Tag Archives: Family

Apr2

Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim

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Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim

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Framed around the five fard prayers, the rhyming 26 pages take readers all around the world with the refrain of “come to prayer, some to salah, come to success, come to falah” appearing after each two page spread.  Reykjavik, Honolulu, Rio, Timbuktu, Kuala Lumpur, and Makkah are shown as families gather to pray in each city.  It is hard to know if the locations were chosen for a specific reason, or to just help with the rhyming lines.  I appreciate the map at the end in showing 18 masjids in the world, but they are not the only ones pictured in the book, so honestly it was not intuitive why they were highlighted. Additional information about the masjids included and where they are located in the world would have been far more beneficial.  The rhyming at times is forced, but for the minimal lines on the pages, and the clear organization of the book, it didn’t bother me too much.  The illustrations compliment the text well and amplify the concept of Islam being a global faith through the connection of Muslims praying everywhere.  The Islamic fiction book is meant for toddlers to early elementary, and with the positive tone of salah being an invitation to success, I think it works well for the audience.

The book starts with little kids waking up in a snowy scene in Reykjavik and heading out with their parents to pray Fajr at the masjid.  Then it is rain in Honolulu that can’t stop a family of five from driving slowly to the masjid for Zuhr.  In Rio a family packs up at the beach to get to Asr salah on time.  For Maghrib, not even a sandstorm across the Sahara can keep a family in Timbuktu from getting to prayer.  And finally a family takes shelter in the masjid for Isha as thunder and lightning in Kuala Lumpur halt their tour. The story ends with everyone entering Makkah in ihraam to pray at the Kaaba.

The book is a thick paperback cover, with glossy 9 x 9.5 inch pages.  It works well for small group story times or bedtime.  It is available on Amazon here or from Crescent Moon Store here.

Mar31

Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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It doesn’t matter how many Word documents you read, Goggle docs you add comments to, and screen shots you revise; to hold a physical book in your hands that you have been blessed to observe from the sidelines through numerous revisions, is mind blowing.  Reading the final version from page 1 to page 324, plus the backmatter, has left me at a loss for words with tears streaming down my cheeks. I truly cannot imagine the book any other way. All past drafts and storylines, were just stepping stones to get the book to this version, and as a fan of literature my whole life, to see this metamorphosis in real time has added to my respect and admiration of authors.  Enough about me though, this review is of the middle grade novel in verse that tells the story of Syrian American Kareem, a loveable boy caught in between choices, siblings, friends, labels, and global acts beyond his control.  He makes mistakes, he tries to make things right, and at the center of it all is his Islamic identity, love of football, and genuinely good heart.  I am biased in that I have self appointed Kareem as my nephew, but even after dozens of readings, I was moved to tears three times during the course of this reading.  I made my teens read the book and they loved it, and like them, we hope we get more Kareem in the future.

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SYNOPSIS:

Kareem loves football, particularly the Bears, and dreams of seeing his Arabic name on an American jersey one day in the NFL.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t made the school team, his best and only friend Adam has moved away, and the coach’s son is offering to talk to his dad for Kareem in exchange for some school help.  Add in a new Syrian kid at school, his mom going to Syria to take care of his grandfather, and the fruition of Executive Order 13769 aka the Muslim Ban, and seventh grade has Kareem scrambling on every down to say the least.

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WHY I LOVE IT:

The football framing, the literary inclusions, the Arabic, the Islam, all combine with such tangible heart to create a seamless read both as a compelling story and as an example of literary craft.  The language is on point and intentional, that even if you don’t know the character or novel referenced, the Arabic words included, or football terminology used, you will be invested in the characters and plot, and find yourself cheering for Kareem.  Often debut authors show promise, but their stories have plot holes, or pacing issues, or inconsistencies, that is not the case with this book.  The crumbs are there that tie everything together, the depth of the characters’ personalities reveal how developed they are, and the timeline keeps the book moving forward.  There are no dry or slow spots in the entire novel, it is easily read in one sitting as you find yourself nervous for Kareem, and curious how it will resolve.

Boys and girls, Muslims and non Muslims, Arabs and non Arabs, all will find themselves drawn to this book, and thinking about the characters, particularly Kareem, long after the final page is read.

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FLAGS:

Some stress and anxiety with missing parents.  Death, bullying, cheating, fighting, lying, racism.

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TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book is a solid middle grade, but the quality of writing and engaging plot makes it work for a middle school book club read as well.  I cannot wait to share this book widely.

Preorders speak volumes and I truly hope if you are able that you will preorder a copy, you can do so here.  Requesting your local public library to shelve the book is also a tremendous help to signal to publishers what type of stories and OWN voice authentic representation consumers will support.

Mar26

Mimi & Unicorn Get to Know Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

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Mimi & Unicorn Get to Know Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

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Creating understanding and love of Allah swt is perhaps the most important type of Islamic fiction book available for young children, so I love that we have options to choose from. The framing of this book is nothing new, a child asking various people about Allah swt to learn about Him, is found in numerous books.  But, this 32 page book is particularly engaging because of the large brightly illustrated pages, and the author’s signature style of conveying facts in a simple relatable manner.  The comic relief of the unicorn and the adorable protagonist are great, and the added layer of it being checked by two named scholars really make this one of the best in a very populated category.

The book starts with Mimi wondering about Allah swt after hearing people say things such as, “Allah will take care of it,” and “Allah knows.”  She asks her imaginary friend, Unicorn, but she doesn’t know either, so they head off to ask different family members.

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Summaya, Mimi’s big sister tells her that  “if you know Allah, you love Him, and He loves you.” It is followed up with details that Allah swt knows us, because he made us. From Nana, Mimi and Unicorn learn that Allah swt is One, and he explains why we don’t know what he looks like.  From Nani we learn that “Allah swt has no beginning and no ending.” Baba explains that we turn to Allah swt when we need help, Unicorn wonders if we need a phone or Imam to do that. Finally she talks to her Mama who explains trusting Allah’s plan.

Each stop is beautifully articulated and examples are given, resulting in a Mimi who’s heart becomes light and warm, and who works to know more about Allah swt every single day.

The backmatter includes notes from the author and illustrator and various bookish people sharing their early understanding of Allah swt and his attributes.

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The book is available from muslimchildrensbooks.co.uk in the UK and here from Crescent Moon Store in the USA (she ships globally)

Mar23

Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh

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Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh

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Despite my initial hesitancy, the book really won me over.  The inspiration behind the story is impressive, but even if it was complete fiction, it would still be a cute book.  Over 40 pages, the illustrations and simple text introduce you to Zahra, a young girl in the UAE with big dreams and a lot of determination.  And that is before she even sets foot on the ice.  Four to eight year old kids will enjoy the humor, with the older readers appreciating what she was able to overcome and accomplish.  Adults will appreciate the authors’ and illustrator’s notes at the end and seeing their kids being inspired to pursue their dreams.

The book begins with Zahra watching a movie at a theater and being inspired by the skaters on the screen.  She slides across the floor in her socks that night when she gets home, and declares she is going to be a figure skater.  Her brother points out that she doesn’t know how to skate. When she asks her friend to make her a costume, it is revealed that she isn’t even taking lessons. It seems everyone wants to point out the flaws in Zahra’s plans.  To which she responds, “not yet.”

Luckily her dad supports her, and takes her to the only ice skating rink in the country, where she promptly falls over again and again.  But there is something to be said for not giving up, and the true story of Zahra Lari shows that sometimes you have to be the one to break the barriers and remove the “not yets” on the path to achieving your dreams.

I found this book at my public library, but it can also be purchased here.

Mar22

Any Way You Look by Maleeha Siddiqui

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Any Way You Look by Maleeha Siddiqui

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If you feel that hijab is like salat and that it should be done no matter what, even if you are being forced, your heart is not in it, or you are doing it to appease someone other than Allah swt, than this book might not be for you.  I am not a scholar, I should not be giving anyone Islamic advice or suggestions, but after sitting with this book, having read all 250 pages in one go, this is the crux that I have come up with regarding who will be the target Muslim audience for the book.  The Islam flows and the central Islamic message is the importance of one’s relationship with Allah swt.  So whether the fictional characters are wearing hijab, considering hijab, removing hijab, I was not overly bothered, they were still praying, going to the masjid, attending halaqas, and spending time thinking about their relationship with Allah swt at present, and what they hope it will be in the future.  The niqabi mother never forces her view on her daughters, the book does not get preachy, nor does it only show one perspective, as a result the reader is allowed to appreciate the other themes of the book and the impeccable writing.  That being said, did I wish there was more sitting on the prayer rug conversing with Allah swt about what to do? Yes.  Do I wish that everyone’s hijab journey, both real and fictitious, was easy? Yes. Do I wish we lived in a world that women were respected no matter how they dressed? Absolutely.  This book is middle grade and it takes on numerous sensitive topics, and in my very biased opinion does an incredible job.  The book contains sexual harassment, judgement, peer pressure, stereotypes, gender roles, bullying and so much more.  I truly couldn’t put the book down, the tears of being seen kicked off the book, and then tears of strength concluded the book.  Muslim and non Muslim readers alike, will be better for reading this unapologetic, OWN voice book.

SYNOPSIS:

Ainy’s life is busy: school is wrapping up, summer plans with her best friend Safiya are being made, the family has moved into the basement of her crush Izyaan’s house, her father is in Pakistan caring for an ill grandma, and Amma’s clothing store, Naseerah’s Almari, is getting busy.  Ainy begs to work at the shop as Bajjo takes on a second job to help the family make ends meet, and when her Amma finally agrees, Quratulain’s best laid plans to learn how to be a designer, and have the best summer ever, are about to be challenged.

Before she can design, she has to learn how the shop works, the frustration and time involved make her unable to fulfill her plans with Safiya causing a widening rift with the life long friends.  Bajjo who has always been Ainy’s role model starts shutting her out, and Izyaan’s cousin Yasir seems to be everywhere Ainy is. She is not comfortable with him showing up at her work, bumping in to her all over town, messaging her at night, and while she knows he is in the wrong, she starts to wonder if it is a result of something she has done.  With no one to talk to, Ainy is left to handle the Yasir problem on her own, and the relentless anxiety, isolation, and fear begin to change Ainy and everyone is too busy to notice until all the threads combine: a big wedding order from Yassir’s mom, hijabs being taken off and put on, and Ainy taking a stand.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The book hits close to some events I have experienced in my life, to the point that I had to check if the book had the typical disclaimer that the characters are a work of fiction and any resemblance is coincidental.  The characters feel that real, and their emotions that relatable, that even at my old age, I was moved, invested, and unable to look away.

I love that the author provides a lot of perspectives about hijab, but does not make a heavy handed judgement, the title of the book hints that women should be respected, and valued, no matter how they dress, and the mom in the book does a great job of setting that tone as she asks her clients how they feel in different clothes, as she models how her daughter’s choice to wear or not wear hijab is a reflection of their relationship with Allah swt, as her decision to wear niqab is hers.

There is no internalized Islamophobia, no othering, no watering down.  The book is solid and I think even if you don’t agree with the choices the characters make, the writing is strong enough that you can see why the characters do what they do for them.

My only real critique is the cover.  I don’t know why, but I don’t love it.  It doesn’t scream fashion and Islam, and the strength of the writing, the characters, and their summer together deserve a better visual representation, sorry.

FLAGS:

Triggers for those who’ve experienced unwanted attention and sexual harassment. Does have boys and girls being friends, crushes mentioned, hijab, backbiting, bullying, stereotypes, peer pressure.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

While I can see why some people would not “approve” of the book, and some will love the book, I think in an environment of discussion and someone qualified (not me) to guide young readers, this book would be an incredibly empowering, book to think about, enjoy, and relate to in an Islamic school book club setting.

Please consider preordering/ordering this book.  It is available here on Amazon.

Mar21

Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan illustrated by Anna Wilson

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Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan illustrated by Anna Wilson

I don’t know that this book is particularly unique or mind blowing, but I read a digital copy a few weeks ago and was surprised when some tears fell, I read it when I got the physical copy to my kids and my throat caught again, and here I am writing this review and feeling all vulnerable.  It is as if I too am a little girl in a new place missing her grandfather on the other side of the world, which clearly I’m not.  The book is sweet, and moving, and I find myself emotionally invested every time I read through the 32 pages and get lost in the large sweeping illustrations.  The book is not Islamic, there are a few hijabis in the background and text that articulates friends saying salaam before the girl moves.  Additionally, the main character’s name is Aminah, and the author is of Pakistani decent, and has a Muslim sounding name.  The story though, at its core is universal, heartfelt, reassuring, hopeful, and lovely to share in all spaces. It begs to be read aloud and holds the attention of toddlers to early elementary aged children.

The book starts with a happy little Aminah in a bright sparkly environment of sunshine, mangoes, and salaams.  Every night she listens to Da’s stories of adventure as she snuggles next to her grandfather.  One day she finds out they are moving, going on an adventure.  Only Da won’t be joining them and Aminah is devastated.

The new home is gray, and cold, and no adventure at all.  She wants to go back, but Da reassures her during their nightly conversations that things will get better.  And sure enough, with a bit of bright yellow inspiration, she starts to discover the adventures awaiting in her new home.

Kids will find the end hopeful and resolved, but I somehow found it a little bittersweet.  Da loves his grand daughter and wants her happy, but the adult me, realizes their relationship will never be the same, and Da will miss her in many ways, alone, as she embarks on her own life.  I know I’m projecting, but the ability to see both perspectives adds a nice layer to the book.

The book is available here from Amazon and will be in local libraries in June 2024.

Mar12

Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment by Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua illustrated by Natalya Tariq

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Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment by Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua illustrated by Natalya Tariq

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This 26 page book is set on Eid, it does not specify Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, but it isn’t overly impactful on the story outside of the framing, so really it is a non issue.  The book shows a Muslim family and is a benefit for appealing to women and girls in science, unfortunately it has some plot holes though.  A big point of the book is the girl, Khadija, wondering if she can be a scientist who wears hijab because she doesn’t see any scientists at the fair wearing one. When she voices this concern to her parents, her father reassures her saying, “Anyone can be a scientist.  Scientists can wear a hijab like Amma, or glasses like me.”  First of all, I don’t like it equating hijab to glasses, hijab is a religious practice, not a tool to help you see or an accessory.  I’m well aware not every book has to have Islam centered, but I do worry that if hijab is relegated to an article of clothing, and Khadija doesn’t wear hijab, that readers might just be confused and not be able to connect the dots.  With weak writing, a confusing premise, and a climax of doing an experiment, that is not included for the readers to do at home, included in the book; I am struggling to recommend this for every bookshelf.  It isn’t a bad read, it just should be better.  I love the joyful engaging illustrations, I like the female Muslim science representation even. I just ultimately think the weak writing drags the book down and will have some kids confused why she is worried about a scarf she doesn’t wear impeding on a career she doesn’t have, and be unable to see that as a Muslima she will want to wear hijab as an act of worship when she grows up.

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The book starts with Khadija and her family heading to her school for the science fair after Eid salah.  She sees lots of scientists, but notices none wearing hijab.  She gets a science kit to do at home and then the family starts to prepare for guests coming over for dinner.

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Khadija can’t wait to do her experiment so she quietly gathers up supplies, and heads to the bathroom to make elephant toothpaste. It works, a little too well, but then it is everywhere and mom and dad show up to help her clean.  Khadija wonders if she is not cut out to be a scientist.  Mom and dad console her, the people arrive for an Eid party, and her parents and her do the experiment for all to see.

The story is pretty straightforward, but I sure have a lot of questions: why is the “big day” the science fair and not Eid.  It is at her school but the science fair is not students sharing projects, but professional scientists? And does she purchase a science kit, why does her mom give it to her at the fair, but then she asks the scientist is she can do it at home? What else did she see or learn at the science fair, she just went saw scientists in lab coats, got the kit and left?  How was it still morning when she got home after the fair, after Eid salah?  There is a whole page of her getting an Eid gift and squealing with delight, but never shares what the gift is.  I also really, really wish it had the experiment in the book. I want to know what it is and why it is called, “elephant toothpaste.” I truly do not know why this book has no backmatter.  Information about women in science, how to do the experiment, maybe something about hijab or Eid. A link or scannable QR code to see the experiment would have even added something to increase knowledge and excitement for science, representation, and dreaming big.

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Mar11

Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza illustrated by Sandra Eide

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Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza illustrated by Sandra Eide

The illustrations and sister bonding in this story are sweet, but it isn’t exciting, and doesn’t feel very Ramadan or Islamic rep or even very purposeful.  I was really surprised that there wasn’t a craft activity or science tie in at the end, it seemed to be heading in that direction seeing as Eid joy, iftar, and anything religious are all completely absent. The plot really is just the title, “looking for the Eid moon.” The text feels abrupt, it doesn’t flow, and feels othering.  “For years, the moon marked important Muslim holidays and dates. And Eid wouldn’t begin until the crescent moon was spotted.” Numerous communities still rely on local sighting and have hilal committees marking all moon phases and months.   This framing of it being an antiquated practice, feels off.  The sisters are young, but Sara is old enough “to know the crescent moon is faint and hard to see,” yet she doesn’t even acknowledge iftar time, they don’t pray maghrib.  The complete removal of Islam makes looking for the Eid moon seem like they could just be looking for Mars or a comet.  It says they are excited for an Eid party, but clearly not enough to be excited it is Eid the next day, they are simply sad that they didn’t see the moon.  I’ve read the book a few times, and I truly can’t make it make sense, and I don’t understand how silver paint glows, shouldn’t it be glow in the dark paint? Sigh.

The book starts with Sara looking at her Eid dress saying she is excited for the Eid party, but first she has something to do.  She packs her flashlight and binoculars and grabs her little sister Lulu and the head out to spot the Eid moon. On their way out they pass mom hanging decorations, and she wishes them well.

In the backyard the girls watch the sky change colors and the sky is cloudy.  As it gets darker, the girls get a little scared, but mom finds them and tells them the moon has been spotted elsewhere.  The girls are sad and Sara comes up with a way to cheer up Lulu.  SPOILER she paints a ball silver, fills it with coins, and writes a note that it is from the Eid Moon, claiming this is a moon rock.  Lulu proclaims it the “best Eid ever.”

The Author’s note tells of the family’s tradition to hide and find moon rooks with coins in them, in what sounds akin to an Easter egg hunt.  It also erroneously says that Eid al Fitr is a three day holiday.  I don’t get the connection to the moon being brave and a source of light to refugees in the book, if that was the author’s intent, to show the moon as hope “when times are bleak and dark,” I’m sorry but the message was not conveyed.

Mar8

Noura’s Crescent Moon by Zainab Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Noura’s Crescent Moon by Zainab Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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I know, I know, another Ramadan book about the moon and a little girl’s first fast, but this one is slightly different.  The moon they are searching for is the Eid moon and the focus is on whether they will see it and Eid will begin, or if there is one more day of fasting.  The story itself would not make sense if it wasn’t Ramadan and the characters Muslim, but the story only subtly sprinkles in bits of Islam, the backmatter though, is where the Islam really shines.  The tone of the book with the lyrical text and full color illustrations is very relatable to Muslims that both want to see the moon and celebrate, while at the same time being sad the the blessed month of Ramadan is over.  It comes from a Desi centric approach to the foods, and traditions, but their aren’t a lot of Urdu words used either, and those that are, are defined at the end.  The book works for Muslims and non Muslims, and would benefit both groups with a bit of discussion. Overall, not a particularly memorable book, but one that stands out for focusing on the tradition of looking for the moon and being together as a family.

I love that the notes at the end do mention that Muslims fast to “show love and obedience for the Creator,” under the Ramadan header.  The other backmatter headings are Eid ul-Fitr, Suhoor, Iftar, Chaand Raath, Pakora, Gulab Jamun, Sheer Khurma, and The Islamic Calendar and the New Moon.  A lot of space is dedicated to food, explaining those mentioned in the story.  It gets it right that Muslims begin fasting at dawn, it shows mom not wearing hijab at home, but wearing it when they go out, yet, it doesn’t just say the maghrib athan it refers to it as the “call for the twilight prayer.”  And it doesn’t mention or show them praying, which would have been a nice inclusion.

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The book starts with Noura playing outside and her tummy rumbling on this 29th day of Ramadan, and her first fast.  Mama, Papa and Noura all help make and pack up iftar, as they get ready to go look for the Eid moon.

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Before they go, Mama shows Noura her new dress, and they add some henna cones to the items they are taking, they then set out to the countryside.  All along, Noura is hoping to see the moon and her parents are reminding her how rare it is to see it.

When they get to the hill there are other families already there, and Noura has done it, completed her first fast.  Unfortunately the moon is not there as hoped, or is it?

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I wish some duaas or Islamic expressions, and salat would have made it into the book, but the large hardback size makes this a good book to read at story times, and a nice way to explain why we don’t know when we will miss school to celebrate Eid, or how many days we will fast.

Mar6

Made from the Same Dough by Laura El Alam illustrated by Passant Ablal

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Made from the Same Dough by Laura El Alam illustrated by Passant Ablal

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Not all books about Ramadan have to be lists of facts. It is ok to show Ramadan and Islamic elements in stories that have their own plots, character arcs, conflicts and resolutions that are not just about abstaining from food and water, or losing your temper.  This book set in Ramadan is a story about a  Muslim boy and his Christian grandfather, and a whole lot of heart.  As a child of a convert, this book spoke to me, and I saw myself in that relationship, not only as a child, but even as an adult bringing my grandparents to my kids Islamic schools, friends’ lunches, and asking them to wait on the side while we pray.  I absolutely love the perspective of the protagonist, that he is worried about what Muslims will think of his grandfather not fasting or praying, as opposed to the often shown character worrying about what non Muslims think about us. The paradigm shift is subtle, but empowering to Muslim readers to see that they are not “other” in any environment.  The authenticity and how it all comes together in the clear text of the book is beautiful, but I must say, I really struggle with the illustrations.  I know art is subjective, and I am no artist, but yikes, I feel like the pictures actually distract from the story unfortunately.

The book starts with Papa coming over to his daughter’s family home and smelling something cinnamon-y delicious.  He dives in to the harira soup and recalls the cinnamon Christmas cookies they used to make.  Rayan wonders if Papa even remembers that the rest of them are all fasting.

Mama invites him to join the family at Auntie Hana’s for iftar the next night, and Rayan worries what Papa will do when they all pray, or if his friends will wonder why he came to iftaar if he is not fasting.

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Papa agrees and offers to make cinnamon cookies to share.  Rayan doesn’t like the idea of Christmas cookies at iftar and tells grandpa that Santa won’t be there.  The next day when Grandpa comes over to bake, Rayan refuses to help. Part scared, part frustrated, part anxious, Rayan hears everyone having fun, but stays in his room.

When they arrive at the iftaar potluck, Rayan reminds Papa to take of his shoes and then devises a plan to keep the Christmas cookies from causing any embarrassment. Only his sister Aliya foils his plan and Rayan will have to face his own feelings and make things right.

I’ve read this book easily close to twenty times, since ordering it, evaluating it for the Muslim Book Awards 2023, (it won the Holiday category), writing this review, and reading it to my littles at bed time, and it still hits close to the heart every time.  It reminds me of my own grandpa, who has been gone almost exactly a year, who may not have always understood our actions as Muslims no matter how often we tried to explain them to him, but never loved us any less.

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You can purchase your copy here at Crescent Moon