Tag Archives: Muslim Author

Jan4

Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

This 40 page book is all the feels as little Haneen’s Ramadan duas change from the material to the heartfelt while the rain pours down, taraweeh prayers are made, fun is had, and hearts are touched.  In true Thompkins-Bigelow fashion the book presents in layers that pull the emotional threads without turning didactic and preachy. The adorable illustrations complement the text and by the page when the characters are crying, I too, found tears in my eyes. I love that praying, duas, and practicing Islam is not sidelined, as current Ramadan and Eid books seem to do, but rather centered and celebrated as a source of comfort and joy. For the most part the external catalyst moving Haneen’s internal change were seamless, but the page with the little boy pointing and calling the drawings on her card naked, seemed a little jarring to the tone, even though I can see the function it served. I also acknowledge that a physical version might not make it as abrupt. Additionally it is worth noting the very nature of reviewing is to over think, so to be completely honest, by about the fifth reading I began to wonder, did her perspective change? There was no pivotal moment that set it in motion, it seemed she just got carried away in making the Eid card and never got to articulate what she really wanted to her mom. The initial dua is for the shoes that the family can’t afford, which I already felt was inconsistent because when asking Allah swt nothing is impossible, and the whole premise is that it is Ramadan and on top of that raining, but that aside, even when she first draws them, she states that it isn’t what “she really wants.”  So now, I’m wondering if anything really changed at all, or she just never clarified and thus the reader as well  her mom are taken along from Ramadan night to Eid day.  Also in the arc I read, it seemed a word was missing on page three that will hopefully be fixed in the final version. I love the tone and the warmth, and I know most won’t read it as deep as me, but the publication is not until March and I wonder, and hope, a few tweaks might still take place.  When my pre order arrives, I will revisit the review if need be, and yes, even with my critiques, I think this is a book that will delight all ages this Ramadan and give plenty to reflect on throughout the year.

The book starts with a grumpy Haneen sitting on a bus, walking in the rain, and arriving at the masjid a little wet and muddy recalling when they had a car and things were easier.  She starts to complain but catches herself knowing that they can’t afford things, and Momma tells her that, “rain brings blessings.”  She also reminds Haneen that duas said on a rainy day get answered, especially during Ramadan.

Once in the masjid, Momma reads Quran and Haneen starts to make duas for the shoes she wants but knows they can’t afford when she is distracted by friends, and they start making Eid cards. They children work together, and when it is pointed out that Haneen’s stick figure has shoes, but no cloths, she marvels at the different dressed women around her, before adding her favorite to the picture, wondering if she can get new clothes for Eid.  The pattern continues, she sees the twins with plush toys, and thus plushies are added to her wants, and filled in on her Eid card, as the congregation moves from athan, to iftar, to salat, to taraweeh.

When Eid comes, SPOILER gifts come from unexpected places, and a new card, showing what Haneen really wanted and prayed for that rainy Ramadan night are revealed, alhumdulillah.

Dec22

Muslim Mavericks: The True Story of Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can by Dr Seema Yasmin illustrated by Noha Habaieb

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Muslim Mavericks: The True Story of Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can by Dr Seema Yasmin illustrated by Noha Habaieb

This 73 page, first book in the Muslim Mavericks series for early elementary readers is an informative biography on the actress/dancer/comedian/entertainer who happens to have cerebral palsy, three sisters, be born in New Jersey of Palestinian decent, and be Muslim. I could not find what other biographies the series plans to include, which is a bit disappointing, and I mention it because it is published by Salaam Reads, a Muslim imprint of Simon and Schuster, the author seems to identify as Muslim, and Maysoon Zayid is Muslim.  Yet, a side from Muslim being included when she lists off all her perceived labels, there is nothing Islamic in the book, so I’m curious what the line up or plans are for the series.  I get that it isn’t meant to be some Islamic resource guide, but in this book, in particular, it seems blaringly absent when all of the other self identifying labels are factored in to Maysoon’s dreams, her obstacles, her bag of tools to overcome her challenges….EXCEPT ISLAM.

SYNOPSIS:
The book follows Maysoon looking up to her sisters on the cusp of her first day of school, where she finds out the school will not accept her, all the way to her starring on General Hospital as an adult.  With her fighting battles to be included, finding her voice, and pivoting her dreams, readers learn about cerebral palsy, determination of Palestinians, and refusing to settle.  From her goals of being an actress, comedian, dancer, winner of the EGOT, the reader sees how having a dream and determination is often not enough, but refusing to let others define you is something that you should always fight.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I particularly love the determination and dedication Maysoon’s dad has to her care and health. Their relationship is shown to be constant and I think as a result pushes back on numerous stereotypes. I also like that glimpses of Palestine, both historical and her own time their with family is shown and credited with her strength and determination.  I just can’t figure out why nothing showing her practicing Islam, or seeing her obstacles through an Islamic lens is included, and if it is because she doesn’t, then why the repetitive use of the “Muslim” label and the flagship book in a Muslim centered series by a Muslim imprint? sigh.

Dec13

40 Hadiths for Children by Yasmin Ayub illustrated Sabahat Hareem

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40 Hadiths for Children by Yasmin Ayub illustrated Sabahat Hareem

My first thought when I received this book is that it is tiny and will get lost on the shelf, but the prodding of a friend encouraged me to give it a chance, and subhanAllah, it is a delightfully well done book that I now nightly read with my kids, reread myself, and have floating around so that my teenagers also thumb through the contents within.  Divided into four sections: Good Actions, Good Character, Worship, and Daily Life, each two page spread has an attributed hadith in Arabic with English translation opposite a page giving some relatable context, scenarios and further explanation, along with tips to put the hadith into practice.  The sweet illustrations break up the text, making it enticing to read and easy to consume.  The writing is on level for elementary, but not condescending for older readers, and the organization makes the book easy to spend time with in a variety of settings at home, school, or at masjid activities.

I particularly enjoy that the messaging is on level for today’s children in an appropriate and relatable tone.  For example, the page encouraging the covering of faults makes it clear that if someone tries to harm you or others, you should tell and NOT cover that, which is so important.  That the author is a teacher shines through throughout as little tidbits such as that allow the book to be shared independently, and don’t require that an adult provide the context and discussion for the hadith included.  I find that when I read the pages as written, my children speak after, and I get to listen. They don’t seem to have any further questions, but rather want to share what they have done or can be better at, which speaks to a book well done, alhumdulillah.

As for the “tips,” they are a mix of more generic, but on point, and some are very specific such as the visiting the sick allowing the child to immediately put into action certain behaviors, and allowing others to be regularly worked at and contemplated.

Dec13

Our Neighborhood: Radiant Ramadan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anoosha Syed

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Our Neighborhood: Radiant Ramadan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anoosha Syed

This adorable 26 page board book rounds out the Celebrating Islam representation in the Our Neighborhood Series and the simply rhyming words do an excellent job of conveying the joy, worship, togetherness, and daily aspects of the glorious month. Some of the lines feel a bit forced, but I really enjoyed the size and tone of the book. The illustrations are equally well done with a keffiyeh shown on a drummer, different skin tones on the characters, and smiles throughout. It is perhaps worth noting that the prayer page does seem to have the Shia rock that is used, I missed it initially thinking it was just a design on the prayer mat, but it is hard to unsee once it is pointed out. The other Islamic books in the series by the same author and illustrator are Friday Fun and Excited for Eid.

Dec12

Aya and the Star Chaser by Radiya Hafiza illustrated by Kaley McKean

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Aya and the Star Chaser by Radiya Hafiza illustrated by Kaley McKean

Most people probably don’t read as much Islamic rep fiction as I do. Add in I’m an adult reading MG, who consistently shares thoughts on books that fit a slim criteria, and the result is I’m nitpicky and hard to please.  But, because I read a lot of a very small niche genre, the stark contrast to books with Islamic representation done well, compared to those done poorly or somewhere in the middle is hard to ignore. This 213 page book has an all Muslim cast, but has very little Islam, and what is there is terribly presented. It has one Assalamualaikum, one mention of salat, a reference to shoes worn on eid, and the mother sings Quran.  Yes the characters wear hijab, but it is only ever called a headscarf, so while the pieces are there they don’t add up to much, which I predict leaves Muslim readers disappointed and non Muslim readers chalking it up to more pointless details that serve as filler, and provide no real fleshing out of the characters on the page. I forced myself to read it, the desire at page 12 when stars and meteors are used interchangeably to dnf was strong, and to the book’s credit, I was mildly rewarded with the last 65 pages or so being slightly better written. The plot holes, repetition, inconsistencies, the reliance of the mother simply refusing to answer the daughters questions, and overall surface level of the book makes it regrettable, but can I see young readers that love quirky characters, balls, royalty, and happily ever afters enjoying the read? Yes. And being there is nothing blatant in the book that would warrant you not letting them dive in, you can take my criticisms with a grain of salt, or stardust.

SYNOPSIS:
Aya and her mother, who is “stern with a big heart” live in kingdom of Alferra.  Her father has been gone for seven years, she doesn’t even know his name, as Aya and her mother, Jannah, have a strained relationship. Aya loves the ocean and the night sky and dislikes school, the only friend she has is Naznen, and on the night of the Perseids meteor shower the two girls meet in the middle of the night to watch the sky.  One star (is it not a meteor?) hits Aya and give her powers: she can shoot fire and cry flowers. Desperate for answers Aya and Jannah head to the Somerfest Ball at the palace to meet a seer.  When they do they learn of a prophecy and the remainder of the book is Aya and her mother running away to avoid the prophecy, before Aya reluctantly has no choice, but to face the villain, and thus see the prediction through.  I don’t want to spoil spoil it, but there is an Evil queen and demons of sorts with red eyes referred to as bhoots, and a battle that takes place in true fairytale format before the happily ever after occurs.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I do like that Aya is strong and determined, her strength however, is undermined by her sickness, sleepiness, and lack of determination to find the answers her mother refuses to give though, which is unfortunate.  The biggest problem with the book is the writing quality just isn’t great.  Even the religious representation aside.  Why have a whole conversation about wearing matching clothes to the ball between Aya and Naznen for Jannah to gift Aya a gown of a different color and no mention of wanting to match with her friend revisited. Why have Naznen sneak through the window just to have Aya go through the door using the spare key under the mat? Why mention a strange lady at school dismissal, that is never explained? Why is everyone scared to be out because people are missing, just to have Naznen alone, show up with Aya’s homework? I could go on and on, the book brings things up and then dismisses them using them to be page filler it seems. So many details do not provide insight in to the story or the characters or the setting, they are just random fleeting observations.

I didn’t like that the prince is described as having a “lover,” there are better less abrupt identifiers that could have been used, or perhaps in British vernacular it isn’t as pointed as it is in the US.  I also didn’t love that they bowed down to the Evil Queen Abnus. This highlights a place where an Islamic lens would have fleshed out that the characters are Muslim, not wanting to bow, as we bow to Allah swt alone, but perhaps being struck and forced.  Other easy inclusions of Islam would be seeing the meteor shower and saying SubhanAllah, being so sick from the star hitting you and asking Allah swt to heal you, asking Allah swt for strength in a dozen scenarios the book presents.  Duas before leaving the house with people going missing, it really seemed blaringly absent given the nature of the book to not have little sprinkles woven in, yet it halts the story early on to have those labels noted. It definitely could have used some polishing to make it part of the story or characters or taken out all together.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I wouldn’t rush out to buy this book for your school, library, or home book shelf, but if you have it, there is no need to remove it.  There is not enough Islam nor literary value.  There is not even enough character development or details to show the change in the mother-daughter relationship to foster conversation.  One page they claim they have no secrets when the mother and her secrets is the bulk of the backstory, to the next page where the mother simply discloses all the letters and answers that Aya needs to move forward.

FLAGS:
Lying, sneaking out, scary evil villains, disowning, abandonment, disobeying parents, death, killing, prophecy, fortune tellers/seers, magical powers, abuse, imprisonment,

Nov25

The Slightest Green by Sahar Mustafah

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The Slightest Green by Sahar Mustafah

This adult multi generational novel weaves a narrative that will stay with the readers for the warmth and depth it explores of a fictional family that over the course of 248 pages becomes very real, and in many ways familiar through its personal focus. The book is deliberately slow as it glides through different members of the family, their backstories and different points in time. The prose highlights the plight of Palestinians but not in a didactic or call to action sort of way. The characters and their stories, and their trauma and dreams are very tied to Palestine and the occupation, but the focus on the individual and the ripple effects is what will linger. I do not know when the book was written, (it is published in November 2025) as I read a digital arc which had very minimal backmatter, but this book is set before the recent genocide and is all the more important for today’s readers in pushing back against attempted erasure of Palestinian voice, culture, and history.

Intisar is a nurse in Chicago, the only daughter of divorced parents. She lives with her mother and has not seen her father in over 20 years. Not since he left the family to return to his home in Palestine, join the resistance and after a fateful mission is forced to serve a life sentence in Gahana Prison. When he is released to live his final days before he succumbs to cancer, Intisar heads overseas to see him one last time. Her grandmother Sundus additionally needs Intisar, the only heir, to fight for her to keep her land and home, a task that Intisar is not willing to pursue. As family history is shared, daily atrocities witnessed, Intisar starts to see herself differently, and considers if she could feel at home in her father’s homeland.

Again I read an arc, but there are a few sentences that really have me hoping line edits will still occur before the final version. The book is adult, it has a Muslim drinking and serving alcohol, there is assault, sexual and physical mentioned, and yet I didn’t feel like it was sensationalized, actually felt that the author was deliberately holding back to keep the story about the family and not the larger issues. Their is quite a bit of Islam, not from every character, but it is woven in and not an identity issue. Actually one line used frequently is my only real gripe with the book. “Pray to the Prophet,” is regularly said by a few characters, so I though perhaps it is something unique to them, up until about the midpoint, where many characters start to say it and I don’t like it. It makes it clear other places that Allah swt is One and who we pray to, it has the shahada in English and verses from the Quran, so I’m guessing it is a colloquialism perhaps, or maybe a poor translation, I honestly don’t know, but it bothered me, so I am sharing.

Nov7

The Land of La La La by Sana Saghafi illustrated by Azam Vazehimogadam

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The Land of La La La by Sana Saghafi illustrated by Azam Vazehimogadam

This gorgeous and powerful 36 page picture book goes back in time to a Palestine where the struggles of today are still found, along with the resilience of the people, determination of the women, ingenuity of the children, love and hope.  The book is so strongly unapologetic in its portrayal of marbles representing strategy of kids to battle the giants aka soldiers, of children being imprisoned, of the occupiers being outsmarted by the people, and the joy that persists despite the attempts of erasure. The story within a story…within a story(?), doesn’t name Palestine until the very end, after the stories at hand have wrapped up, and doesn’t disclose that it is based on a true story, except for in the blurb.  It is also worth highlighting that the book is not OWN voice or sourced.  I still am sharing though because it is positioned as happening long ago, and thus hopefully not further erasing a Palestinian voice, but rather sharing a story to prevent it from being lost.  I do not know the author, illustrator, or publishers’ intent, this is simply my view and I am happy to be corrected if I have arrogantly overstepped.  



The book starts with a lullaby lilting through the air, the la la las, connecting the women caring for their children. Mama Laya is busy so Big Brother Bilal is playing with the children, marking which soldiers have been defeated on the paper that matches the marble game in the lane. When the giants take him away the children run to find Daddy Salim.

The searching children and family find Bilal in prison, and the giants don’t speak the language of the people to be reasoned with, so they must figure out a way to free him on their own.  Mama and the children have a picnic outside the prison and secret filled lullaby conveys the plan right under the giants’ noses. With Bilal free, the women gather to teach each other a secret way to communicate, to resist, to hope, in the lullabies that they sing.

There is no religion mentioned, but the title page begins, “In the Name of God,” and numerous characters are depicted wearing hijab.  I read a digital arc and I hope the printed version has backmatter to highlight that the author is not Palestinian, when this would have taken place, and if it is accurate.  Authenticity and accuracy are important, and I hope the book clarifies what is real, what is imagined, an where the information came from.

 

Oct29

Here’s Our Religion by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi

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Here’s Our Religion by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi

This HUGE 14 page board book is such an engaging, teachable, and shareable book for toddler to early elementary aged children.  Similar to the author’s First Words in the Qur’an I can see this book being shared at story times and in classrooms regularly.  Each two page spread is literally a board book in and of itself.  With headings of: Ummah, Shahadah/Qur’an, Salah, Ramadan, Zaqat/Sadaqa, Hajj, and Prophet Muhammad (saw)/ Sunnah, kids will be able to deduce from the pictures and simple captions how the details relate to the theme, learn new information, review what they already know, and delight in the illustrations.

I don’t know that I would sit down with a toddler or preschooler and just read the book straight through very often, but when I was doing multiple story times a week, I had planned books for every theme highlighted in this book. I would have loved to be able to pull it out after a few stories had been read and used it as a review, where I could point to a picture and the kids could holler out what the illustration was teaching.  The large size would have saved me from having to make story board pieces, and the critical thinking would encourage comprehension and retention.  Example: learning about salah, and then opening to the salah spread, kids could see the vacuuming child and decode that we pray in clean places, that the picture of four people praying together is to learn/remind/teach that it is better to pray together.  

 

 

Oct20

Sameer and Snazzy: Kindness Counts by Emma L. Halim illustrated by Herry Prihamdni

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Sameer and Snazzy: Kindness Counts by Emma L. Halim illustrated by Herry Prihamdni

The 32 page faceless picture book for toddlers and up, is set in Australia and follows Sameer and his cat Snazzy on a bushwalk.  At first I felt like it might be a little bit like the classic, “And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street,” but the structured story with a repetitive refrain adds in Islamic phrases, silly encounters, and examples of kindness that make it unique.  Add in a fun surprise at the end, and like many other books by the author, be prepared to have it memorized as your little ones ask for it over and over again.

The book starts with Sameer look forward to his grandpa coming to visit, but wishing he had something exciting to share with him.  Snazzy suggests he shares that he can talk to animals, but Sameer knows no one would ever believe that, so the two set off on a bushwalk to find something exciting.

When they hear an “A-choooooo!” in the trees, the fun is just getting started with Miss Koala sneezing and making eucalyptus leaves fall. The duo finds a way to help, but the fallen leaves mean ants are stuck in their home and can’t get out.  Once again, Sameer and Snazzy, find a way to help.  After each episode the refrain of, “‘Imagine if I told Grandpa this!”‘ I say to Snazzy.  ‘He’d never believe you! he smiles.  ‘NO-ONE WOULD!’ We laugh together and continue along the path, when suddenly…”

The book ends with a surprise, that I won’t spoil. The backmatter has a reference to Surah An-Naml and explains that Prophet Sulayman peace be upon him, really could speak to animals.  There is also a glossary of the Islamic phrases and a QR code to continue to the fun after the story ends.

The book is a bit more text heavy than some of her others, but the illustrations are fun, and will keep kid’s attention.  It does not rhyme, but has a cadence that makes reading it aloud easy. The small size makes the book better suited to bed time, but could work in a story time, and would be wonderful tuned into a story board/felt board read aloud.  The book is a universal story, but at some point in Islamic fiction self published and small published books, I think we will need to have open dialogue and discussions if having characters that are not the same race as the author or illustrator is appropriate and beneficial, or is misleading and better to avoid.

***EDIT: The author reached out to me asking me to remove this generalized opinion of me calling upon the need to have discussion, I opted to amend, as I think we need to have conversation and believe intention and purpose in whatever one decides is a benefit.  So, to avoid errors in interpreting her ask, I will simply post the screen shots, and my response.  Please note I did not tag the author in my Instagram post, she reached out to me.  I purchased the book, it was not gifted.

Oct9

Steet Puppy, Masjid Cat by Moniza Hossain illustrated by Wastana Haikal

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Steet Puppy, Masjid Cat by Moniza Hossain illustrated by Wastana Haikal

I was a little nervous opening the book, I didn’t know if it was going to be a “Lady and the Tramp” type retelling, and I was unsure how dogs would be presented, but I sure was not prepared for the absolute adorableness that unfolded.  The simple rhyming lines contrasting the street puppy’s life to that of the pampered cat in the masjid, to their meeting, and the sweet imam leading with kindness warmed my heart.  The real chef’s kiss is the backmatter that doesn’t source, but references the sunnah of “acts of charity to every beast alive,” and notes that dogs, unlike cats, are not allowed in the mosque for religious reasons.  I love that “masjid” is in the title, that the author’s note and glossary explain adhan, imam, and the Quran, and ultimately that friendship amongst differences is the takeaway for all readers.  I don’t love that the adhan in the text is described as ringing and the imam as singing, but I acknowledge my pickiness.  And while I love that Prophet Muhammad saw is mentioned in the author’s note, I do wish salutations were given afterward.  The illustrations on every one of the 32 pages are delightful, and I love that the image on the jacket is different than the one on the book itself.  For ages 3 and up, and even emerging readers, this book has a lot of heart, and my 6 year old has read it aloud so many times, I just might have it memorized.

The book starts with simple rhyming lines showing the contrasting life of the cat and the dog, from their daily activities, to how other’s treat them.  When they meet, the cat is not too welcoming, but the imam shows the puppy kindness and the cat follows suit.  As simple as sharing and giving each other a chance, creates a friendship between the two animals, and a beautiful conclusion even the littlest children will understand.

The book is not didactic, and the role of the imam and setting of the masjid, for Muslim kids will be such a spark of joy, but in no way will it limit non Muslim children from connecting with the story.  The benefit for all is seeing a masjid environment and a Muslim in action, normalizing both, and inshaAllah reminding us all to be a little kinder to our animal friends.