Tag Archives: Eid

Mar1

Rabia’s Eid by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Posted on March 1, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

We definitely lack Islam centered leveled readers, so how exciting to see one this year focused on Eid, that contains more about Zakat al Fitr than presents no less. The book starts on the last day of Ramadan, so there are details about both Ramadan and Eid shown, not dictated, as it stays on a Step 2 reading level. As with most books meant to be read with help, for preschool to 1st grade, the story is a bit abrupt at times, and by not showing the Eid salat it definitely leaves some confusion as to whether Zakat was actually paid before the prayer started as required (I’m not a scholar, so please look into this), or not. InshaAllah, if adults are reading this with their children, some basics about Zakat al Fitr would be something wonderful to discuss when you finish. The book is joyful, the little girl wants to fast and is encouraged to do a half day, the illustrations are adorable as well, alhumdulillah. Oh and for those keeping track, this might be the first Ramadan book I’ve read in a long time that does not mention the moon, not even once.

The book starts with Mom waking Maryam up for suhoor on the last day of Ramadan and Rabia wanting to fast as well. Her sister tells her she is too young, but she joins the family for cereal in the kitchen, and Dad encourages her to try a half day. The family then prays fajr together and the day is going great.

About lunch time Maryam is getting ready to break her fast. The family praises her on as she settles in with a cheese and tomato sandwich. Later the rest of the family breaks their fast, and Rabia joins in with starting with a date and making duas. Then it is time for henna and getting their clothes ready.

At Eid prayer everyone is dressed up, and Dad gives Rabia some money to put in the box labeled Fitr, for the poor. Rabia wonders if everyone has to give money, and mom responds that everyone except the poor do. The book concludes with the family smiling knowing everyone is having a happy Eid.

The book is great for Muslim and non Muslim kids, because of the size though, it isn’t a great choice for story time in big groups, but the price point makes it an awesome addition to gifts, classrooms, and to share with others in general. I purchased my copy here.

Feb27

The Partition Project by Saadia Faruqi

Posted on February 27, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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I have always maintained that my reviews are not personal, and for over 10 years, I kept to that. I recently made a public exception however, for Palestine. I cannot and have not checked every author, every illustrator, every publisher, or every agent, to see who has spoken up about the genocide, but there are a few prolific authors that are standards in the niche of Islamic fiction literature. Who have elevated our representation with a standard of quality and consistency across multiple age groups over the years, whose stature made their silence, seeming or actual, to the occupation, the apartheid, and the ongoing attempted erasure of a people and culture impossible to miss. No there is no standard or bare minimum, this is all emotion, and if you are thinking who am I to judge, or maybe I missed something, yes you are right. None-the-less it definitely caught my attention that an author who remained silent, wrote a 416 page middle grade book about partition, a historical event impossible to separate from colonization. I know the timeline for books to be published is not quick, but when I read the characters discussing that, “If we only read books by perfect authors, we’d read…nothing, I guess.” It felt a little defensive, and while I never set out to shame anyone, I have written this disclaimer to hold to my word, and to acknowledge that as much as I have set out to write the remainder of this review as I would review any book, my own disappointment in the author, may show through. Literary wise the book is moving, heartfelt even, but the performative othering, the internalized Islamophobia, and the catering to a western gaze, are subtle, but undeniably there. Perhaps the biggest example is the word “British,” the whole reason for partition, is only mentioned a grand total of six times.

SYNOPSIS:
Mahnoor, aka Maha, is in seventh grade, and her whole world has just flipped upside down. Her Dadi, her paternal grandmother, has just moved in from Pakistan, taking her room, and her free time. Plus Dadi is old and grumpy, and Maha is not amused. With parents that are too busy to spend time with her, Dadi slowly but surely starts to fill in a lot of pieces that Maha didn’t know were lacking in her life. Through food and stories and the start of Ramadan, Maha learns about Islam, Pakistan, friendship, and with a school documentary assignment, partition. A historical event she had never heard about before, starts to be all she can think about. It also seems to hang over everything she encounters from a book on a novel study English assignment list, to the train in their neighborhood, everyone at the senior center, and even Texas history. With dreams of being a journalist, Maha’s singular focus because almost obsessive, according to her friend Kim, but the more she learns, the more she changes. And the changes are for the better, even if there are some stumbles along the way, fighting with Kim, making Dadi runaway, calling out her parents preoccupation with work, missed fasts. The book has a happy ending though, as the unlikeable privileged Maha at the beginning, transforms to being someone the reader is cheering for at the end.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I am Pakistani-American, being half Pakistani and half American, the hyphen for me signals both my parents. So I was thrilled a year or so ago when I first heard about this book. I am a bit removed from partition because my father was the first in his family to be born in Pakistan, and my in-laws did not move from India until much later. That being said, I know it is a part of me, as all desis do, and was eager to read this middle grade book. Please note though, I am also white passing American (albeit with a hijab), so I can tell when I am being pandered to as well.

Do I feel the book did the topic justice? Absolutely not, by not discussing colonialism and British occupation, a huge part of the setup is conveniently ignored. It also is very placating of what the Muslims, Seikhs and Hindus seemed to want as Jinnah and Nehru are only name dropped once. Gandhi not at all. I get that the book presumably isn’t about that, but by ignoring it all together, there is some intent there, possible watering down for a white audience, that doesn’t sit right with me.

This book feels like it is written for non Muslims. The dialogues about being a good person even though they don’t follow Islam as they should, and pray and fast and eat halal, seem like internalized Islamophobia, that is trying to normalize not practicing. When the text goes so far as to call those that do fast all 30 days “ultra-religious” it seems to walk back the numerous passages of Maha loving fasting and finding peace in prayer. The takeaway for a Muslim reader will be a little self doubt, for a non Muslim reader it will reinforce the labels of “those Muslims” and “extremists.” It makes what many Muslims find basic faith requirements, come across as optional here in America, like taking off shoes when entering your house. With that being said though, the book does have a lot of heart, and in many places Islam and Pakistani culture are warm, but that warmth often comes through attempts to appeal to a non Muslim western lens. Similarly the stereotypes do as well. Pakistan is considered conservative, which is dismissed as meaning, “code for no swimsuits.” Wow, a whole culture and religion, so easily labeled and stereotyped. Stings a bit, not gonna lie.

Maha’s parents are not religious, so much of Maha’s knowledge of Islam is coming from what she sees her Dadi do, pray, fast, read Quran, etc. Except, Maha knows how to read Quran, and pray, she just needs practice. So explain, how she doesn’t know what inshaAllah means? This is just one example of inconsistency bumps in the text. At one point they eat iftar, and then a few hours later have dinner, I mean sure it is possible, but it seems weird. Her frail grandma runs away on a hiking trail? She wants the archive curators approval for her documentary and not her Dadi’s? Ahmed says he only eats hala, Maha is eating a non halal chicken salad and then they share it. Overall, Maha rarely reads like she is 12. At the start when she is whining, is about it, the rest of the book she reads much much older.

FLAGS:
Boy girl close friendships, angry mobs with guns, death, cholera, internalized islamophobia, talk of gods and demigods in Percy Jackson, mention of J.K. Rowling negative comments on trans community, fear.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I cannot in good conscious purchase, recommend, or even check this book out from the library. I received an advanced digital arc, but my heart is too heavy by the author’s silence in the face of the atrocities occurring in front of us regarding Palestine.

Sep8

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

Posted on September 8, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

I don’t think I have ever sat down and watched a complete Hallmark Channel holiday movie, but I know the stereotypes and I’ve caught enough scenes while hanging out with my grandma to know that reality has to be suspended, there will be a happy ending, and the snow and small town charm is going to be laid on pretty heavy as the wholesome romance plays out. This book is the literary equivalent of such a movie. So with that in mind, there are somethings I will concede can be overlooked, but religiously there are some things that need to be noted (see below). I also have to admit that I couldn’t put the book down and read the entire 384 page Adult book in two sittings. The book is told in alternating perspectives: Maryam and Anna. Maryam and her family are Muslim, the book takes place in 2000 when Ramadan/Eid, Christmas and Hanukkah all took place within days of each other. Anna celebrates Christmas, but grew up celebrating Hanukkah too. Even if a romance that has Muslims ok with adopting “Christmas-y” celebrations during the last ten nights of Ramadan no less. is not a book that appeals to you, it is worth noting that this book does an incredible job of not becoming performative. There is no internalized Islamophobia, self-othering, no over explaining, convincing, justifying or religious or cultural identity crisis. For a book co authored by a Muslim and a non Muslim and traditionally published, I am excited for the precedence this book sets.

SYNOPSIS:

Anna is in a perfect relationship, with the perfect guy, and accidently sees the perfect ring in her boyfriend’s luggage. With Christmas plans in Toronto to meet Nicks wealthy parents, it is clear that the perfect proposal is also going to happen. But Anna is not perfect, and who she seems to be to Nick is not who she is or wants to be. It feels so fake. With separate flights from Denver to Toronto, getting redirected and stranded in Snow Falls, Ontario gives her the pause she needs to decide what she wants. She meets Josh, someone in town visiting, which complicates things, and she sorts through her grief of loosing her father and the speed in which her ex step mother moved on, all why becoming good friends with Maryam and her family in this idyllic town that she doesn’t want to leave.

Maryam is the oldest daughter who shoulders the expectation so that her younger sister can live her best life. She became a pharmacist to carry on the family business, so Saima could be a physician with Doctors Without Borders. Now Saima has decided that she wants a wedding in Ramadan and Maryam has to plan it. The flight being diverted and the wedding party being stuck in Snow Falls has long ago crush Saif and Maryam sorting through their past and a possible future together.

The two protagonists, their past, future, love interests are all multiplied by a town full of love and holiday activities, a wedding that might be missed, a Holiday Hoopla show, a movie being filmed, fasting in Ramadan, and wise old Dadu, a former Bollywood director guiding the characters to a happy ending.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The book is an easy read, it really is a guilty pleasure escape from reality and that it comes from a place of- we are Muslim, we fast, we pray, we don’t/shouldn’t date without marriage in mind, and everyone in the book already knows all this makes you feel ok about indulging. It even has a thread of analyzing parental expectation and peeling back some of the assumptions regarding the disconnect worked in throughout the story.

It took a few chapters for me to stop fighting and accept that the snow is so bad that the airport is closed, but every store, restaurant, and the roads in the town are open. That the phones are out, no one has a charger, but the payphone works and food can be ordered and delivered. That Anna is strolling around in a cocktail dress and can find a sweater, but she can’t find pants, and holiday gifts for everyone were not a problem to obtain. The book notes the idyllic diversity and amazing payphone, but you really just have to let it go if you are to enjoy the book.

Some things I couldn’t let go though are the Islamic religious portrayals. The characters note that a wedding in Ramadan is a terrible idea, but for as authentic as the waking up for suhoor and fajr are every day and iftar is every evening, the Muslim wedding party spend the last 10 days and nights of Ramadan watching Bollywood movies, dancing at a music filled mehndi party, planning and performing in an interfaith holiday show, and listening to Christmas music. I know Ramadan staples of reading Quran, doing thikr, and praying, don’t fit the genre, but there are enough people to make jammat, one night it mentions they go to the musallah for taraweeh salat, but I really wish it was every night, and that more traditional Ramadan foundations were shared. I did love that why Dadu couldn’t fast was explored, and that when Saima was stressed she went to the musallah, but really Bollywood marathons and parties in Ramadan are uncomfortable even in fiction.

FLAGS:

For Adults and New Adults the book is remarkably clean. The romance is tame even for YA, the characters are all adults and it is more the Ramadan non worship and Christmas normalization that is more flag worthy to me if a Muslim teen were to read it, than the relationships. So take what you will from the flags: Anna and Nick seem to live together at the beginning, Anna and Josh hold hands, kiss. Maryam and Saif hold hands and hug. Saima and Miraj hug. There are some other hetero couples that kiss. Mention of Maryam’s prior relationship features her husbands infidelity, and Saif admits to having a girlfriend. There are a few LGBTQ+ couples in the town that own stores and the inn, but don’t seem to be Muslim, and their relationships are not significant plot points. Muslims joining in Christmas activities. Alcohol and a pub are mentioned, but Anna partakes, no Muslim characters.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don’t think I could do this as an Islamic school book club choice for middle or high school. But I do want to gush about it with my Lit Sisters. You can preorder it here https://amzn.to/3L7K9wQ

Mar24

My Baba is the Best by Bachar Houli illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Posted on March 24, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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My Baba is the Best by Bachar Houli illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

This 32 page horizontal picture book by an Australian footballer starts out much like a list detailing why a little girl loves her Baba, after a few pages though of more superficial delights, the book gets deeper. It shows the family making duas at bedtime, going to the masjid on Fridays, it even gives a little insight into Eid and fasting before it then takes readers on a camping trip. There isn’t really a story or plot, but the bouncing around fits the narrator’s point of view and will appeal to the intended target audience. The book is mainstream published by Penguin in Australia, so I absolutely love the inclusion of Islam, the mom in hijab, the dad’s beard and the love shown between the little girl and her Baba. Sometimes celebrity books feel a little forced, but having never heard of this athlete, I still found the book incredibly sweet and joyful, and the illustrations by a Muslim illustrator a great amplification of the simple heartfelt text.

The book starts with a little girl rushing to give her Baba a hug on the field as fans cheer in the background. After all her Baba gives the best hugs, it then mentions that he is always doing something and shows him washing his boat and jumping on a trampoline with the little girl and her younger sister. The trio garden, exercise, ride bikes, train and go fishing. They also watch movies at the theater or at home with the whole family. At night Baba reads special prayers to protect them while they sleep.

On Fridays, the family goes to the mosque for prayers, and the most special time is when they all go for Eid in their best clothes. They listen to the imam and give donations to those in need. They open presents and after fasting they eat Lebanese pizza before going to visit teta and jeddo.

The best time is when they go camping. They all set up the tent, and get sticks to roast marshmallows. They even see kangaroos eating dinner before heading back to eat theirs. On many of the pages it is just the girl and her Baba, but even when the whole family is present, the focus is on the strong relationship between the two.

The book is very endearing and as a daddy’s girl myself, I love seeing the relationship unfold on the pages with big things, and little things, fun things, and reflective things, and from the little girl’s point of view. The book is not readily available in the United States, I purchased mine from Book Depository, where they offer free shipping.

Mar12

The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

Posted on March 12, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

This 40 page early elementary picture book is set the night before Eid and radiates with love from a boy to his Teita, traditional ka’ak, and the family’s Egyptian culture. The robust and personal backmatter shares a glimpse into the threads from the author’s real life that the story touches upon, and makes the book extend beyond the pages. It is worth noting that this book does not articulate if it is for Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha and thus works for both. There is nothing religious in the book except a reference to something happening after Eid prayer in a memory, and the shape of the cookie being round like the Ramadan moon, Eid day is not mentioned, it is simply the catalyst for this warm family story about a boy and his grandma making a special treat for the first time and sharing it at school. The large hardback book with fun illustrations is ideal for both story time and bedtime readings alike.

It is the night before Eid and Teita has arrived from Egypt. Zain can’t wait to make ka’ak to take to school and share with his friends. The beloved powdered sugar cookies are steeped in tradition, both in Zain’s family and in Egyptian history. Once the suitcases is unpacked and the special ingredients found, Teita and Mama share memories of baking with cousins, painting henna designs on hands and putting eidiya in envelopes. The family recalls singing together on the balcony while Geddo played the tabla and lights and lanterns filled the streets below, after Eid prayer they would hand out the ka’ak.

Zain wants the ka’ak to turn out perfectly so his teacher and friends will like them. Teita tells him that ka’ak is as old as the ancient pharaohs, and that recipes were found in the pyramids. At one time rulers would even put gold coins in the cookies. Zain and his Teita mix and add the required ingredients, and drink iced apricot juice as they wait for the dough to be just right. Getting the cookies pressed with the molds though is harder than it looks, and Zain gets frustrated. Teita’s love and patience and Zain’s clever thinking get the treat making back on track. The ka’ak doesn’t have a gold coin filling, but they are filled with tradition.

The timeline is a bit off for me with the grandma coming before Eid and then the cookies going to school on Monday, and then Monday evening when Zain is writing down the recipe with Teita he is telling her Eid Mubarak and that it is the best Eid ever. So, it seems that he went to school on Eid, not to Eid prayers, which is fine, just a little sad that there was no Eid celebration or prayers. I don’t know that kids will be bothered by it, but the lack of mirroring and stressing how joyous Eid is does somehow get lost and mitigated, in my opinion, by skipping acknowledgement of the religious holiday. In the backmatter the author remarks that she has “outgrown the magic of Eid,” so perhaps it is intentional that the day is not included in the text.

The last six pages of the book are filled with informative and engaging information about What is Eid, Ka’ak Time Line, A Note from the Author with photographs of her and her family celebrating Eid, a Simple Ka’ak Recipe and Additional Resources.

I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Store where if you put my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) in at checkout you will save 10% or is available here on Amazon where the book currently has a coupon for $3.80 off.

Mar9

The Adventure of Faris: Faris & the Curious Case of the Missing Eid Presents by Muhammad and Husna Sattaur illustrated by Farimah Khavarine Zhad

Posted on March 9, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Adventure of Faris: Faris & the Curious Case of the Missing Eid Presents by Muhammad and Husna Sattaur illustrated by Farimah Khavarine Zhad

This 22 page padded cover toddler book, is not quite a board book, but the thick cardstock glossy pages are definitely meant for toddler hands. The book works for both Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha and my 3 year old finds it silly. My older kids that have walked in and paused to listen to me reading it, as well as myself, feel like a page is missing. The rhyming story sets the stage of Eid morning and missing presents, but the resolution is abrupt, really abrupt, with no hinting at and the forced rhyme has you wondering who Uncle Sam is in the story. The 22 pages are bright with Islamic decorations in the house and references to Eid and praying in the text. The excitement and joy are sweet, and the focus is presents, there is nothing about Eid or anything deeper than the story at hand as it stays on level for toddler aged children.

The book starts with Faris waking up on a beautiful spring morning, it is Eid and he starts to sing, before tip toing down the stairs in his Eid pjs. He sees the time and knows they won’t be up til fajr. So, while kids won’t care, as someone who has read the book now a dozen times, I’m curious how old Faris is that he knows how to tell time, what it means and what time fajr is. I’m also wondering how it is ok to sing and dance, but then you need to sneak down quietly, and how it is a beautiful morning, if it isn’t fajr yet, it is dark outside.

He daydreams in the kitchen before heading off to open presents. Except the presents are missing. He looks everywhere and imagines a dragon eating them. I don’t want to spoil where the presents are, but they are found, and he opens them and then his parents wake up.

It is a little sad that he opens one at least before his parents come, and I really wish there was a little hinting at what had happened to the presents, it really feels like a page is missing. The book was published in 2021 so hopefully they will edit the text for a next printing.

I got mine from Crescent Moon and you can purchase a copy by clicking this link here, if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10%.

Mar6

Little Leena Learns about Ramadan by Zainab Fadlallah

Posted on March 6, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Little Leena Learns about Ramadan by Zainab Fadlallah

I was excited to see this 20 page book in my public library, and then once I started reading it I was equal parts frustrated, disappointed, and honestly a little upset. The book is an example of what I posted a reel about a few days ago, about an over used, unrealistic, textbook fact share of Ramadan from a kid’s perspective in a plotless book. In this book it is Little Leena waking up from a nap smelling something delicious and finds her family eating and wondering why. She is told by her sister it is the ninth month of the lunar calendar, the new moon has been sighted. Oh sure there are some mentions of cakes and cupcakes, but seriously, come on, what three year olds have a working knowledge of moon phases but don’t know what Ramadan is, know what “blessed Ramadan” means but have never heard “Ramadan Mubarak.” Ramadan is explained to be special because we try and be extra kind, and not because it is the month we are told to fast, and we get more blessings for being kind, and the month the Quran was revealed. Yes I appreciate that hijabs are not worn in the house, but are worn outside, and the excitement and joy are visible, but how can you have a book this centered on Ramadan that contains no Islam in it. You can’t say on the back that it is learning about “what the occasion is all about” if there are no religious inclusions: it does not say that it is an act of worship, that fasting is prescribed by Allah swt in the Quran, that we pray extra, there is nothing, it doesn’t even attribute Ramadan and Eid to a religion, sigh. My frustration isn’t just in this book, it is in this growing trend that this book is a part of sadly. Why have an OWN voice adorably illustrated book claiming to be teaching about Ramadan, when the religion is completely absent? If it was a cultural, or family traditional book of joy with or without Ramadan facts blended in, I might see what it was trying to accomplish, but a book for early elementary, from a toddlers perspective that is so formulaic misses the mark in my opinion, both in educating the target audience or in helping young Muslims feel seen.

The book starts with Little Leena waking up from a nap and smelling something delicious. She wonders if mummy has been baking cookies, or cupcakes with sprinkles, or maybe a chocolate cake. She decides to go have a look and finds colorful lights and decorations and a magnificent chocolate cake. She also finds her family sharing a meal, she asks what is going on and learns that it is Ramadan.

Leena’s sister Safiyya explains that “Ramadan is the ninth month of the Lunar calendar” and “it starts as soon as the new moon is sighted.” She further explains that “Grown ups fast from when the sun rises till the sun sets” she says brave kids are welcome to try too. I’m not sure what being brave has to do with fasting, to me determined or even strong would be better words to use as fasting isn’t scary, and kids are encouraged to try, not forced.

Leena then wants her sister to explain what fasting is, and Leena can’t believe it means no food or drink during the day light hours. Leena asks what makes Ramadan special, and is told, “Ramadan is special because during the month we try to be extra kind and do as many good deeds as we can.” It does not say why we try and be extra kind though, before reminding that we also “try to remember to be grateful for all the things we have.” It is worth noting that in the illustration on this spread it has a Ramadan sign, that is spelled Ramadhan, not that one transliteration is write or wrong, but to have both in a children’s book is a little confusing.

Leena then finds some presents and Saffiya explains that they are for Eid when Ramadan is over and we wear new clothes and get presents. The two then discusses their love of presents and saying Ramadan Mubarak.

The 8.5 inch square book is short, but the image quality and hardback binding in this library edition is nice, it just adds nothing in my opinion to the genre, to conveying to Muslim and non Muslims what Ramadan is and why it is important. I worry that libraries might think this is good as our Ramadan reads are and not budget to get much better, engaging, reflective stories as a result.

Mar3

Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi

Posted on March 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This beautiful lyrical book has a simple premise of the moon looking down on people celebrating Ramadan as it circles the Earth, but stands out as being unique thanks to the poetic language and engaging illustrations. Each spread shows moon in a different phase over a different country, and the joy, activities and worship that Muslims are partaking in during the blessed month. I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t realize that the author is also the illustrator until I sat down to write this review, and honestly it makes sense, as the story text and illustrations work seamlessly together. The tone of the book, the details in the pictures, and the rich language make this a good read for a large audience. Little ones probably won’t fully understand the poetry, but they will be mesmerized none-the-less and feel the excitement. My three year old calls the moon all year round, the “Ramadan Moon” and he understood that the Moon in the story is excited seeing us celebrate and worship. He consistently would still be peeking in windows or searching the scenes, not quite ready for me to turn the page long after the text was done being read. Older kids will appreciate the shared global bonds of Muslims and the cultural specifics too. They will grasp the information shared and beliefs touched upon in the flowing words that do not preach. My only criticism is that the book starts with Moon saying, “Hello.” In an Islamic centered book I would have expected to see Assalamualaikum, especially since it appears on the page where moon is above Egypt, so I’m not sure why the English greetings is used. The book has a glossary and notes at the end making it a great addition to Muslim and non Muslim spaces alike. I plan to read the book for a Masjid story time as the large hardback book will work just as well for a group of kids as it does at bed time.

Told from a personified Moon’s perspective, the book begins with Moon smiling at Earth as people all over the world excitedly point and look up at her, but once they see her, they rush off to prepare for the month. Over Turkey, the Ramadan Drummer awakens sleepy people for suhoor and over Indonesia he sees families gathering for iftar. As each day passes Moon grows fuller watching the children do good deeds and people sharing their wealth.

Nights of Taraweeh and listening to the Quran over Somalia, sharing treats in the United Kingdom, and interfaith among neighbors in the United States bring joy to Moon. And as the waning crescent sees henna being put on hands in Dubai the month is coming to an end. People once again look to the sky, but they cannot see Moon in Argentina, Moon is new. It is Chaand Raat and then it is Eid. Moon is back in Egypt watching people celebrate and then the world returns to looking up at Moon and she beams with love and gratitude.

There are diverse characters of a variety of skin tones, mobilities, ages, body size and abilities featured all throughout the book in a positive and inclusive normalizing manner. The backmatter makes the concepts more accessible and the book work on different layers. I really enjoyed the book and am excited to share it. I purchased mine at Crescent Moon Store where using my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) will save you 10% it is also available here at Amazon Even my local public library has it on the shelves already! Happy Ramadan!

Mar1

Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

Posted on March 1, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

This rhyming softcover picture book sets the tone of the month with its large heartfelt images on cardstock thick pages. The book mentions tarawih, reading Quran, suhoor, iftar, compassion, Laylatul Qadr, eid, but does so in a way that reflects what Muslim kids know and love about the month. It is not overly descriptive, nor does it define the terms. It shows Muslim kids in Ramadan living their lives and draws out the emotional joy felt in acts of ibadah, not in the gifts and parties alone. The rhyme works and isn’t terribly forced and the 8.5 by 11 size and the introductory framing of major Ramadan activities makes the book a good addition for toddlers and up. I plan to use this for a masjid story time for Muslim kids ages 4-9, but it can be used in non Muslim settings easily as well.

The book starts out with decorating the home for Ramadan, as the city decorates outside too. Ramadan has arrived, the moon has been seen with binoculars, and Tarawih at the mosque is where everyone is praying, and kids are playing. Mornings start with the Ramadan drummer waking people up for suhoor, but mom is already up cooking. The first few days of fasting are hard waiting for iftar, implying it gets easier.

The kids and their parents make duas and thank Allah for their blessings as well as share their blessings with neighbors as they learn compassion. The kids practice reading Qur’an every day with Grandma and before you know it, it is the last ten nights and Laylatul Qadr and then eid, alhumdulillah. The 32 page book ends with prayers of gratitude and hope that Ramadan will be seen again.

The book really is well done, there is no plot or story, but it introduces the month to little ones, reminds older ones what to expect and does so with accuracy and mirroring. The book will lend itself to spark discussions about what a readers’ family can look forward to in the month, how one should behave in a masjid, perhaps some Quran goals and some appreciation for parents. The poor mom helps decorate, stays up early to cook suhoor, cooks yummy iftar, and lays out Eid clothes all while wearing hijab. InshaAllah a point to mention when reading how amazing moms (and dads) are in making Ramadan memories while fasting themselves.

I purchased mine from https://crescentmoonstore.com/ if you use my initials at checkout ISL (Islamic School Librarian) you can save 10% or click this link directly to go to the book.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Feb6

Crescent Moon Friends by Wadia Samadi & Mo Duffy Cobb illustrated by Lisa Lypowy

Posted on February 6, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Crescent Moon Friends by Wadia Samadi & Mo Duffy Cobb illustrated by Lisa Lypowy

This 32 page book does not read like a new release, it looks like something you would have found in the early 2000s when the recent war in Afghanistan started and books about refugees from the region were popping up. Admittedly back then, I probably would have been more forgiving that the smiling illustrations showed Islam in action and two characters from different cultures coming together through dialogue, respect, acceptance, and fun, but for reasons I’ll articulate, this book reads very superficial, dismissive and erroneous at times. I am not Canadian or Afghani, I am a neighbor to both as a Pakistani American, and the book is OWN voice, so if I am just being overly picky, or sensitive, and am wrong, I am happy to acknowledge it, but before you push back, please read the entire review.

The description of the book says:

Crescent Moon Friends introduces the reader to two best friends Amelia and Aisha. While the pair is from Canada and Afghanistan, the girls reconcile their differences through exploration of the values they share. This book initiates a family conversation about Islam, explores tradition and language, and brings the girls closer together as a result. It is our hope that the book will be used as a teaching tool to help children understand the cultural backgrounds of others, and to create a warm environment for refugees resettling in Atlantic Canada from the Middle East.

This picture book is for both non- Muslims who are living in the West, and Muslims who are living outside their home countries. The focus of the book is on tradition, not religion, it also captures the significance of Islam. This is a valuable title for library and classroom use.

So first of all, I feel like the foundation of the book is othering Islam in making it seem that this book is an introduction of Islam to non Muslim with the premise being that Islam is what, a foreign religion? Numerous Canadians are both Afghani and Muslim in 2022, before I even began the book I was already fearing the framing. Then it identifies Afghanistan as the Middle East, which just made me really question the accuracy. Somehow after that first paragraph, the book then tries to say that the book is not about religion, but traditions. While part of me appreciates that distinction, the second part of the sentence saying that it wants to capture the significance of Islam really shows the poor focus of the book.

Let me pause here though and answer a question I’m sure many of you are wondering, “why review a book that is not well written, and is not widely promoted or known about.” The answer is simple, a book such as this may not sell in big numbers and be regularly seen online and in stores, but they often do find their way into libraries and classrooms. They are often shelved to fill “diversity” or “inclusion” quotas and thus their messaging does often reach our children. I also highlight books like this, not just to pick on this particular book, but to show that OWN voices doesn’t make something automatically correct. If this is the author’s own experience or is a memoir, there is some leeway, but saying that Afghanistan is in the Middle East or that Salam is Dari, not Arabic, or that it is “naan tandori” instead of “tandoori naan,” just makes the book seem inauthentic. Often publishers, editors, agents perhaps don’t want to push back and appear uncultured or racist, so they don’t question details, is the only thing I can think of as to why this trend continues to perpetuate. Which is also why the importance of having a piece sensitivity read cannot be overlooked, even when the author is writing about their own religion or culture. Yes, I too am only one person saying I have issues, but beta and sensitivity readers such as @muslimbookreviewers are four people and we discuss based on what we know and between the four of us there are a lot of singular specialties and a lot of overlapping expertise that really help books get it right. Sorry for my rant, back to the book at hand…

The book starts with the white Canadian girl camping with her family and wondering what the upcoming school year will bring. The text says. “she loved to look at the crescent moon.” Already the writing is clearly weak, who loves to look at a particular phase of the moon, does she not like the waxing gibbous or whole moon? The next spread introduces Aisha, she is standing in the foreground with a mosque behind her and the text says she loves the moon too. “There was a crescent moon on top of the mosque where her family went to pray.” Aisha has her hair loosely covered, and immediately we are connecting Aisha to her faith and to Amelia through their love of the crescent moon. Interestingly, Aisha who would presumably love the crescent as it symbols holidays and month changes in the lunar calendar is presented as liking the moon because of it decoration aesthetic. It is where her family went to pray, sure it reminds her of home, but chances are she didn’t often go to the masjid as culturally most women don’t, so I’m not sure that this spread really has any accuracy or value, it just sounds good…if that.

The next spread is the first day of 6th grade with the teacher introducing a new friend to the class. If it is the first day of school, aren’t they all new to the class? Aisha recalls that she left Afghanistan because there was a war in her country and school wasn’t safe, if she is twelve or thirteen, I’m not sure what caused the change in real life for the war timeline being referenced. On a more relatable note it mentions that she missed swinging in her grandfather’s garden with cousins as well.

The next page showing the girls being silly with pencils to look like a bunny and walrus is sweet. It shows language isn’t necessary, that silliness is universal and it is cute. The girls then show how they share things unique to their culture with one another. Aisha teaches her how to say Salam, hello in Dari, how to dance the Attan, about Eid, the most important Muslim holiday, and about a game with stones called anjaaq panjaaq. But this is wrong, Salam is Arabic, Eid is Arabic for festival or holiday so what Eid is the book referring to? Also why not tell how to play the game, or how to do the dance or how Eid is celebrated? If the book is to build cultural (or religious) bridges, thus far I’ve only learned how to stick pencils in my mouth to look like a walrus or behind my head to look like a rabbit.

It is then Amelia’s turn to share Canadian culture and the book picks: ghosts, goblins, Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny. I find this a bit offensive on Canadians’ behalf, really their holidays are what make them who they are? Later we will learn that Amelia is not religious, yet the symbols for religious holidays of Easter and Christmas are what are being presented. Additionally, the holidays mentioned are not even unique to Canada: Christmas, Halloween, and Easter, are the same in America at the very least.

The next spread shows their moms becoming friends and the girls playing in Aisha’s mom’s scarves, hijabs, shoes and make-up. I find the joy sweet, but I wonder if the book as stated in the details by the author/publisher is to help refugees- is this a bit misleading- that they are settled and have an abundance of clothing accurate? Often refugees need assistance, will a book like this send the wrong message about helping those fleeing war get established, by not just avoiding talking about need, but celebrating surplus?

Aisha is then shown helping Amelia with math and when Aisha needs help with a Halloween costume, Amelia is there. The book really is doubling down on the importance of Halloween to Canadian culture, which again feels off. But also most Muslims don’t celebrate pagan holidays, so I’m not sure I like the positioning that it is cultural to celebrate and that to be Canadian one must engage in the rituals. Whether you see it as pagan or just assimilation, either way it doesn’t sit right for a book aimed at finding common ground between diverse individuals. Math is neutral and universal, why not have Amelia help Aisha with something also less controversial?

The next spread shows Aisha missing Afghanistan, and Amelia being a supportive friend and wanting to visit Afghanistan too. Unfortunately, once again the weak writing has her sounding like an adult missing the laughter in the air and hope and flowers, not a kid talking. When Amelia joins in, naan tandori is mentioned, which is backward, if it is the same as in Urdu it should be tandoori naan. She also wishes they could wear colorful Afghani clothes and dance the Attan, which are two acts not limited to Afghanistan. They can put on traditionally clothing and dance in Canada.

The story then takes a huge pivot and shows Aisha and her mom praying with the very vague text of her mom “described her way of life, Islam as the peace in her heart, and said turning to Allah in prayer would keep Aisha happy.” The text seems misplaced and the messaging completely pointless, why not frame it as what Aisha believes or what her faith teaches her? It almost comes across as her mom forcing the belief on her and this being the first Aisha has heard about it. The next page is set up the same, but shows Amelia’s faith to be kindness and compassion while they sit in nature. I think the intent was to be positive, but when you have two people representing entire populations, all sorts of stereotypes come in to play that either have to be so general as to be accurate or more specific to the two characters at hand. In this case I feel the takeaway is that holidays define Canadians, even religious holidays, but they are fine to participate in because Amelia is not part of organized religion.

Thus the next spread of Aisha’s family celebrating Christmas with Amelia makes sense in the story, but I find alarming because it normalizes abandoning your own religious convictions and adopting another faiths in order to fit in and assimilate. Imagine a teacher reading this book to a first grade class and little Muslim children who demand that Christmas and Easter stay out of public schools are hearing messaging normalizing the holidays for people of all faiths. Imagine a recent immigrant or refugee further feeling pressured to adopt these practices because they want to be seen as “good citizens” or be accepted by the larger community. The contrast of Aisha’s family celebrating Christmas is Amelia helping make star and moon shaped cookies for Eid.

The story comes back to the girls love of the moon, one as a dreamer, the other as a scientist. It tells of other firsts Aisha experiences and Amelia learning about Aisha and her faith. I’m not sure what a genie lamp has to do with Islam, but it is in the illustration with a hamsa hand, a book, a tasbih, and a crescent with a minaret coming out.

Aisha then starts to wear hijab and Amelia learns how to wear one too. No details about what or why hijab is worn or given, and in the illustrations it doesn’t completely cover anyone’s hair. The girls ski together and drink hot chocolate and living in Canada allows Aisha “to be the girl she was meant to be.” I’m not sure what that means, but that seems to be the resolution to the book before it circle backs to the mom and concludes.

I think on the very surface the book is a nice idea, but the conflation of what it means to be Canadian with observance of holidays and the lacking details of what it means to be Muslim Afghani make the book miss so much and ultimately do more harm than good if shared.