Tag Archives: important

Apr1

Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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The world’s oldest library proudly stands in Fez, Morocco: started by a Muslim woman, restored by a Muslim woman, and in this 40 page book the library itself tells its own story in a book authored by a Muslim woman.  The personified library shares a few highlights from its early start as a corner in Fatima Al-Fihri’s masjid and university to collections spanning multiple buildings, from a bustling center of learning and knowledge to a place of disrepair and neglect.  Staying on an early elementary level, the informative author’s note and references make the book engaging for older readers as well, and an incredible addition to bookshelves everywhere.

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The book starts with the library introducing itself and welcoming the reader. “Merhaba! I am Al-Qarawiyyin Library–the oldest library in the world.” At over a thousand years old, the library begins at the hands of Fatima Al-Fihri in 859 who dared to dream big and created a space of learning and worship in Morocco.

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As the courtyards and collections grew, seekers of knowledge, from all backgrounds, gathered to discuss, debate, and learn.  Special rooms with special locks kept books safe: a Quran written on camel-leather, a philosophers drawings in gold ink.

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Nearly destroyed once by a fire, the library endured, but over time the rooms were no longer filled with the bustle of people.  One day a small girl, Aziza, paused at the door, but did not enter for many years.  When she did return, she came as an architect with a team to restore the library and invite people back in to read, learn, and dream.

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It delights me that such an important story is available to be widely learned from and appreciated.  You can preorder a copy here from Amazon.

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Jan14

Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

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Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

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For the last 100 days it seems the only time I truly smile is when I see images of Yemen standing with Palestine.  It is impressive, so very inspiring, and equally humbling as well.  Sadly, there are not many children’s books celebrating Yemeni culture, heritage and joy available to us in the west.  This book published in 2022 is set in the war, with memories of easier times peeking through.  When Belquis is assigned to write an inspirational story about Yemen for a global contest, she is at a loss of what to write about as she is surrounded by “bombings, fighting, blockades, loss, and poverty.” This 38 page picture book is text heavy, admittedly it isn’t particularly literary or memorable, but it shows a culture and traditions that need to be shared with our children.  The media and talking points dismiss the rich history of the countries we are attacking in attempts to dehumanize those affected.  This book does not get political or even name the sides in the conflict, it simple shows a girl and her sister rediscovering their city, their history, and their peoples’ kindness and generosity.  I hope more books about Yemen will enter the marketplace, and I pray for the bombings to stop.

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Set in Old Sana’a Belquis dreams of being a writer, but when assigned to write about something “inspirational” she is at a loss. Her geddah encourages her saying that “Some of the most inspirational stories arise from hardship.” Her father encourages her, and her younger sister Saba, to go to the roof and look out from a “bird’s-eye-view.” At maghrib time as they listen to the athan from the Great Mosque they look out at the 2,500 year old city and the qamariyat sparkling in the changing sunlight, but don’t feel inspired.

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Beliquis briefly laments the looming deadline and the lack of sabaya to eat, but decides to go story hunting by taking Saba and rediscovering their ancient city.  They pass Khala Khadija’s crumbling house as they head to the museum where they are reminded about the Queen of Sheba, Yemen’s original name Arabia Felix, and Queen Arwa.

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As they leave the museum and head to Souk al-Milh they pass lines of people looking for handouts of food and waiting in line for fuel. When the war started, the tourists stopped coming, so the girls are free to browse, and end up using their pocket money to buy bakhoor for their mother before heading back home.  Heavy hearts make them wish they had instead given that money to a hungry family, and when the cracks from the weather and bombs destroy Khala Khadija’s house completely, the girls, their family, and their entire neighborhood will show the inspiring generosity and spirit of the Yemeni people.

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As always, with most every book I read,  I wish there was a map, and while there is a glossary, I wish there was a more robust backmatter section with actual photographs of the many places, foods, items mentioned in the story. This book is important, seek it out, urge your libraries to shelve it. Learn about Yemen, make duas for the people suffering, hurting, and standing up for the oppressed, ameen.

Jan11

We are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis illustrated by Noha Eilouti

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The book is non fiction, the author not Muslim, but here I am reviewing this book because, we are all Palestinian and my heart enjoyed reading this 112 page book that covers Geography, Cultural Symbols, Creative Minds, Agriculture, Cuisine, Performing Arts, and History and Religion for middle graders and up.  The book is a celebration rooted in information and expressed with beautiful illustrations, fun facts and text blurbs to break up the text.  I do wish it was sourced, and I desperately wanted a map, particularly in the section on geography- it seems odd in fact that it doesn’t have one.  The book contains information about the nakba, but doesn’t let it control the narrative or overshadow the culture that thrives in Palestine and in all Palestinians. Undoubtedly, this is an important book to spend time with and share, especially as the global media is currently working overtime in attempts to erase the richness, joy, and even basic humanity of an entire population.

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The section on Geography covers Jerusalem, Gaza, Jericho, Akka, Haifa, Yaffa, Nazareth, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Ramallah.  Some cities are combined and are featured on a full two-page spread after an introductory page for the section.

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Cultural Symbols covers the national anthem and flag, Handala, tatreez, thobes and gold hat, hatta and egal.  I enjoyed learning more about cultural items that have become increasingly familiar, but whose origins, importance, and displays were new.

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The Creative Minds section focuses on people both currently still living and deceased.  I always struggle with books that highlight important people because how they are chosen is always such a mystery, and this book at least acknowledges that this is just a tip of the iceberg cross-section of people influential, talented, and noteworthy.

The Agriculture and Cuisine sections are a celebration of food and resources that most of us who have been privileged to have Palestinian friends sharing their lunch and dinner with will find particularly enjoyable.

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Performing Arts was informative and new to me, and I think further shows the depth and richness of the culture.  It highlights specific people, dances, cinema, and instruments in this section.

The final section of History and Religion starts with ancient history, followed by the Nakba, al Naksa, and then a two page spread on Islam and a two page spread on Christianity.

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Notably not mentioned in the entire book is Israel, and in the religion section there are no other faiths shared except Christianity and Islam.  The author seems to be making a point, by what is included, and what is focused on, and keeping the light shined on Palestine. There is an index, but no sources.

Jul3

Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra 

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Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra 

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The very first page of this practical Muslim authored, visible Muslim featured, how-to book draws you in with the author’s conversational tone and approach.  She presents life as being a mountain we all are born to climb and articulates that we are all given different tools to do so.  The book sets out to understand how race and racism affect the climb, how we can make it more fair, and uses questions from kids in the UK as the general organization of the 128 page book for middle grade readers and up.  As a Black Sudanese born, Australian raised, immigrant London woman who speaks Arabic, is Muslim, has authored five books, is an engineer and social justice advocate, she acknowledges privilege, and injects plenty of InshaAllahs, Alhumdulillahs, and global perspective to racism, its history, and what we can do to stand up and speak out about it.  I do wish the book was sourced, but the first person perspective, and her own intersectional identities, carry confidence and OWN voice power in making the world a better place for all.

SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with a section about how racism started, then moves into what racism looks like today and how it shows up and affects us all.  It then concludes with a focus on the action of standing up and speaking up.  The book spends time reassuring the reader that the contents might create strong emotions and to breathe acknowledge your feelings and find a safe way to express them. Chapter 6 discusses religions, even though the book is about race and says it does so because it is the same social construct of grouping a very diverse group together because of something “other” that they share.  It spends time on anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.  The book doesn’t have to be read cover to cover, it can be read in sections, in any order, there is also a glossary and index at the back to find particular topics to look at.

WHY I LIKE IT:
As an American, I love that the book is global in focus and shows the effects of colonization and attitudes, and thus realities.  I also like that it takes time to discuss internalized racism, as well as interpersonal, institutionalized, and systemic.  Pointing out schools and how many of your teachers or principals look like you, really drives the points home.  I love that there is a whole page on hijab and truly that you see the author regularly bringing in Islam to the conversation which is great.  The action steps of what to do if you see racism, what to do if it is aimed at you, are well presented in metaphors that are easy for kids to see why the course of action suggested is doable, logical, and important.  It doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that pushing back on racism escalates the situation, and encourages individuals to be safe and do what they can. There are pull-out boxes, comic strip scenarios, bolded and bulleted text, and colorful engaging illustrations and infographics that connect with 9 year old and up readers independently or in small groups.

FLAGS:

The book discusses an emotional topic, but I don’t think there are any particular flags to be noted for 4th grade and up  There are important conversations to be had based on what is shared, but nothing is overly graphic or sensationalized.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I think this book would be great to share with students regularly and often.  It should be on library and classroom shelves and should be used in small groups, large groups, and one-on-one.  The variety of methods that the information are conveyed make a useful tool when concerns arise, and a great reflective piece to encourage children to think deep, better themselves, and be aware at all times about the privilege and effects of their thoughts and actions.

Available for preorder on Kindle here https://amzn.to/3PH98u2

May1

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

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The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

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Being the new kid, not having friends, and being teased are not new themes in literature (or life), so if you are going to write a book about them, take a lesson from Muslim author Aisha Saeed and make sure the story is heartfelt, emotional, and well-told.  There is no Islam in the book, no foreign culture, or teasing because of skin color, it is a boy named Rumi who has moved from San Francisco to the other side of America and his shoes, with their drawings and colorings, that cause the kids to stare and start bullying.  Rumi seeks solace under a willow tree and fellow classmate Han has to be brave to put a stop to the mistreatment by finding his voice and not simply staying silent.  The text and illustrations provide a lot of opportunities for children to see themselves in the story, in the various characters, and ruminate over the actions and feelings from different points of view.  The book is lyrical, it is not heavy handed or preachy, and the Author’s Note at the end is equally touching and hopeful.

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Rumi is quiet, and on his first day in Ms. Garza’s class the kids stare at him as he stares out the window.  At recess he wanders off to sit beneath the willow tree when Asher, Ella and Han leave the swings to see what he is up to.  Asher and Ella start to make fun of Rumi, Han is uncomfortable, but stays quiet.

Rumi recalls coloring his shoes with his friends, and how different it was to where he is now, he picks up a twig to twirl as the hurt grows. In music class when the giggling starts, he tries not to cry.  At recess he retreats to his refuge under the tree.

When the bullying escalates, and tears fall, Han speaks up and breaks the cycle. Others follow and see the world Rumi has created with his twig and are drawn to it and to Rumi.  Forgiveness is asked for, and granted and the tree becomes a place of friendship and togetherness.

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The Author’s Note shares the real life observations of the author about her son in kindergarten and how while heartbreaking, there was also hope in the concern shown by other kids that simply weren’t sure what to do.  I love that even though Rumi is being teased for his shoes and being different, he doesn’t stop wearing his shoes or try and clean the drawings off.

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I think this book is a must read in classrooms and homes were kids can slowly peel back the pieces and see where they can relate, how they can plan to act, and what parts they identify with.  The book is deliberate and slow, and while a child could read it on their own and enjoy the story and illustrations at hand, the real power it has, is being a catalyst for discussion and empathy and speaking up.

Pre order/order here on Amazon

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Jul25

Salih by Inda Ahmad Zahri illustrated by Anne Ryan

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Salih by Inda Ahmad Zahri illustrated by Anne Ryan

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This is an example of a picture book that should not be categorized as being only for children.  The passages of short simple text and the expansive illustrations that pull the reader in, combine to set a powerfully moving tone that holds you in it’s grips until the final page.  The names and hijab clad women could make this book a refugee tale with #muslimsintheillustrations, but because the author is Muslim, and the book so beautiful, I wanted to do a full review.  Some of the vocabulary is a bit advanced for younger children, so I think the best application of this book is not to hand it to a small child to read independently, but rather to read it to a child and let the words tickle their hearts while they immerse themselves in the pictures.  I look forward to sharing this book at story time to kindergarten through third grade.  I think the imagery, concepts, and emotion will resonate and open minds and hearts.

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Salih is like a turtle, he carries his home on his back. He and others are heading to the sea.  He tries to remember when things were better, and forget the bad times.

An old man shows him how to paint.  Salih shares this creativity with others.  Then he slips all the paintings into bottles and when he is on the rough sea, the bottles float away.

The storm rages, but then it calms, and land is seen, and hopes and dreams return.

We, collectively, have become numb, apathetic even, to the plight of refugees.  I have been trying for a while to get this book from Australia, and even though I am over a year late since its publication, it is still timely.  It will always be timely.

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We cannot be so arrogant to dismiss the plights and challenges faced by those in our world.  That is why I say, yes it is a children’s book, but people of all ages, need to be reminded.  It isn’t the worst of the worst incidents that need to only be shared, or the over the top happy stories.  We need to not let our hearts grow so hard. And this gentle book, with a sweet boy and turtle shell imagery has a lot of potential to remind us of the human element of global conflict.

Available to purchase in the USA here

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Sep24

The Great (Food) Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

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The Great (Food) Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

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As an adult setting out to read this book, I imagined that the goal of the book was to bring awareness to a specific issue, food insecurity, and to rally support to help others with this basic need.  The beauty of Muslim author and activist Onjali Q. Rauf, however, is that even with such a clear intent, the storytelling, character building, and  enjoyment of the book makes you connect to the plot and issues and feel the message, not just be told it.  For children seven through 12  with no prior expectation of the book, they will be emotionally effected by the reality shown and feel empathy and compassion for characters that will hopefully translate into their real life.  My 10 and 12 year old boys read the book in about an hour, not realizing what the book was going to be about and hounded me to read it with glowing reviews.  This 103 page middle grades book has diverse characters (none are Muslim), and is a great story, a great educational tool, a great empathy check, and a great resource for how to get involved to start helping food banks, and breakfast clubs, all while being funny, relatable, kind, and engaging.

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SYNOPSIS:

Nelson, his younger sister Ashley, and their Mum work together to make hard “tricky” months manageable.  They are creative with their meals, they go to breakfast club, and they use their vouchers on Thursdays at the food bank.  Some times though, it isn’t enough, Mum has to pawn her jewelry, they go without meals, and generous friends share their snacks.  When the food bank starts running low, Nelson breaks his secrecy about breakfast club and his close friends Krish and Harriet are determined to help figure out why donated food isn’t reaching the bank and what they can do to make sure it does.

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WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that it shows how the family has food insecurities on a day-to-day basis and how never feeling full affects so much of the characters’ attention.  I also love that it shows their mom works, she is a nurse and works really hard, they don’t steal or load up on food that is donated, they are very grateful for all assistance given and their friends don’t judge them.  It shed light on a different narrative that many children perhaps don’t think about: that people they know and are close with, might be hungry.  I think the maturity of the kids is a lesson to adults reading the book too, that reminds us that kindness and assistance doesn’t need to come with judgement or arrogance.  The characters are all really likeable, they aren’t perfect, but even though the book is short, you feel your heart being affected by them in their handling of the mystery and the larger concept of hunger.

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FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would read this book aloud in a classroom (2nd-5th), and if I get a chance to participate in Lunch Bunch (where a book is read to children while they eat their lunch) at our local Islamic School, I will start off with this book.  I think kids have bigger hearts than we often think they do, and while they might not recall the less fortunate when you want them to finish all the food on their plate, they often notice kids without lunches at school and share without prompting.  

Here’s a great clip and reading by the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVYBLh0kODc

Happy Reading!

 

Jun24

The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina by Fatima Sharafeddine illustrated by Intelaq Mohammed Ali

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The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina by Fatima Sharafeddine illustrated by Intelaq Mohammed Ali

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This non fiction, 32 page book is important in introducing 3rd graders and up to a very influential Muslim that shaped the world.  I try to keep to fiction reviews, but as someone who didn’t learn about Avicenna/Ibn Sina until college, I feel like the sooner we can inspire our Muslim children to know some of these remarkable historical figures and get their stories into western curriculums the better for us all.

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The book is told in first person and is translated from Arabic so parts are a bit awkward, such as when he is telling when he died, and parts do sound a little arrogant, but all that aside the book stays on task in describing Ibn Sina’s accomplishments and not getting distracted by historical, political, or cultural influences.  Some could argue that some context would be nice, but for 8 and 9 year olds, the facts are impressive enough and the streamline approach I think makes it something they can grasp.

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The book is beautifully done with a 9×12 hard cover and glossy pages.  The colored pencil pictures are beautiful and rich on most pages, with the neck and eyes a bit distracting on others.

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The book of course mentions his contributions to medicine but also includes his Islamic knowledge of memorizing the Quran and studying Islamic Law, cultural knowledge of knowing volumes of Persian poetry, architecture, literature, music as well as his extensive studying of philosophy, logic, linguistics, and more.

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It also mentions some of his findings, which do a great job of showing readers how relevant and important his work was then and now.  Understanding how children should be educated, how infections passed, that light travels faster than sound, anesthesia for surgical patients, to name a very, very few.

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I checked out the book from the public library and made my kids all read it, well not the 3 year old, and I think Islamic school teachers and Muslim parents really need to try and expose their kids to his accomplishments, get them excited about how their faith promotes questioning and education and then work on getting historical figures such as Abou Ali al-Hussein ibn Abdullah ibn al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Sina more widely known in the greater society.