Tag Archives: Muslim Author

Jul3

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

Posted on July 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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

Jun30

The Boy Who Saved a Bear by Nizrana Farook

Posted on June 30, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Boy Who Saved a Bear by Nizrana Farook

There is nothing Islamic and there are no Muslim characters in this middle grade read, but this being the fourth and final standalone book on the island of Serendib, by a Muslim author, with a lot of heart, kid led adventure, and fun, made me want to share it here. The beginning is a little bumpy, and sure you have to suspend reality a bit, but this story about a boy, expectation, friendship, perseverance and saving the day, had me invested and cheering for Nuwan to succeed. The story is just under 200 pages, and I love the subtle references to the other three books with sight mentions of an elephant, a leopard, and a whale. If your kids liked the other books, they will love this, and if you are in need of an easy, fast paced adventure, this book is great for readers 8-12 years old. I felt slightly offended by *SPOILER* librarian villain, but it is a work of fiction, so I’m hoping one bad apple, doesn’t dim the light on a very honorable profession.

SYNOPSIS:

A key has been found that opens an old statue and secret treasure, Nuwan wants a closer look and combined with him wanting to prove himself to his family that he is as capable as his older brother Krish, he finds himself sneaking into the library and discovering something unsettling going on. What starts out with him taking books from the North Library to the Kings City soon becomes him avoiding blame for stealing the key that is making its way to the queen, and saving a bear who wears the key around his neck from being captured by the wilderness authority for being dangerous.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that it is about a boy and a bear, but underneath the adventure it is about a boy accepting himself and finding his place in his family. His friend Sani has to help him see his worth, but she’s a pretty fierce character and I like that they can have those kind of conversations. Nuwan is a good kid and it is nice to see that even though he doesn’t see it, the reader sees how big his heart is, his strong his moral compass is, and how powerful his drive is. I do wish it said what was in the statue, or what happened to the librarian and her husband, but the conclusion stayed on the kids, and it was heartwarming.

FLAGS:

Lying, sneaking, stealing.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I doubt I’d do it as a book club, it is well below a middle grade reading level, but definitely is a must on school, classroom, and home book shelves. The added beauty is how pretty the book’s cover is and how it is magnified when placed next to the “matching” books in the series.

The book is out in the UK, but not yet in the USA: you can preorder/order yours from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/42Nwilp

Jun26

A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

Posted on June 26, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

A journey to and through Medina with a focus on the five senses is a lovely concept for a book and the book is an enjoyable read for young children with the internal map, details about he Rawdah, the inclusion of Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatian, Mount Uhud, Archers Hill, and ajwa dates. The book is a little text heavy, as a decent amount of information is shared, but the illustrations are enjoyable and will help hold the attention of early elementary children. The use of sight, smell, taste, feel and sound are woven into the story, they are not highlighted or the organizing format of the book. Bonus material includes a QR code to listen to “Tala ‘al Badru ‘Alayna,” a glossary, and follow up activities.

The book starts with a little boy headed from Mecca to Medina, “the city of Prophet Muhammed’s (saw) mosque and grave, and a hope to find out why “everyone says Medina feels ‘special.'” As he sees Bedouins in the desert he wonders what they eat and how they survive. He then sees a gas station lit up like an amusement part.

As they get closer to Medina they listen to “Tala’al Badru ‘Alayna.” When they arrive at the hotel they smell oud and fall asleep. The next morning he wakes up to the sound of the athan and they walk the streets taking in the sights and smells. The color of the green dome is noted and the rose smell of the carpet when they make sujood included.

The Rawdah and the umbrellas each get their own two page spread, and then a tour guide takes them to Masjid Quba, Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, and Mount Uhud. The tour finishes with a visit to the date orchards and playing and napping in the mosque.

I wish it used the word Masjid every time, it uses both, and I’m not sure why it doesn’t just say Fajr instead of the morning prayer. I appreciate framing it as a story, but the beginning with the Bedouins and the gas station seemed to slow the story down and my littles wanted answers as to why there were so many lights and how the people in the desert survived. I also would have liked if the backmatter detailed more about Masjid al Quba and Qiblatayn, and Uhud, ultimately I wish there was more showing the little boy feeling why Medina is special and not just saying he now understands.

I’m not sure why I only ordered the Medina book and not the Mecca one as well, they are stand alone reads, but the Medina one references that that they have come after being in Mecca so consider if you are getting one to get both. I ordered mine here. Use code ISL (Islamic School Librarian initials) at checkout to save 10%.

Jun21

The Call to Hajj by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Karen Tuba

Posted on June 21, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This small (7.7 x 7.5) hardback 24 page rhyming book blends labeling the steps of Hajj with modes of transportation to take to make the journey. The idea is great, but every few pages the rhyme is just terrible and distracts from the sentiment. There are a lot of books that detail the steps of hajj on a kids’ level, so I like that this book changes it up a bit and as a result it makes it a solid addition to a Hajj themed story time reading (if you can muster through some of the forced rhyming lines and small size). Even though the book starts with a bit of Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) story, I would read this book second or third in a story time setting or even bedtime, once listeners understand what Hajj is and some of the steps, this book can then be used to guide them to thinking about how people from all over the world throughout time have journeyed to make the pilgrimage. The publishers suggest the book for ages 7-9, but I think with some guidance and direction younger children will benefit as well.

The book starts with Prophet Ibraheem and his son Ismaeel being ordered to build the Kaa’bah and being commanded to call people to come. At first they came on foot, then people came by horse, alone or in groups. To circle the Kaa’bah, go between Safa and Marwa. By camel to reach Mina, by sea to stand at Arafat. No matter how they came and continue to come they answer is always “Labbayk ALlaah humma labbayk! Here I am, O Allah, here I am.”The final page asks the readers how they will answer the call to Hajj.

The book is available here Crescent Moon Store code ISL at check out saves you 10% or here at Amazon.

Jun16

The Grimoire of Grave Fates by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen

Posted on June 16, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Grimoire of Grave Fates by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen

I keep saying I won’t read anymore anthologies or collections, but this 464 page YA fantasy mystery intrigued me because each chapter is written by a different author, presenting a different character to unravel a whodunit. In total there are 18 character perspectives, 18 authors, and one murder that needs to be solved. With two Muslim authors included and it created by a Muslim writer, I hoped there would be some Islamic representation. The list of authors is quite diverse, and I think every character presents some minority label to normalize a specific culture or identity. The Muslim characters both wear hijab, but nothing more about their religion is mentioned and no other faith is included. There are Black, Asian, Hispanic characters, and every letter of LGBTQ+ is highlighted and seemingly the focus of the book. At times it is just attempted normalizing that a character is queer or gay, but other times it is central to the plot such as when two girls spending the night together provides an alibi, and a few times it really takes away from the story, for example at one point two boys (one magical, one neutral) kissing and falling in love. There are gender fluid, non binary, pronoun preferences, trans male-to-female, female-to-male characters as well. I kept reading to get to Hafsah Faizal and Karuna Riazi’s chapters, which were 10 and 12 and by then I was so close to the conclusion, I just finished. Some chapters are stronger than others, but the resolution was really anticlimactic and didn’t do the buildup justice. I share this review not just to comment on the story, but to also give a heads-up to the content so that you can decide if the book is suitable for you and your children. I would not shelve this book in our Islamic school library, which is unfortunate, because I think even with the weak ending, I like the theoretical storytelling concept.

SYNOPSIS:
In moving school for magical students, a murder has been committed, and the students who all feel like they are the “chosen one” are determined to solve the case. The characters share what they know and add to the “solving” of the case for the reader with their different magical abilities. Some of the students are werewolves, some necromancers, there are those whose dancing is magical, others whose embroidery is, a few are the same, many are unique. They don’t compete with one another so much as they are in their own world trying to prove their worth and right to belong. When a homophobic, racist teacher “dies” secrets are uncovered and dirty administrators are called to account.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like seeing a glimpse of the action from a character and then not really seeing that character again, it made it seem more puzzle-like in the coming together of the clues. I also liked it because if I didn’t particularly like a character or writing style, it didn’t last the duration of the book. I wish it didn’t feel so token representation though. If the goal was to be inclusive, the mirroring uniqueness was lost when each character seemed to have to tick a box. It made it read formulaic.

The conclusion just unraveled, and I know mysteries and horror stories tend to fall in to this trap, but I was hoping it would go out with a bang. The buildup was strong, but then it became a lot more just telling, then sleuthing, and I don’t know if it was a reflection of the individual authors, or the overall arc of the book. Either way, I felt like it could have concluded with a bigger punch and wrapping up of some of the loose ends. Hanna Alkaf didn’t have a chapter, presumably she wove it all together and made it flow cohesively with the internal memos and emails and notes.

I wish the two “Muslim chapters” would have had some more representations about Islam or the girls’ cultures influencing their magical style or goals, but with token rep it is often just a label, an identifier, and then nothing more. The two connect over fear of Islamophobes blaming them for the death of their teacher.

FLAGS:

The focus of the book is largely on relationships, mostly LGBTQ+ but some hetero crushes as well. Trans, non binary, gender fluid, bullying, racism, prejudice, murder, magic, lying, sneaking. The Muslim characters do not have crushes or romantic relationships mentioned, but one has a close male identifying gay friend that she does have physical contact with, a reassuring hug- so the book does have Muslim girls with close male friends. Fear of Islamophobia, stereotypes.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would not be able to teach this book or shelve it in an Islamic school.

Jun12

Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love by Saira Mir illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

Posted on June 12, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love by Saira Mir illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

This 32 page picture book for early elementary children addresses an important topic of pregnancy loss and grief through the eyes of a young girl excited and then devastated by the loss of her unborn sister. The author is Muslim, but their is nothing religious in the text, it is a universal and poignant story from an OB-GYN who has counseled patients and experienced it in her own family. The book is a story that can benefit children needing reassurance or simply provide a way to have heartfelt conversations. The soft illustrations and gentle steps the character takes to help with the big feelings inside will allow readers of all ages to feel less alone, and see that support is available.

Nura is not born yet, and Samir is a fun little brother, but Raya has big plans for a baby sister. They will run through sprinklers in matching bathing suits, and she’ll pass on her ballet costumes for her to wear, she’ll love chocolate and dolphins and they’ll share everything. Raya even hopes they will share a birthday, that would be the best present ever.

One day Mama goes to the doctor for a checkup, but when she comes back she looks like she has been crying. She tells Raya, Nura won’t be coming home. Nura is confused and sad. There is an ache in her heart. She talks to her parents, draws pictures, meets with the school counselor. The family plants a tree and they talk about her and remember.

I like that you see the joy and anticipation the little girl has for the arrival of her little sister and the painful aftermath when she is not going to get to see her dreams materialize. The book isn’t just a resource, it has literary elements as well that make the book valuable for those who can relate and even those that have been spared from such a loss. The book can be preordered here.

Jun9

Forty Words for Love by Aisha Saeed

Posted on June 9, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This YA magical realism book by a Muslim author contains no Islam, and while it is a love story of sorts, and there is a kiss, it remains clean for the demographic. It is a snapshot of daily life for a few characters in a small magical town. There is no real understanding of the premise, or the magic, nor resolution to what happens or why any of it matters, there aren’t even forty words for love provided, yet the author is good at writing, so I kept reading, even when the plot holes and rationale for the “point” of the book clearly were not coming. The ethereal lilting tone was lovely and lyrical at times, but honestly, I was left with more confusion about the leaves, the tree, the pastel waters and the cause of blame and bigotry at the end, than when I started. It is an easy read, I don’t regret it, but it is hard to suggest others invest in a 304 page book that doesn’t really leave you feeling satisfied. I wouldn’t object to it on a shelf, and others might absolutely love the infusion of other worlds into a grounded reality to tell a story of industry leaving a town, and two kids moving from friendship to romance, but I just wanted more: more world building, more tension, more resolution, more backstory, more detail, more magic, more understanding, more character development and connection.

SYNOPSIS:

In the vey first chapter, a small child drowns. The child had wandered off from his nanny and died in the ocean. That is the day that the pink and purple waters of Moonlight Bay turned angry and black. Eighteen year old Raf, a Golub, blames himself because he was about to tell his childhood friend Yasmine that he was in love with her. A rule that he has been told for the last decade will mean that his leaf on his arm will fade and he will have to leave his community. When he is about to approach Yas he sees that she is cozying up with Moses, and he stops. When the body is then found, a scream breaks loose and everyone runs to the little boy. Later that night the Golub tree opens and two kids, a brother and sister emerge, and the tourist rich city is no longer beautiful. The candy factory that relies on the healing waters closes up shop and most of the townsfolk move away. Many of those that remain blame the Golub for the town’s misfortune. The Golub arrived by tree a decade before when their own homeland froze over. They live in the forest and eagerly await the tree to thaw signaling that it is safe for them to return home.

Yas and Raf carry on, Raf working in the diner, and Yas gathering shells for her mother to shape into stars that heal. Both dream of leaving the confining town, pursuing their passions: Yas art and Raf architecture, but rules, family, and obligation keep them from leaving and keep them from being more than just friends.

WHY I LIKE IT: (SPOILERS):

I like the tone of the book. It is like a dreamy lullaby that floats around, but I really needed answers. If certain threads were unresolved, I could take it as being left up to interpretation, but this was more than a literary devices, this reads underdeveloped. So much happens in the first chapter, and the rest of the book really doesn’t keep up. The reader never learns why the leaves fade or pulse or why Uncle came to the conclusions he did even if safety was his motivation, we don’t know how Kot and Nara got through the tree or survived for 10 more years in Golub. It is hard to believe that in a decade so few Golub tested out their leaves? And what purpose do they even have? They allow them to return, that is it? That is their rumored, untested magical ability? Were the waters healing before the Golub came, the confusion of what Yas and her mom do and the arrival of the tree seem a bit inconsistent. Yas feels electricity when Raf is around it is mentioned a few times, but never explored. We are told that Jake hates Golub, but does anyone else really? How can a city that reads like 10 people have its own high school? It doesn’t feel fleshed out, it reads like there are a few families is all, and doesn’t contrast it to when the town was thriving, it is rather stagnant. I get that bigotry and hate are illogical and the story is perhaps a bit of an allegory for that, but the town has pink and purple waters with healing properties that changed overnight and a group of people arrived through a tree with leaves tattooed on their arms, I don’t see how the magic or the leaf on their inner arm is what is being blamed for Sammy’s death or the water changing. It is a weak premise. Even when we learn that Uncle lied, no one seems to get any truth out of him or be determined to figure stuff out. It is a bit hard to believe no one ever looked at the beach at night, and what exactly are the Weepers doing? Some history or back story about Moonlight would be great to explore. Are Golub and humans different in any way? What was the cause of death of Raf’s dad? Absolutely nothing set out by the book is resolved, nothing is learned, no characters grow, the only closure is that Raf and Yas have told each other how they feel, and the Golub have learned that they can travel further than 40 miles from their tree, that is it.

I do like the mix of names of the characters coming from different cultures all existing without othering or explanation. I like that the slow burn angst is clean, it is nothing a 14 and up couldn’t handle, even if it is a bit obvious.

FLAGS:

Magic, a gay couple own the movie theater, there is some angst, a couple of kisses between Yas and Raf, bullying, premonitions, family fighting, lying, sneaking, romantic hetero affection.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

There is no Islam and the plot is centered around two teens’ feelings for one another so I would not host this as a book club, nor would I really want to do so. But, if I knew there was a a group of people gathering to discuss this book, I would totally join in to see if any insight to all the unanswered threads could be resolved.

Jun5

The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

Posted on June 5, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

This follow-up picture book to The Arabic Quilt, takes readers back to Kanzi’s school, but also works as a standalone for ages 7-10. Addressing the hot topic of book banning, the fictional story brings the discussion down to an elementary level and shows kids speaking up and pushing back against something they don’t agree with. The main character finds a connecting thread to events in Egypt, and with her class and family behind her, she finds her voice and takes the lead. The story bounces around a bit and feels a little rough and underdeveloped at times, but the subject matter is important and can be used to help guide discussions, encourage peaceful protesting, and taking action. There is nothing Islamic specific in the text, the main character’s mom and teita wear hijab and are in the illustrations (#muslimsintheillustrations), in a memory of Egypt there is a man holding a cross. The author is Muslim and mentions it in the Author’s Note at the end.

The book starts with Kanzi leading the class to the library, she passes the Arabic quilt she helped bring to life and walks a little taller. She has promised her Teita she will bring home a book with Arabic words from the library, but when she walks in to the library, the “bookcase where the new diverse books were displayed has been emptied.” The librarian explains that the books have been banned. That the school district, like many others around the country, have decided certain books are not allowed. Kanzi is upset, but her classmates “gather near (her) in solidarity. They want her to know that they care, too.”

Back in class the teacher opens up the discussion, and Kanzi can’t find her words. Kareem says it is unfair and when the teacher explains that people are responding by protesting, writing letters, and buying more copies of banned books. Kanzi finds her voice and suggests a bake sale. Kareem suggests they raise money to buy books that are banned and call it “The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale and Protest.” Molly adds that they can put the books in Little Free Libraries. The class agrees that Friday will be the day, that baked foods inspired by books that are banned will be sold to raise funds to buy more banned books, and the local news station will be invited to broadcast the protest.

Kanzi helps Teita make baklawa from a book they once read, while her grandma tells her stories of protesting in Tahrir Square. Teita held a banner and demanded rights for the people of Egypt. Friday comes, and the kids are determined to be heard, as the crowd grows, Kanzi’s nerves also grow, but her strength comes from those that support her and who have also spoken up to be heard.

I enjoyed the illustrations and the backmatter. The inclusion of a baklawa recipe and insight to how this story came about with the banning of The Arabic Quilt, definitely adds to the book’s appeal. I felt a little disconnect though from the emotions of the book, and oddly enough, little connection to the characters.

I wish it would have shown her joy when she first saw the diverse book display. How it made her feel seen and valued and included to see books that reflected her and her classmates. Then we, the readers, would feel the pain too, now that they are gone.

I also was a little unsure of the scene when all the kids gather around Kanzi in solidarity, why is she the only one upset? Is it that they care about her or that they care that the books are no longer available? Sure it can be both, but again, as it is written, it isn’t particularly strong.

I’m not sure why the three characters named in the book Kanzi, Kareem, and Molly, do not have their names shown on the Arabic quilt pictured in the illustrations, and I also don’t know why it bothered me that the book banned that had baklawa/baklava was not named. I don’t care that it isn’t a real book, but I wanted a title to make the case of how ridiculous this ban is more articulate. Additionally, I love Little Free Libraries, but it seemed tossed in without much fleshing out. The book doesn’t explain what Little Free Libraries are, so I’m not sure that kids will even understand the plan.

The book is a decent read, I don’t know that the climax or characters will be memorable on their own, which is unfortunate because connection with the success or failure of this fictionalized book ban really could have radiated out of the book and deeply inspired kids. The reversal of the boards decision doesn’t directly link to the kids’ actions. I had to provide that link to my own kid when I read the book to him (he is almost 8). It is implied, but a line or two about how the kids protest encouraged other people to also speak up, or write letters, or that the school board attended the bake sale, would have shown that when voices amplify it is hard to ignore them.

The book has value on the shelf and can be preordered here https://amzn.to/3C5Baaj

Jun2

When a Brown Girl Flees By Aamna Qureshi

Posted on June 2, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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When a Brown Girl Flees By Aamna Qureshi

I was both nervous and excited to read this contemporary book having loved the author’s fantasy, but unsure how a Brown Muslim Pakistani American girl running away from home would be presented. Alhumdulillah, the author approached the story from a place of love. There is no internalized Islamophobia, self othering, or in broad strokes even an identity crisis. The protagonist has made decisions, drastic ones, and is trying to piece her life back together on her own terms, but the love of culture, family and faith, is always upheld. It reads like Islamic fiction, with very didactic passages and moral positioning, I’m still quite surprised that it is traditionally published. The version I read had grammar errors, so I’m hoping that they will be corrected when the book releases in a few weeks. The story is engaging, but the writing a bit monotone. Much of the story is telling, not showing, and because of the surface level spoon feeding of so much of the plot, when the catalyst or rationale is not provided, the book seems underdeveloped, or lacking, unfortunately. I would not recommend this book for the target audience of YA readers (12/13 and up) it contains sex, slut shaming, self harm, depression, suicidal thoughts, physical and emotional abuse, profanity, and mentions drug use. I do think though, early college age readers will enjoy and benefit from reading the book. At a time in the reader’s life when they are defining themselves on their own terms, owning up to their own mistakes and laying out a future path, this book will provide relatability amplified by religious and cultural touchstones. The heart of the story is the connection of a girl with Allah swt after she has sinned, the guilt and regret she feels, and how she finds herself, and returns to try and fix things with her family. The characters are flawed and the overall messaging beautiful, hopeful and uplifting. Unfortunately, it just reads like an early draft and I wish it had a bit more refinement. Keeping that in mind though, it does have a place, and I’m glad to see our “new adults” can find reflections of themselves in a piece of literature that amplifies their Islamic identity instead of criticizing or questioning it.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with Zahra deciding to run away from home. She parks her car, leaves her phone and catches a flight to New York from California. The reader doesn’t exactly know why she is running, only that a few days after high school graduation she is escaping a toxic home life, an impending wedding, and misery. As the story peels back layers we start to see some of the nuance of what she is running from as characters from her past find her and physical space allows her some perspective to see her own role in her “old” life. When she arrives in New York, it isn’t the city life that she seeks, but rather the nature and pace of Long Island that offers her a fresh start. She heads to the masjid, makes a friend, and starts to put her life together without parental obligation, outside interference, and self loathing. She cannot run forever though and she cannot escape herself. She must confront her past, own her mistakes, be honest with her new friends, and find peace with her family, not because she has to as a Brown daughter of immigrants, but because she trusts Allah, loves her family, and wants to “fix” things.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I’m a sucker for books that show redemption through the love and mercy of Allah (swt). Yeah her new friends were idyllic in their family life, relationships and worship, but we all want friends that make us better Muslims, so I let it slide. Islam is centered, she wears hijab, she reconnects with salat, it is her identity even when she is just going through the motions. The author at times conflated culture and faith, but it never issues blanket statements or falls into universal stereotypes for Desi culture or Muslims. She does a good job of keeping the negatives to the people and the critiques to the failure to push back on dangerous expectations. My issues weren’t the character flaws either, I’m onboard with the messiness of being human and the ability to seek and receive forgiveness from our creator. I just wanted to feel things more. So much was just told when it should have been shown. I wanted to see the stress and anguish of her family life, not simply told it was depressing. I wanted to see her cutting life long friends out and being isolated, not told she had lost her friends. The book focuses on her running, and why she ran, but a big plot point for why she ran, having sex, needed more fleshing out. Why was she driven to such an act? I know that she was depressed, I’m not belittling that, but what pushed her to such a strong stance, when she was already allowed on the school trip, she hadn’t yet been given the ultimatum and over and over the book says “I miss my family,”” I miss my home,” “I miss my mom.” I didn’t feel the connection or understand what she was feeling, thinking, and it seemed like a huge hole in the book. For all the themes of mental illness, faith, generational trauma, misogyny, abuse, expectation, depression, lying, culture, life choices, higher education, family dynamics, self harm. the book never quite felt rich with emotion or deeper than the surface level story. At the beginning the author says she first wrote the book when she was a senior in high school, and while that may have made the main character’s perspective and voice ring true, as a successful author now, I wish she would have added the nuance, the insight, the subtlety that would have drawn the reader in and allowed them to get inside Zahra’s head and heart to see her and perhaps even themselves.

FLAGS:

The author and book identify triggers in the book “please be mindful of TWs: depression, anxiety, emotional abuse, physical abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, slut-shaming, PTS.”

There is also music, boys and girls alone in cars together, lying, cursing, generational trauma, misogyny, abuse, expectation, depression, anxiety, guilt, life choices, higher education, family dynamics, cutting, a brother who is often high or smells like weed/pot, it mentions partying, a sexual event, deceit, physically assaulted by a parent. Nothing haram is glorified, but it is there and it is detailed, and not everything is resolved.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would not be able to shelve or teach this book in an Islamic school library, but in a college MSA book club or a youth group of a similar age this book would be incredible to read and discuss.

May26

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem

Posted on May 26, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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When I requested this book, I really thought it was YA, when I saw it was 528 pages I went online to see what I missed, and sure enough it is considered an “Adult Fantasy” and in the process I read some of the (negative) reviews about the book. I grew nervous as I’m not naturally a fantasy fan, mg fantasy is more my level, with occasional YA entrapping me. I told myself 25% is the least I could do, and if it wasn’t clicking, I’d know I gave it a genuine shot. By about 21% I couldn’t put it down. I think not expecting the complexities of an adult book was a benefit. The book has no Islam, it contains Egyptian cultural references, but religion is not present, and thankfully that means no djinn either (they seem over represented these days). The protagonist is in her early twenties, it has an enemies to lovers trope, and magic is central to the storyline, but aside from frequent unremorseful murder and torture, an intimate make-out scene at the end, and some drinking of ale, the book is fairly clean. I feel like there might have been some plot holes, but I honestly was so swept up in the story and proud of myself for understanding the world building and politicking, that I am just going to assume I missed something or it will be addressed in the next book of the series. The author is Muslim and while it is labeled Adult, I think high school juniors and seniors and up, can and will, love Sylvia and Arin and sorting through the lies and deception to see the Jasadi heir rise.

SYNOPSIS:

The book follows Sylvia a young woman apprenticing with the village chemist, living in a keep (aka orphanage) and hiding her magic, or rather hiding that she is Jasadi, her magic is useless with the invisible handcuffs placed on her as a child before the kingdom burned in the Blood Summit. She is unkind, harsh, and selfish, but somehow a few other orphans have not been scared off and on her birthday she is forced to acknowledge that people in her life might care about her. There are four kingdoms that remain (Lukub, Omal, Orban, and Nizahl) and every three years they participate in the Alcalah, a battle to pay honor to the founding siblings who were entombed to cease their magic from destroying others and going mad. The tradition makes no sense as the champions often end up dead (think Hunger Games), and the people acknowledge it, but none-the-less, they all get caught up in the excitement and entertainment. Since the destruction of Jasad, the magic kingdom, magic everywhere has been outlawed. Originally all people had magic, but it was lost over time. Sylvia is the heir of the Jasad kingdom, and with no magic and no sense of obligation to Jasadis that have scattered, she carries on hoping to one day take over for the aging chemist. When the son of the Supreme responsible for the death of her loved ones and all of Jasad crosses her path, deals will be made, a champion will be crowned and love will felt. Sylvia will also have to reexamine people from her past, her selective memories, and decide what type of future she wants to fight for.

WHY I LIKE IT:

Phew, even writing that lame summary was challenging, the book weaves a lot together and I loved the politics and world building, but clearly don’t feel confident enough to discuss it. I think the slow burn romance was a little obvious, but I also think the author knew it would be obvious and rather than try and disguise it, she embraced it, and provided actual obstacles in their coming together (they cannot touch), not just that they want to kill each other. I am assuming that the physical copy (I read an electronic arc), will have a map and perhaps a list of the kingdoms and characters. It wasn’t hard to keep it all straight, but it will definitely add to the overall packaging.

I would have liked a little more explanation at points, even if it is my own weakness requiring it, but I didn’t understand the magic mining, the handcuffs, and would have liked a little more back story on the warring magic factions, their splintering timeline, and Soraya’s fallout. I also would have liked more about Sylvia’s parents relationship and how that union came to be across two kingdoms. Honestly I didn’t even quite get Sefa and Marek’s relationship. I probably needed to slow down and read, but I couldn’t it was action packed, fast paced, and I needed to know what was coming next. The climax was a little weak and the book ended on a cliff hanger as a book two is already forthcoming, but the fact that I read it and enjoyed it, speaks volumes as to the characters, story quality, writing, and approachability of the book.

FLAGS:

Mention of rape, whores, sexual assault, sex, a character is asked if a character’s needs are met by a man or a woman, an intimate male/female passionate scene at the end, using physical flirting as a distraction, theft, killing, lying, torture, murder, poisoning, breaking of a back, stabbing, it is an adult fantasy, there is all sorts of deviant behavior, but I really think 17 and up even in an Islamic school can handle it.

TOOLS TO LEAD THE DISCUSSION:

The backmatter and author reference the book to Egypt, yet aside from the names and some foods and clothing, there isn’t a lot that a casual reader would catch. I think discussion about the Arab Spring and linking the plot to real politics could make for a fun discussion in a high school book club setting. There is some Arabic sprinkled in that I would assume is accurate and would enjoy having translated by students as well.