Tag Archives: HIba Noor Khan

May31

The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan

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The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan

I’ve been trying to get through this middle grade 304 page book for well over a year, and it has been a struggle. I think the emotional release by the end is well done, but the journey to get there requires enduring pacing issues, truncated plot threads and scenes, magical realism, and some really forced positioning of characters and scenarios that I don’t feel warranted the time and page space to add anything to the key points of the story. When the storytelling was at its peak though, it was enjoyable and heartfelt, and the pages flew by, unfortunately though making the difference in writing more jarring and difficult to get through. I love that the book sticks to the colonizing British being the “villains,” but the individuals themselves on all sides being seen in shades of gray. No easy feat, no doubt, to feature such a wide and diverse casts of Britishers, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains, etc., and to keep from villainizing or glorifying any one group. I don’t know that I understood the point of the magical realism, though, of the no named village, the banyan tree, the kids all being born on the same day, it seemed unnecessary and distancing when trying to connect to the characters and their very real partition of the subcontinent. I love the idea of the book, we need more partition stories that encourage critical thinking, and aren’t all rosy and neatly tied up. I just don’t know that a middle grade reader will be able to immerse themselves in the time and environment with the often choppy breaks in events, and locations, and abandonment of scenes with no context or tie backs provided. There are a lot of names and religious identities that muddle together, and with all characters celebrating each others holidays and partaking in community without delineation, it makes for a lot going on in the beginning, that I think will be difficult for the target audience to digest and get through to appreciate the remainder of the tale.


SYNOPSIS

Told from Jahan’s perspective the book focuses on three kids born on the same day, to families with ties to an unnamed village that can never be on a map. Their births are recorded by a banyan tree and the Muslim Jahan, Hindu Ravi, and Muslim Aisha who is nicknamed Lakshmi, grow up as intertwined as the tree’s roots. The village raises them collectively as Nanas and Nanis and Dadas and Dadis all become elders to the children, at least that is the way I decided to take it when keeping track of all the relations (and I speak some Urdu) got a bit too confusing. As they journey back and forth between the village and Lahore prior to partition, we see the kids and the near utopia that the village represents of all faiths living together and respecting one another. Jahan is becoming a hafiz, and wakes for fajr regularly, Ravi plays his instruments and goes to Temple. As partition looms we see the effects that carving up a country that has been occupied for so long starts to have on the families, the children, the anger and tensions that are escalated and the evil that brews in chaos, all while the characters at the center strive to keep connections and hope.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the Islam is not watered down, even if at times the characters blur with partaking in each other’s rituals or considerations, I like that they believe what they believe and it is unwavering and largely uncompromised. I think the book does a good job of separating the collective labels from the individuals, to see that it was a trying time that brought out the best and worst in people of all ages. Craft wise, I just struggled with the going back and forth from Lahore to the village, the build up of planning the games and contests and pranks that had no baring on the story because they would just end and not be threaded through for a purpose or character growth or even resolved. As a result it just made the story wander and for me, at least, often lose interest. I loved when the trio was all in Lahore and thwarting the gang, solving a mystery and being the amazing clever detectives. Most of the scenes of them just being together were delightful and I wish they would have been connected better, the justification of why they were together and how their families all aligned to get them together were just unnecessarily exhausting.

FLAGS:

Violence, death, people being lost, people disappearing, angry mobs, ghost trains, birthdays, girl boy friendships, celebrating each others holidays, lying, boys dressing as girls to sneak in to a gangs hideout, lying, sneaking, anger, riots, music, talk of possible reincarnation, magic.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I think this book would be a great supplemental assignment to a lesson on colonization or partition. If read in a small group I think a lot discussion would be needed to help shed light on the politics and ongoing repercussions that still persist and would make for a great conversation and critical thinking exercises. I would not be opposed to shelving the book, but I think once the topic and tempting cover have been exhausted, most middle school or even middle grade readers will lose interest before the story gets good, so to speak, and I can’t see many kids reading this independently to its completion, although I do hope I am wrong.

Jan14

A Golden Eid by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Singgih Jadmiko

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A Golden Eid by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Singgih Jadmiko

This 32 page picture book about Eid al Fitr, starts as many do with the last night of Ramadan carrying into the day of celebration itself.  The book is plot based with a soft moral message to be generous with others. It refrains from info dumping, but does show reading Quran, making duas, and going to the mosque.  I think if you are looking for a new book to read to a non Muslim class or group, the book is sufficient in opening a window and showing a relatable family celebrating Eid with hints of culture, religion, and community, but unfortunately there are predictable tropes and since I read a lot of Eid books, it ultimately doesn’t make the book stand out for me.  The focus is on food, and how the family comes together to make the beloved halwa, and then when food is taken to the neighbors, the protagonist, Hafsa, shares her beloved treat by choice, yet is sad none-the-less that there in no longer any for her.  That is until everyone shows up to return the favor and make Eid better than she could have imagined. The book features a two page spread of a recipe for halwa at the end, as well as directions to make your own Eid bunting. The illustrations are sweet and will engage readers with the book’s 11 x 10 inch size in read alouds or at bedtime.

The book starts with Hafsa peering through her telescope looking for the Eid moon.  Once spotted, cousins are called, Quran is finished, duas are made, and the feast preparations begin.  It is a lot of work,  and when they are done, Abu starts packing everything up.

Shocked, Hafsa is reassured that some halwa will be kept to be enjoyed on Eid, and then Abu and her are off to share with friends and neighbors. When they get to Mrs. Adams’ house, Hafsa notices the cupcakes have run out, and runs home to get the halwa to give to their neighbor.

Later the family heads to the park, and a sad Hafsa is reminded that, “During Ramadan, God teaches us to be bighearted and to think of those in need.” Even the next morning though, as se puts on her fancy clothes and heads to the mosque she is feeling sad about her dessert.

Back at home as friends and family start pouring in, they come with full arms and big hearts, and Hafsa ends up with six different types of halwa to delight in.

I like that mom and dad are both involved in the food preparation and that religion is not completely sidelined.  I feel like their is a bit of a disconnect with what Mrs. Adams’ need is and was surprised little Hafsa could run back home and then come again independently.  I did appreciate that at the start when looking through the telescope the sky was not dark as the Eid moon shows for a short time, but was surprised later when hours after dark they are playing in the park under the crescent moon. That spread at the park, to me honestly didn’t seem needed, I know it was to share the moral messaging, but I felt it just indulged the food aspect of a very religious and sacred holiday, and made Hafsa seem uncharacteristically whiney about not getting a dessert, when up until that point she had shown some independence and maturity. It is one thing to be sad, but belaboring it, shifted the focus of what could have been a standout book.

Oct9

The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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Even though the book is told from the cat’s perspective, the book never overshadows the human cost of the Syrian war.  The beautiful illustrations and clear text do not shy away from the pain and destruction, but allows for young preschool children and up to see the affects of war through the cat’s eyes, as well as the kindness and hope that prevails. Over 32 pages readers are taken to the streets of Aleppo to see the marble mosques give way to boots and destruction.  The little cat observes the changes, notes the differences and when kindness is shown to her, she finds a way to pay it forward.  I had not intended to post another book by Hiba Noor Khan so close to another book of hers, but as atrocities in Idlib increase I felt it a good time to remind us all, that the war is not “over” in Syria and the destruction and loss of life still requires our awareness, help, prayers, and attention.

The book begins with a warm scene of a little grey cat playing and lounging under the sun in a masjid courtyard. When the boots come, though, it all disappears. The cat begins to notice the changes and the fear becomes real.  

But then one day the cat sees humans that are different than the ones with boots, and she follows one. He cares for her, and she starts to feel like herself again, when she sees someone that also is afraid, the cat is determined to help.

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The book concludes with a note from the author telling about the inspiration for the story, “The Cat Man of Aleppo,” and challenging readers to find ways to share kindness.

 

Sep29

Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan

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Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan

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A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! SubhanAllah the subject matter is incredible, but the characters, writing, and Islamic inclusion really make this 327 page book a must read for all upper middle grade and lower middle school aged children everywhere. The book is historical fiction, set in Paris during WWII, the Nazis are invading and the Muslims at the Grand Mosque of Paris are covertly helping, hiding, and saving their Jewish neighbors.  Based on real facts, the book does not get lost in politics, or propaganda, or the enemy, the story stays on level for an MG reader with character arcs that are not confined to the atrocities at hand. The familial love, the friendships, the bravery of so many, really lingers long after the last page is read. Knowing that Muslims in France did this and that their stories have by-and-large been lost over time, makes this book all the more important to share with our own children.  This book fills such a void for children in Western countries wondering why WWII lessons in school never mention Muslims, and that this is traditionally published in the UK, soon to be in the USA, really is a benefit to us all.  I do wish the book was more strongly sourced, there are Historical Notes at the end, but I’d love to know where to go to get more facts about it all.  Little kid me would have been obsessed, adult me can’t wait to share this book with teachers and book clubs to discuss, teach, enjoy, and be inspired by, alhumdulillah.

SYNOPSIS:

Safiyyah lives in the apartments in the compound of the Grand Mosque and while Muslims are more-or-less safe from the imminent threat of the Nazi’s, because of their connections to North Africa, their world is still changing quickly. Safiyyah loves maps, helping run errands for her father, Ammo Kader, and Ammo Imam, and spending time with her Setti.  She also loves spending time with her best friend, Isabelle at school and on weekends.  When the Nazi presence is no longer avoidable, Isabelle and her family leave, errands are no longer safe and Setti’s beloved oranges are harder and harder to get. To top it all off, her father starts acting secretive and Safiyyah starts sneaking around to find out what is going on, unraveling a clandestine network helping those needing to get away.  Her family has no intention of involving her, but when soldiers start getting suspicious of the Muslims assisting the Jews, Safiyyah takes on dangerous roles that just maybe a young girl can accomplish without drawing too much attention to herself, the cause, and the Muslim community’s commitment to helping the innocent.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that the book is fast paced and the fear of being caught is always present, yet the book is able to flesh out relationships, character growth, and religious understanding.  Little details weave in and out, and the confidence that the writer is in control of all the threads allows the reader to be swept away, completely. The interfaith aspects are not just check marks, the story shows the ease in which the communities work together and their connections are tangible.  There is no internalized Islamophobia or othering, and the way that Islam emboldens the characters’ actions is so beautiful: from the larger commitment for justice, to the personal internal reflections of wearing of hijab, praying, listening to the athan, making duas for the deceased, etc..  Spending time to ruminate on the idea that breaking an unjust law to save lives through an Islamic lens is empowering, and knowing that this is the risk that real Muslims in Paris took is so very humbling. I love that the conflict of France and Algeria is not left out as the Kabyle protagonist and her grandmother note that they are now supporting those wearing French uniforms to fight the Germans.

FLAGS:

Wish making, lying, death, fear, occupation, war, destruction, oath taking on a Quran, tasbeehs, working with wine barrels and smugglers.  There is a strong familiarity with Christian and Jewish holidays, some crossover celebration.  Some Christian angel imagery being used by Safiyyah for Ammo. Sneaking, hiding, forgery, skipping school.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Having only ever read one other book on this topic, The Grand Mosque of Paris, that would definitely be a reference I would present when introducing the book.  Whether in a classroom, a library, a home, a book club, I hope this book gets read, passed around, shared, and discussed.  Muslims and non Muslims alike will fall in love with persistent over-eager Safiyyah and hopefully remember the resistance the characters in the book and real life sought with courage and dedication for the good of humanity.

I own my UK copy and have preordered US copies for myself, my mom, my teacher friends and hope you will do the same (you can preorder here).  Please also request your local public libraries to shelve this important book.