Tag Archives: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Apr5

Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

Posted on April 5, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

After years of teaching, librarian-ing, and mothering, my reviewers are for adults, but with kids in mind. I read in different environments and try and balance what children will think with my more critical literary impressions. But honestly, my first reaction when I see Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow has a new book out, is not about the children, or their parents, it is incredibly selfish, and I want to read the picture book for me. It has been about a year since I first read my all time favorite, Salat in Secret, and I still feel all the feels, every time I read the book. I even enjoy handing the book to people and watching them read it for the first time. So, I was both excited, and nervous to read this new book, not knowing if it would measure up to my expectations or rather hopes, so to speak. I needn’t have worried, subhanAllah, this book in it’s own right is moving, heartfelt, layered, powerful, hopeful, relatable, tender, and while staying on a kindergarten to second grade level is also unapologetic with its centering of Islam, race, and feeling invisible, being new, and making a friend. The illustrations and words blend beautifully, and by the second page of the 40 page book, I was already emotionally attached to the little protagonist Ameena. Good writing is good writing, and as a result this beautiful book works for all ages and will be appreciated on multiple layers even after dozens of readings, alhumdulillah.

The book begins with Ameena playing a game by herself. She always plays by herself at school, where she tends to be invisible. Maybe it is her hair in twists or her brownness, she doesn’t know. One day a new girl comes, her name is Sundus, she wears hijab like Ameena wears to the masjid.

All day Ameena tries to talk to Sundus, but something always seems to keep them apart. When they finally meet, Ameena’s excited words get all tangled, and a misunderstanding occurs. Ameena decides the next day to transform into a rockstar: red-orange hijab and matching boots. The other kids say she is copying the new girl. Sundus doesn’t say anything.

Ameena disappears again at school, but family night at the masjid is her happy place. Where she doesn’t play alone, and there are lots of browns, and she is seen. When Mama meets a new sister, and greets her with Assalamu Alaikum, Ameena sees how a greeting and a hug can be the start of sisterhood and friendship. And the next time Sundus and Ameena meet, they know just what to say.

The joy at the end forces you to smile, just as Ameena playing alone at the beginning tugs at your heart. It is a great book to see yourself and see others in a beautiful, authentic way. The universal themes of not being seen, making a friend, and being the new kid, are woven in just as hijab, masjid and Assalamu Alaikum are, making the book powerful for Muslim and non Muslims alike.

I particularly love that their is no glossary, and that the text uses the word masjid not mosque, hijab not scarf and Assalamu Alaikum not salam. That the masjid is her safe place to laugh and play, and that this book is mainstream published and will find its way to public spaces and be widely accessible.

You can preorder your copy here on Amazon.

May22

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Hatem Aly

Posted on May 22, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Hatem Aly

It is quite remarkable in the course of 40 pages that so many themes, layers, emotions, windows, mirrors, and relevance can radiate with ease and entertainment for children four and up. The authenticity of the text and illustrations create tangible feels in this book, that months after reading it for the first time, I am still moved to tears, both inspired by joy and as a cathartic release of being seen. The true mastery is that even if you are not Muslim and cannot relate to the nervousness of praying publicly, you understand Muhammad’s hesitancy and feel for him as he battles not just finding a place, but watching onlookers reactions to his father, police proximity, and being brave enough to push yourself even when you are scared. Usually when asked what my favorite book is, I stumble to narrow it down to just one, but truly this book has raised the bar of not just traditional publishing representation, but Islamic/Muslim literature across the board. It is a gift to read, to share, to enjoy, and a blessing that such an unapologetic book is available so widely for our children to connect with, and our non Muslim friends to see us through. Please spend time with this book and make it available to your children, your students, your community, it really is that good, alhumdulillah.

It is Muhammad’s birthday and he is seven, “Old enough to pray five times a day,” his father gifts him a prayer rug, and Muhammad is ecstatic. He makes wudu that night and offers salat with full attention. He says the Sunday school words and shares his most wished for wishes to Allah swt, not even letting little sister, Maryama distract him.

After Fajr the next morning, he is determined to find a secret place at school to pray Dhuhr. Daddy doesn’t need secret places, if prayer time comes he pulls his ice cream truck over and prays on the sidewalk, “never delay salat.” At school, Muhammad heads to Mrs. Baker to ask for a place to pray, but his confidence waivers and he returns to his seat.

Anxiety about where to pray has him looking for spots throughout the morning, but when recess comes he finds he can’t take the prayer rug out from under his jacket. He lingers when everyone returns to class and rushes through the words and motions in the coat closet.

That evening he is with his daddy in the ice cream truck and the sunshine and smiles pour out of the two. When the sun sets it is Maghrib time and Daddy heads to the sidewalk to pray, reassuring Muhammad that he can pray at home. Muhammad watches his dad and various events spur him to make his decision.

I love love love the way salat is approached with love and excitement and that the dad embodies safety and joy and does not pressure or force Muhammad. The relationship is beautiful and allows for worship to be seen as both personal, as well as obligatory and merciful. The duo also show a great parent child dynamic that warms the heart.

I like that there really isn’t any “hate” given to anyone praying, it is hinted at, people do not understood, but the focus is not on the outside bystanders- it is what Muhammad thinks and feels. I’m fairly certain every Muslim who has prayed in public has encountered a wide variety of responses, and this book keeps the gray to reflect and spark conversation. It is often met with ignorance, with hate, with aggression, but it is also met with respect, apathy, and curiosity which the text and illustrations allow for.

There is so much love and joy in the book as well as identity, that I don’t mind one bit that my littles ask me to read it over and over. It is perfect for groups, one-on-one, and I cannot wait to share it in a story time, there is also an incredibly informative and heartfelt Author’s Note at the end. If you haven’t preordered it yet, the book releases on June 6, 2023, please pre order it and signal the support for this book and future books that center authentic Muslim joy, Black Muslim representation, and OWN voice author and illustrator accuracy. Request it at your library, put it on hold at your library, check it out, read it. If you cannot preorder it, still purchase it when you can, inshaAllah it will be a beloved book in your home as well.

Apr14

Grounded: A Novel by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow and S.K. Ali

Posted on April 14, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Grounded: A Novel by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow and S.K. Ali

Over the years I’ve read to a lot of kids, with a lot of kids, discussed books in classrooms, and in book clubs, so when reviewing I often share what kids think or what I imagine kids will think, and I usually acknowledge when I’m being overly critical as a reviewer, but this book I will tell you, I did not read through the intended middle grade lens, I read it as a 42 year old seasoned reader. I know this because I cried during the entire second half, and the book is not sad. It is fast paced, joyful and adventure filled. I cried at the ownership of identity, the pureness of friendship, the acceptance of the flaws and strengths of those closest to us, the love of family and that this book is written by four incredible Muslim women authors for Muslim kids to be seen and for non Muslims to see Muslim kids in action in a fantastic, non preachy, authentic, powerful engaging story. In short I loved it. I love that the voices are different, but polished and seamless in conveying a fictional story with universal themes through a variety of Muslim characters without talking down or over explaining anything. From the maps to the crossover character Hanna from S.K. Ali books, the poetry from they young lyricist to the representation and discussions of Muslims not being a monolith, and the sprinkling of a Hadith or Quranic ayat here and there (I wish there was more), the book tugged at my heart strings. For kids third grade and up, some of those themes might resonate, or it might just be a book about a lost cat in an airport and a hodgepodge group of strangers, turning friends, stranded in an airport searching for her while dodging security and exasperated parents.

SYNOPSIS:

The end of the MONA (Muslims of North America) Conference has lots of families at the fictional Zora Neale Hurston heading home. Tired parents and restless kids lead Feek’s little sister Ruqi to go missing and Feek to blame. As he searches for his little sister he meets Hanna, a girl looking for a lost cat, not her lost cat, just one she has heard about from her animal activist group that is missing at the airport. As they search for Ruqi, Sami gets dragged along even though he’d rather be mentally keeping his anxiety in check as he prepares for the Karate competition he is heading to. Luckily Nora, Congresswoman Najjar’s daughter, finds Ruqi and the five strangers are brought together. When all flights are grounded because of weather, the group goes in search of the missing cat, Snickerdoodle, finding leads, security, secret corridors, self confidence, friendship, and skills along the way.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I knew the book would be good with the authors’ names on the cover and their ability to tell a good story, but I was still blown away by how real the characters were fleshed out and their “problems” articulated. The emotional connection to each character facing their insecurities and supporting one another’s’ vulnerabilities was reflective and insightful. I love the diverse inclusion of showing Muslims that don’t speak Arabic or don’t know if they are Muslim enough, of Black Muslims and Black culture, of being an only children and struggling with siblings, understanding parental expectation and finding your voice to speak up to those you love. The surface story is paced well and entertaining and sufficient, but the details and the story beneath the surface, really is powerful.

Again with the reviewer lens- I did wish in the middle there was a tiny bit more inclusion of a Bismillah when following a lead or an AstugfirAllah when breaking a rule or a quick prayer when running from authorities, the beginning and end was Islamically rooted, but as an Islamic School Librarian, I must admit I’d like a few more mentions during the “adventure” parts.

FLAGS:

The kids are dishonest, they break rules (possibly laws), they lie, and do some damage, they sneak and kind of talk back to their parents, nothing is normalized or accepted though and they are called to account. There is a birthday that is celebrated with everyone singing, and possible triggers of talking about a deceased parent. The kids are 12/13 and younger, and brought together by circumstance, but by the end the girls and boys have developed close friendships.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Even though the book is meant for middle grades, I think younger middle school readers would enjoy the book and find plenty to discuss as they see themselves and others in the characters, imagine what they would do in such a situation, and get swept up in the ride.

Oct17

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Patrick Dougher with photography by Jamel Shabazz

Posted on October 17, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Patrick Dougher with photography by Jamel Shabazz

The power, the lyricism, the images, the layers- this book is not just for children, it is for everyone. I have spent time with this book and it cannot be rushed, it needs to be felt and explored and reflected upon to feel the emotion that seeps from each and every page. The book is remarkable in the amount of hope and warmth combined with history and social activism present. It weaves together the personal with the community with the struggle past and present so flawlessly, but for me it is the pictures that complement the text so well that make this book spectacular on so many levels. It is not a book for me to review, it is a book for me to support and elevate in any way I can. The author is Muslim, there is nothing Islam specific in the text, aside from mentioning Malcolm X, and it should be required reading and sharing for everyone. May Allah swt make us better to one another and actively work against oppression, ameen.

The book is framed as a letter, encouraging happy things to be held close. For the young and old with stars in their eyes to be be held and elevated. For stories of greatness to be passed down. Stories of Kings, of Sojourners and Malcolms.

The book encourages pushing away the disappointments, but to let the tears come. To not forget the lynchings, slavery, police brutality, oppression. To stand and make it heard that you matter.

The illustrations are a mix of photographs and collage style layers. The joy in a child that is very real, carrying those that came before. Images of the past pulled to be seen in the present, very much a part of today. The colors, the expressions, the hope, it radiates off the page with the coaxing of the text and becomes a feeling of both being held, and feeling support to take the next step. Absolutely beautiful from beginning to end.

The backmatter contains an Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, Background information, and Selected Sources.

Available in libraries and book sellers, including here.

Apr4

Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Posted on April 4, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Tiffany Rose

I really don’t know what more you could want from a 40 page brightly illustrated picture book for ages 5 and up. I felt seen, I got a little emotional, I was inspired, I smiled, I felt compassion and empathy, hope and nervousness. I was reminded of the power of role models, of getting down on a child’s level, literally. I was reassured that we all make mistakes, learn differently, and can still thrive. Suffice it to say the book is moving. The OWN voice lyricism will resonate with children of all colors, but that the messaging is from a Black Muslim boy and is so unapologetic and proud and beautiful, makes the emotions Abdul feels palpable. Every classroom bookshelf needs this book, every child needs to hear it, read it, and explore the layers contained within. Alhumdulillah.

The book starts out with absolute joy. Abdul loves to tell stories. Writing stories, however, is something else. The letters are tricky, they get turned around, they aren’t straight and crisp like the one’s the barber cuts. His pages don’t look like the neat lines of his classmates.

He decides that maybe his stories aren’t for books. It isn’t like he even sees stories like his in books: stories about the people and places that he knows.

Then one day a visitor comes to class, Mr. Muhammad, and he is a writer. He encourages the children to, “write new stories with new superheroes.” Abdul tries, but he keeps making mistakes, and then he has to erase, and before long his paper is covered in smudges and holes.

Mr. Muhammad encourages Abdul to keep trying and fix the messes later, Abdul has an idea, and with a “bismillah,” he gives it another go. There is no perfection, there is just determination. The struggles, success, and support of his peers and Mr. Muhammad, just might change Abdul’s mind about his stories.

I love that the book is Black centered and Muslim centered. There is praying salat, mention of bean pies, a classmate in hijab, and saying of Bismillah. I’ve read the book seven or so times and it has yet to get old. The characters burst with personality, even the side ones, that I’m positive it will be a favorite at story time and bedtime alike.

Can be purchased at Crescent Moon Store or Amazon

Aug31

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Posted on August 31, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Luisa Uribe

An amazingly empowering simple story that breathes pride and beauty in to names and our identities. The 40 pages are a celebration of the rhythm of our names and the dreams and hopes that they contain for us. Perfect for kindergarten to second graders, readers of all ages will find something valuable in this book. Those with “common” names might reevaluate what their names mean or why they were so named, children with “unique” names will find the music and confidence to ask others to learn their name correctly, older kids might reconsider shortened nick names, and we all inshaAllah will make more of an effort to get people’s names pronounced right.

A little girl has had an awful first day of school. As she stomps toward her mom at dismissal. No one could say her name. Not even the teacher, it got stuck in her throat. Her mom gently reminds her stomping is only for dancing, and tells her that her name is a song.

The little girl is skeptical, but as they say people’s names on their way home, and find the magic and rhythm and beat in each one, they address the horrible things that have happened to the girl that day regarding her name. At lunch girls pretended to choke on her name, and later one boy said her name was scary, some even tell her, her name sounds made up.

Her mother explains that some names come from deep in the heart, not the throat and cannot be choked on, that names are fire and strong, and that names are made from the sky when our real names were stolen and so new ones have to be dreamed.

All the way home they go through names, diverse names, beautiful names. The next day she doesn’t want to go to school, but she has a song to teach. When her teacher starts calling out names, the little girl starts tapping the rhythm, when Ms. Anderson starts to struggle on the little girl’s name, she starts to sing it. She explains that her name is a song, and that she will teach it to them. The other children then ask her to sing their names. And with a smile on her face, it is music to Kora-Jalimuso’s ears.

I love that there are three pages of the names mentioned in the story and their origins and meanings listed. I also like that the little girl’s name is not revealed until the end. The pronunciation of the names is in the text, all of them, even Bob. And when I read the name Trayvon, I felt an added weight of saying people’s names, breathing them into our lives and not forgetting them.

The family could be Muslim based on the mom’s head wrap. The author is Muslim and there are Arabic and Islamic names included in the story.

Mar28

Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Posted on March 28, 2018 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Children playing dress-up with their mother’s clothes is a universal activity, that most can relate to. Playing dress-up in your mother’s khimar is what makes this book both familiar and stereotype breaking in a way that is actually pretty powerful.

In this 40 page hardback book targeting 4-8 year olds, Salaam Reads, once again brings Muslim characters to the masses, without alienating or talking down to either Muslim or non Muslims readers.

The story starts off with a little girl explaining that “A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears. Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.” She then marvels at the variety of scarves her mother has, commenting on the colors, and prints, and designs, that by the time she is ready to use them as her favorite make-believe accessory, readers will be wishing they too could have such an assortment.

From using a khimar to be a queen with a golden train, to being a shooting star, the reader also along the way learns that she loves the connection the khimars offer her of her mother, when she isn’t near. The ladies at the masjid are also part of that connection so that when she dreams of all the fantastical pretend things she can be, she also knows they too are with her. Even her grandma, Mom-Mom, who exclaims “Sweet Jesus” when she sees her in her yellow khimar, and loves her although she doesn’t go to the mosque like the little girl does, is a part of the love and support the little girl feels by those around her when she is wrapped up in her mother’s khimar. I love that it stresses even though her grandma is not Muslim they love each other because they are family. Muslims and Islam are never mentioned outright, just the mosque and the ladies saying Assalamu alaikum, hint at the khimar being worn for religious reasons.

Perhaps the best part is the pictures. The illustrations with their yellowish hues radiate warmth and the faces and smiles are good for the soul. You can feel the love the little girl both receives and gives to those around her through the pictures that perfectly compliment the simple text.

The diversity of the book in the main character being a girl, a child of color, and a Muslim, is such a beautiful thing to see. Stories like this are powerful tools when children see themselves in books with positive messages, and remind us all how much more diversity it needed in literature to both highlight our differences, and celebrate our similarities.