Tag Archives: culture

Sep10

Crestar and the Knight Stallion: The Legend Begins by Robertson, Ahmad, Jasim, Gastonny, and Robinson

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Crestar and the Knight Stallion: The Legend Begins by Robertson, Ahmad, Jasim, Gastonny, and Robinson

This new comic book series combines a lot of exciting elements.  It is a comic book and soon to be live action movie, it is both action and comedic,  it features Desi (Pakistani) and Arab (Iraqi) representation in the title roles, as it is in part written and created by the “characters” themselves. There are Muslim hijabi side characters, cultural Islamic phrases, and a whole lot of saving the day in a plagued Dearborn, Michigan setting.  I admittedly am still very much an outsider to comic books, what all goes in to them, their target audience, and what norms and expectations they carry.  So, I say what I am about to say from a very non critical, simply informative stance, when I say it has what I would consider mature content for elementary aged kids.  The comedy found in the offhand comments, the profanities that are substituted with symbols, surprised me. I anticipated a level of violence and killing, and appreciate that this book doesn’t have the near naked females being shown as many comics do, but I don’t think it is appropriate for younger audiences, probably more middle school and up.  I have not seen the live action, in a different format it might hit different so to speak, but I’m sharing some pictures of the text so that families can decide if the comic books are a good fit for their readers or not.

I love the idea of Muslim rep superheroes, that one is an Iraqi immigrant having to find himself in American society and accept himself, that Crestar is mysterious and his background and motives not known, the cultural and religious infusions, and matchmaking stresses are all amazing subplots to the evil that is destroying the community.  Theft and killings are the norm, Crestar is fighting back, when he discovers Ali has survived an explosion, he begins testing him with the hopes he will join him as the Knight Stallion. The first book is an introduction to the characters, the setting, and the protagonists meeting, it ends hinting that Crestar and the Knight Stallion will be working together, which isn’t much of a surprise given the title of the series, but it sets the stage.

I am not going to write a full review, because I can’t. I just really don’t know if the superhero parts are new and unique or tired and tropey because I don’t know enough about comics to have a valid opinion.  There are trailers online and the first two comic books available are top industry quality in terms of graphics, binding, length etc.

Jul24

Tales from Cabin 23: Night of the Living Head by Hanna Alkaf

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Tales from Cabin 23: Night of the Living Head by Hanna Alkaf

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I was genuinely pulled in to this story within a story, 244 page middle grade scary read.  I was not expecting Islamic representation from the Muslim Author, I’m not sure why, but I was happily surprised all the main characters are Muslim and unapologetic, praying, reciting ayats when the fear mounts, and seeing the world through their Malaysian and Islamic perspectives. It was really well done, engaging, spooky, and then it came to a screeching halt, like slam on the breaks, story is over now we are going to talk and explain and make it about family and forgiveness.  I admittedly don’t read much “horror” if any, so perhaps the over explanation at the end is formulaic to put the target audience reader at ease, and prevent lingering nightmares.  Even if that is the case however, the climax in the book came way too early making the explanation way too long.  I would imagine most target readers don’t expect the same literary refinement in a scary book as they would in other genres, but the more “explaining” the book tried to do, the more holes were revealed. By the end, the book made no sense and I wished I would have stopped reading halfway through and had the unknown lingering vibes be the ultimate takeaway.

SYNOPSIS:

It starts at Camp Apple Hill Farm where Melur is for a two week summer camp, when she chooses “dare” and is forced into the woods alone to find the witch that tells stories in Cabin 23.  When she finds herself at the cabin, the story she is told is about Alia, her missing sister who has returned, and a penanggalan that is terrorizing the town.  Twelve year old Alia has moved from Kuala Lumpur to the city of her birth, she doesn’t have a lot of friends, and her missing sister has unexpectedly returned.  Something is off with her sister, she smells weird, and is too perfect.  Alia’s parents don’t seem to want to discuss it, and what is the whooshing sound that seems to follow Alia everywhere.  When kids at school start whispering about seeing things and hearing things, Alia is worried that her sister and the sightings, might be related. Yep no further spoilers here, sorry.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the characters are Muslim and it is just who they are, it isn’t othering or explanatory, it is just part of the characters, that comes out as they try to figure out what is going on.  I really enjoyed the first half, I know that often in scary movies, at least the ones I can handle, the build up is usually fun, and the resolution a little bit of a let down, so I was anticipating that, but this book really seemed to fall apart as it tried to wrap up all the threads.  It ultimately ended up being rather disappointing and I’m honestly kind of mad about it. Despite it all, I will still shelve it for middle graders to read.  We need Islamic rep in all genres for all ages and this one I think is the first I have seen, and for that alone I do appreciate what it offers.

FLAGS:

It is “scary”, there is gore, abandonment, possession, creepiness, no one will accidently pick it up and be surprised.  The cover has a head with its entrails hanging out and the title is “the living head.”

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
As stated above I would shelve the book, I think fans of creepy book will be delighted to see a Muslim protagonist, and the Malaysian rep is nice to see as well.

Jul16

Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan

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Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan

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This 304 page middle grade fantasy book is a quick fun read.  There is no religion in this Muslim authored book, jinn are not portrayed as creatures from Islamic doctrine, and with the exception of Quranic decorations hanging in a room and Zam Zam water being mentioned, once each, in passing, there is nothing hinting or signaling religion.  Even the jinn come across as characters who just happen to be jinn, who have control over fire and live in an alternate world, the book uses their fantasy elements to create an added layer, but the heart of the story is making choices, doing what’s right, being a good friend, and changing injustice when you can. This is a companion book to Nura and the Immortal Palace, and even with the lacking religion, I think I enjoyed this book more.  The plot is clearer, the characters are relatable, the thread of the missing mother is emotional, and the commentary on corporations and labor practices are awesome to see in a middle grade book.  

SYNOPSIS:
Amir is wealthy, really wealthy, and arrogant, and unlikeable, and yet, the over the top framing of him being all these things, makes even the target audience reader realize, that he is also a 12-year-old little boy who is grieving his missing mother, longing for friends, wanting to be seen in his competitive family, and ultimately smarter and more emotionally intelligent than he will ever force himself to admit.  Until, a cat, or rather a jinn princess in the shape of a cat, shakes up his world, by convincing him to come to hers.

Shamsa strikes a deal with Amir, she will help him look for his mother, if he helps her battle against her siblings to be the next heir of the Kagra Kingdom.  Amir knows she is a trickster, it is her nature, but he wants, no needs, to find his mother, so he is willing to pose as her slave and do her bidding.  There are three tasks to test the future heirs physicality, artistry, and diplomacy, and the irony that Amir does not want to be heir to his own fortune, while helping Shamsa claim hers, is not lost on him and will in fact force him to make choices about who he wants to be and what he wants to stand for.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I like that the book discusses monopolies and business and corporations and systemic gatekeeping.  It stays on level and articulates the points it wants the reader to explore with Amir, but does so without taking away from the story.  Also the ability to see all that Amir has, because he is wealthy, also allows the reader to see what he is also missing, and this is done with a little more subtly, some self-awareness, and some quality writing which results in making Amir a little more relatable.

I do wish there was some Islam, jinn are Islamic based and to not have any signaling seems a bit lacking.  Perhaps it kept it so that accuracy or rep was not a factor, I don’t know, but when Amir says that he thought only the uneducated believe in such creatures, it rubbed me the wrong way, just like when he makes a comment that, “those are the kinds of games God like to play with me.” The lines are minor, but when that is the only religion mentioned and it is done in a negative trivial, dismissive way, they carry more weight than perhaps intended.

I like that the characters and plot are solid.  It doesn’t feel like Amir is free-falling through a crazy chaotic world, there is direction and purpose.  There really isn’t a lot of world building or even Pakistani culture, it really is about the characters and their arc of growth and coming in to their own.

FLAGS:

Fantasy, jinn, lying, sneaking, death, abuse, manipulation, plotting, casinos, fears of water, abandonment, abuse.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
Probably wouldn’t do it as a book club, there are teachable moments and concepts that would be fun to discuss perhaps with economic or business tie-ins, but I don’t know that there is that much to discuss outside of what the book offers.  I do plan to shelve this though, so my own kids have easy access to pick it up and read and hope teachers, librarians, and parents will as well.

 

Jun21

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur

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Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur

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This 323 page middle grade fantasy written by a Muslim author features Muslim characters in a jinn filled adventure, but is not very Islam filled.  Jinn are widely accepted these days in western literature even by non Muslims, so it doesn’t hold the Islamic rep weight it perhaps once did, and while the characters mention prayer once or twice, they are never shown to rely on faith, practice it, or have it be a central part of their identity.  None-the-less, at times I truly could not put the book down, the fast paced adventure coupled with the compelling characters really hooked me and pulled me in, until it didn’t.  I’m not entirely sure of why the rapid unravel of my connection to the book happened, but I’m guessing it is because of A: I struggle with fantasy. B: the plot was really kind of weak. C: the “Alice in Wonderland” style world building is not a style I enjoy. D: So much of the tension in the book is predicated on conversations not happening because the time is not right, but ultimately I’m pretty sure it is E: A little bit of all of the above.  The book is fun, I think kids will like it even though so much wasn’t clarified, resolved, and seemed unnecessary to me, I’m not the target audience, and I recognize that.  It is worth noting that the premise of the book stems quite heavily on the fact that Farrah is a “harami” as it is called, she is a child born out of wedlock. The details of the parents’ relationship prior to her birth are glaringly absent, but that stigma affects her relationships and is central to the story.

SYNOPSIS:

Farrah only sees her father one day a year on her birthday, Yalda, the winter solstice.  While hiking and climbing her father presents her with a gift, a ring, and when she hears a voice and makes a wish, her world will never be the same.  Her father, who she thought was a judge in the UAE, is actually a jinn king, who is now trapped in the ring that Farrah wished upon.  When he is imprisoned, a jinn boy named Idris is freed and together the two of them set out to free her father and get some answers.  They journey to the jinn world where they meet the other jinn kings and learn they are next to be imprisoned by the ring. While there they meet Farrah’s half brother Yaseen, who joins Farrah and Yaseen before returning to Earth, picking up Farrah’s human friend Arzu, and heading to battle Azar in the underworld.  New friends, new worlds, and new perspectives give readers a lot of reasons to cheer for Farrah and her found family as they take on jinns and try to make sense of it all.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the main characters: Farrah, Yaseen, Idris and Arzu.  I need more answers and more development of Farrah’s mom, dad, their relationship, Yaseen’s mom, Idris’s parents and situation, though a lot was resolved plot wise in the last 19 pages, the unresolved character arcs nagged at me.  I’m guessing there is going to be a second book, so perhaps some insights will come, but for as enjoyable as the main character’s voice is in understanding her own motives, and those of her friends, the lack of development for the remaining characters was quite a contrast.

I felt that the plot was a little weak as well, why did they go to the jinn world, just to return, whey did they seek the protection charms but then abandon them, why was Idris imprisoned in the first place, even if they got the ring back at the mall what were they going to do with it, what was the answer to the first riddle, who was making the rules about the riddles and the trades? I’m not saying some of that wasn’t answered and I just didn’t get it, but it is a sample albeit a small sample of all the unanswered questions I had about what was going on, at all times.

I’m biased against Alice in Wonderland type stories where the reader is just taken from one climax to the next without any world building showing or hinting at why this is now happening.  Like falling down a rabbit hole, it seemed like each event was building the fantasy world for Farrah and the reader in real time and I would have like a little grounding.  It worked for a large part of the book, but I think not understanding enough about the jinn and jinn world, is what made the climax fall a little short for me unfortunately.

I needed people to have conversations, I know when characters are fighting shadow creatures, they can’t explain their family dynamics, but when the same literary device happens again and again, and the characters never have conversations, never get answers, it gets a little frustrating for the adult reader reading a middle grade book, i.e. me.  Maybe kids don’t care, but mom and dad and the grandparents all needed to have a conversation, and that sadly never came.

FLAGS:

Lying, poisoning, entrapment, fighting, mention of being born out of wedlock, sneaking out, near death experiences, stealing.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don’t think I understand the book well enough to teach it, but I would absolutely have it on a classroom, library, and home shelf.

Jun19

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun14

Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir illustrated by Nez Riaz

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Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir illustrated by Nez Riaz

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun5

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

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

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

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

WHY I LIKE IT:

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

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

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

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

FLAGS:

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

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

Jun4

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

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

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

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

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

May30

The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices: Hena Khan (Editor), Sayantani DasGupta, Reem Faruqi, Veera Hiranandani, Simran Jeet Singh, Supriya Kelkar, Rajani LaRocca, Maulik Pancholy, Mitali Perkins, Aisha Saeed, N.H. Senzai

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The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices: Hena Khan (Editor), Sayantani DasGupta, Reem Faruqi, Veera Hiranandani, Simran Jeet Singh, Supriya Kelkar, Rajani LaRocca, Maulik Pancholy, Mitali Perkins, Aisha Saeed, N.H. Senzai

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I cannot in good conscience at the current time support this book as a whole, as many of the contributing authors have not used their platform to speak up, spread awareness, and draw attention to the genocide occurring in Palestine. As recent South Asian history involves colonization, I find this silence deplorable, disappointing and shameful, we need to do better. That being said, I am reviewing the book none-the-less because a few of the authors have spoken out, some quite a lot, and I hope those that have remained silent, will speak out. Our voices have power, and while it feels like it might be too late to take a stand, it is not. Lives might yet be saved.

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The 328 page middle grade book is a collection of 11 Desi voices, four of which are Muslim (Hena Khan, Reem Faruqi, Aisha Saeed, and N.H. Senzai). All 11 are threaded together by a fictional community center that houses badminton games, ameens, cooking classes, dancing for Navratri, chess tournaments, spelling bees, celebrating an aqiqah, and everything in between. The majority of the stories are joyful with threads of overcoming stereotypes being a frequent mention in a book filled with different cultures, religions, and perspectives. Potential flags and triggers: there is mention in one story of domestic violence, there are a few hetero crushes and one same sex identifying boy who isn’t ready to discuss his attractions, there is ostracizing of a single woman choosing to adopt, and a few mentions of divorce. As with all anthologies some are better written than others, but as a whole the book is pretty consistent in spotlighting something specific to religion or Desi culture, and having a hobby or family conflict push the character to problem solve, find their voice, and then be supported in a happy ending.

My favorite story is N.H. Senzai’s piece, I might be bias seeing as I check her Instagram numerous times a day for Palestine updates, but her story, with the domestic violence mom and daughter surviving and flourishing, is powerful, on level, and memorable. Framed around a mom’s prayers, duaas, she named her daughter Duaa. Duaa is a gamer that tries to make her mom happy by helping with her catering business. When she helps set up for a domestic abuse banquet at the community center she faces what her and her mom overcame by leaving in the middle of the night, and starting over.

I’m not going to review each story, but I will highlight the remaining Muslim authored ones. Aisha Saeed’s story doesn’t have any Islam specific mentions, her story is set during a mehndi at the community center. Her khala is getting married to Brian and moving to Kenya, and she is not happy, throw in cousins who are still mad at her for ruining their furniture with chocolate last year, and Maha just wants to hide in the back and pout.

Reem Faruqi brings her characters together through old fashioned letter writing. Orchestrated by Rahma’s nani, second cousins who will be meeting for the first time at an aqiqah at the community center, start corresponding to get to know one another, and gripe about siblings. When they finally do meet, in matching outfits no less, the girls decide their siblings, like their favorite candy, can be both sweet and sour.

Hena Khan’s story brings everyone together for an ameen six years in the making. Halima has finally finished the Quran and the family is throwing a party. Halima wanted a carnival type party, mom wants a formal affair, but when the community center is on the brink of being closed down, the family decides to invite everyone to show what the center offers the community.

May21

Birthday Kunafa by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

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Birthday Kunafa by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

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This 50 page wordless picture book allows readers to make up their own words to describe the progression of what is shown in the illustrations. With no right or wrong, the backmatter helps give context and points out key images that allow the story to resonate on multiple levels.  On the surface it is a birthday girl who is upset she cannot have kunafa, but when you truly look at the pictures, and see what is preventing her from moving from Jerusalem to Nablus, the reader is shown, she is not just a child wanting something she can’t have, but that she is being denied basic rights by an occupying force.  I love that the little girl represents so much more than just herself, and that her determination to cross checkpoints, is not just about acquiring dessert.  The book starts with a little girl on her birthday that could represent a little girl with her friends and family anywhere, but as the pages are turned you witness how beautiful Palestinian joy is, how much we take for granted the freedom to move, and how desperately we need to stand up for a free Palestine.  With no words, Islamic representation is limited to two hijabis in the illustrations.  The author and illustrator are Muslim. The book centers a birthday, there is dancing dabkah and an oud shown leaning up against a wall.

So often when thinking about Palestine, not just since October, we all find ourselves speechless.  There are no words, only tears when watching the news, reading headlines, or scrolling, and I find it incredibly timely for a wordless picture book about Palestine to be published.  There are a few labels so to speak throughout the book that I didn’t particularly find necessary, but they do not distract from the story, so they didn’t bother me.  I like that the book showed restraint in terms of the oppression that could have been shown.  It allows for the story of the little girl and her family to maintain the narrative.

The story that I understood the images to be telling is that it is a little girl’s birthday, the family is having a party, they have a birthday cake, but she wants kunafa, she tries to get some and along the way sees joy everywhere, until the checkpoints turn the images gray, and prevent her from moving forward.  So mama and her problem solve, they try and make their own, but it is not the same, so they devise a plan, and they try again.  They do not give up. There is no giving up.

The backmatter provides a recipe for kunafa, a two page spread about “Why Wordless Picture Books,” another spread about “Context Matters” giving information about Zionism and Palestinian resistance.  It is then followed by four pages entitled “Did You See?” where symbols are shown that appear in the pages and described.  Warning there are numerous sweet and savory foods shown, and it will make you very hungry.

The book is available here from Crescent Moon or here from Amazon.