new friend.  Culture also seems to be noticeably absent, the cookies are Arab, the phrase “Al Harakah Barakah” is Arabic, but it isn’t sourced, the reader is never told where that sentiment comes from and it isn’t explored as much as the inner flap would suggest. The book concludes with an author’s note and a recipe for ma’amoul.

 

Jan26

The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Shiva Delsooz

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The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Shiva Delsooz

This adorable 32 page picture book, is not just a story about celebrating Eid al fitr, it weaves in themes of culture, faith, anticipation, disappointment, change, and appreciation.  It is Sarah’s first Eid in a new country and she has made herself a new Eidi bag just for the occasion, to collect the money she will receive from friends and family to celebrate the holiday, and then use to buy treats to share.  Except other than her parents and grandfather, no one gives her Eidi.  She longs for Pakistan and the traditions that she is used to, when slowly she sees that new and different traditions can also be fun and filled with love and joy.  The slow realization and protagonist point of view are skillfully done in keeping the story engaging, the arc smooth, and the lessons nuanced.  The beautiful illustrations, tug at your heart and bring the story to life making me confident that it will be a highly sought after addition to any book shelf for story time, bedtime or independent readers, Muslim and non Muslim alike.

The book starts with Sarah running into the kitchen on Eid morning to show her Mama her Eidi bag and ask for her Eidi. Her Mama lovingly gives in and reminds her that it isn’t polite to ask for Eidi.  Sarah repeats the requests when Baba and Dada ji enter, and Mama rolls her eyes.  The family is then off to the masjid to pray, listen to the khutba and give donations.  At each turn of greeting friends, Sarah shows off her bag, and yet no one offers her Eidi, much to her confusion.  On the way home Sarah is missing Pakistan and recalling how full her bag would be if she were there.

Once home, Mama is busy in the kitchen getting ready for guests to come by. Sarah notices that they will be coming at a certain time, not in and out all day long like before.  When the guests, Muslim and non Muslim, start to arrive they each bring a gift, baklava, flowers, candies, a little plant, and even a set of 40 markers just for Sarah, that she can store in her Eidi bag.

I love that even though it could very easily come across as whiney, or with money being discussed, greedy, it doesn’t.  The book is very tender, and you feel the emotions of Sarah in a new place adjusting to what her expectations are to the reality, and adapting. Being kind of dismissed at Eid also was very reflective as children everywhere get a bit jostle with all the hugging and greetings flying around above their heads. I also love that the neighbors come, including a friend named Jessica, modeling for non Muslims what they too can expect if invited to an Eid party. Someone brings baklava, not a traditional Pakistani dish, also showing the diversity within Islam, subtly adding an additional beautiful layer to the story.

The book concludes with an Author’s note and a glossary.  A great book that will work for both Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

Jan24

Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook by Razeena Omar Gutta recipes by Faaiza Osman illustrated by Atieh Sohrabi

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Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook by Razeena Omar Gutta recipes by Faaiza Osman illustrated by Atieh Sohrabi

 

I would not know where to shelve this 40 page in a library, it has beautiful pictures, it is informative, resourceful, useful, and interesting- I’ve only delayed sharing it because I really have had to think, how best to use this book to its maximum potential, to make it truly effective. It is formatted externally as a picture book, but it reads much like an chapter book anthology with the stories connected by the road the diverse folks live on, Rahma Road, all coming together for a communal iftar, with some fasting and some not.  The spreads feature vignettes on the left of what each house is making, including tidbits of culture, facts about Ramadan, insights about method or ingredients, with the facing page being the recipe.  The book is incredibly meticulous and intentional in appealing to Muslims and non Muslims alike, as well as a variety of ages.  It works as a book for Muslims to see themselves in, non Muslims to get a peek at iftaar excitement through, messages about community and diversity celebrated, foodies to see new recipes that they can try, cultures to explore through food and native words, a story framing to feel connection, I really could go on and on with the layers and inclusions this book provides, alhumdulillah.  I think the best way to use and share the book is going to be for me to read it with my 5 and 9 year old children a week or so before Ramadan.  Where I can read the story portion, getting us excited for Ramadan, slipping in some reminders, appreciating Islam’s global presence, and then talking about the recipes so that they can pick dishes to try in Ramadan and add needed ingredients to the shopping list (I wish I made the effort to be this organized all year long).  I then will plan to leave the book out and have my teens flip through to find any recipes that they think sound good and will commit to making.  The book would work all year long, but as a new release, I’m sharing my plan with hopes that it can help your family as well. 

The book contains 25 globally inspired recipes, featuring 11 with accompanying stories.  I absolutely love that at the bottom of the recipes are page numbers for additional items that would pair nicely, or be condiments or beverages or desserts for the dish.  This allows easy personalization, fusion meals, and more importantly a way for different age groups to be able to help each other in the preparation.  Maybe koshari is a bit advanced for your kid, but the mint lemonade paired with it might be something they can tackle a bit more independently. 

The framing of everyone on the road coming together book ends with the neighbors sharing a meal at the end,  I love the backmatter explaining Ramdan, about the recipes, even about Rahma Road.  The message to the reader and the naming of consultants really is a credit to the time and effort put into this book.

A few of the dishes and countries featured are: Atayef from Palestine, African American Sweet Potato Pie, Nigerian Puff Puff, Japanese Temaki Sushi, Morrocan Harira, Uyghur Lamp Stir-Fry, Guatemalan Dobiadas, Turkish Chicken Gozleme, Malaysian Teh Tarik, Australian Mini Strawberry Pavlovas, South African Bunny Chow, Mexican Elotes  .I can’t wait to report back if my plan was successful, if the dishes prepared were a hit, and ideas for further maximizing the use of the contents it contains.

Jan23

Saif’s Special Patches by Humera Malik illustrated by Ravan Sader

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Saif’s Special Patches by Humera Malik illustrated by Ravan Sader

I really had no idea what this book was going to be about, and the first page or so seemed a little off with the child not knowing about the quilt he was wrapped up in, but. oh. my. heart! Every subsequent turn of the page was a hug from Saif’s patch made quilt straight to my cynical soul.  The infusion of Islam as such a part of his daily activities, his loving family and environment, and the reminder that labels can both hurt and inspire is beautifully done. The illustrations, the tone, and the messaging, is great for kids that have been called “just shy” and everyone who has ever doubted themselves (i.e. everyone) with it’s relatable emotions, and reminder that like a quilt, we are still growing.  I cannot wait for this book to be released and I can enjoy a physical copy to share in classrooms, libraries, and bedrooms. One of the best picture books I’ve read in a while, thank you.

The book starts with Ami asking Saif why he isn’t outside playing basketball with his friends.  He replies, that he “is shy.”  His mother shows him that the quilt is made of patches of Saif: experiences he has had. She shows him a patch and helps him recall the memory attached to it,  starting with last Eid when he was brave and went down the big slide. As he joins in the recollection, he then owns the label that he is brave.  It isn’t that easy though, he tries to be smart like his brother and read a lot, but reading is hard, his brother reminds him he is smart and points out the patch from when he won the scavenger hunt.  Swimming, helping at the masjid, reading Quran, calling the athan, all help Saif to realize he is more than just shy, more than one label, and that he is still growing.

I love the relatability of what Saif is going through, and even though so many of the settings and examples are Muslim centered, the book will resonate with all readers, of all ages.  A tear or more two may have stumbled out as I saw little me in the illustrations and the scenarios, and I have never been called shy. The book releases in March and is traditionally published, meaning plenty of time to pre-order a copy and request your library to shelve it, as it will be available wherever books are sold.

Jan20

Almost Sunset by Wahab Algarmi

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Almost Sunset by Wahab Algarmi

At 224 pages, this middle grade graphic novel has a whole lot of heart. Seventh grade is not easy for anyone, and Hassan is balancing school, grades, soccer, fasting, and taraweeh every night, while dealing with friends, video games, cousins, and falling asleep in class. I love that this OWN voice book really centers Islam. It doesn’t shy away from showing the stresses that the character and presumably the readers of immigrant kids in public schools might encounter, right alongside stresses with Muslim cousins and friends at the masjid trying to pressure you to do something you don’t want to do.  And as in any coming of age story, young Hassan does not want any special treatment or parents to get involved. SPOILER: Hassan does hide his faith and that he is fasting for Ramadan at school, he also does make mistakes, notably among them is when he breaks his fast in what he is told is a loophole of sorts, but by the end he grows and trusts and realizes he doesn’t have to do it all, all the time, and that he isn’t alone. The book is not heavy, but it has layers that serve as relatable mirrors and windows for kids who are going to thoroughly enjoy this richly illustrated book.

SYNOPSIS:

The story starts with seventh grader, Hassan dreaming about food, drooling on his arm, and then being woken up by his teacher, again.  It is Ramadan and Hassan is fasting, going to taraweeh at night, trying to keep up with school and soccer, and on top of it all, he doesn’t want anyone to know.  He also doesn’t have the latest version of the popular video game that all his friends have, and he has to explain to his childhood friend Rosie why it is no longer appropriate for them to hang out together.  Nights and weekends with family and at the masjid should be a reprieve, but somehow even there he is the odd one out, opting to pray instead of play, and being unsure if closing your eyes while sneaking food really prevents Allah swt from seeing you eating like his cousins claim.  Threaded through it all are soccer practices, games, and falling grades that are going to get him tossed off the team, making this a Ramadan to remember.

WHY I LOVE IT:

Wahoo, some Yemeni representation, I loved the flashback/dream longing for Yemen.  I like that Hassan isn’t expecting adults or others to speak for him, and his heart is really in the right place.  I did feel a bit of a disconnect though when his friends knew he fasted the previous year, why he wouldn’t just explain it was time again for him to do so. Increasingly even the most isolated western cities are aware of Ramadan, so I didn’t feel that hesitation for Hassan to own it, even when a friend explicitly asks.  SPOILER, On a similar thread, his soccer coach is Muslim and their isn’t a huge sigh of relief and immediate kinship when the information is revealed.  If Hassan really feels he is shouldering it alone, why wouldn’t this empower him to step into himself so to speak.  I also didn’t understand why the end of the season pizza party wouldn’t have just been at iftar time. The book really had a chance to model how others can support their Muslim friends, and moving a food based celebration a few hours is an easy accommodation, but the Muslim coach didn’t even do it, so why would non Muslims.  

When Hassan does sneak food during his fast, he gets away with it, but it doesn’t sit right with him and I think it is powerfully done, him coming clean also is not punished as it really is something between Hassan and Allah swt and I love how it is left to that.  Regardless of if you feel it is required of a 7th grade boy or not, the ownership of faith I feel is more important than the getting in trouble by your parents in this case.

FLAGS:

Lying, failing grades, sneaks food during fasting, boy girl friendship, hints at internalized Islamophobia.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I wouldn’t do this as a book club, but would absolutely have it on shelves for kids to easily access, and I would absolutely discuss with them, what their takeaways were.