Tag Archives: Muslim Characters

Dec21

How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil

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How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil

This 276 page book drew me in from the first page and held my attention until the last. I can’t recall ever reading a fantasy book in a single sitting.  The Islam, heart, Malay culture, and family dynamics have me hoping that maybe there will be a sequel, and that hopefully this debut novel is a first of many from the author. Of course I have minor critiques, the book definitely in the middle had some repetition and pacing hiccups, the rising action and climax could have been stronger, and there are a few noticeable loose threads, but Insyirah is a loveable protagonist that you really hope can sort through her family secrets, save the day, and be at peace with her decisions.  There is a lot of Islam, and it is well woven into the characters’ identities, the plot, and the lens of the book.  If you are Muslim reading it, you will see the fasting on Monday and Thursday, and staying in wudu a little different than non Muslim readers, but no matter who you are, you will enjoy the plot, the adventure and fun ride that will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite.

SYNOPSIS:

Twelve year old Insyirah and her mom are moving back to Malaysia to care for her elderly grandma.  Insyirah is anxious and not thrilled to be leaving Australia.  She hardly has time to miss her old life though as family secrets, discovering she can see and interact with jinn, and learning that an old jinn with a big grudge is after her.  Navigating the seen and unseen words, the rules of her mother opposed to those of her grandmother, and figuring out what she wants will take time to ponder, learn, and reflect upon.  Unfortunately, Syirah doesn’t have that kind of time, as she keeps falling into the unseen world, realizing that a jinn bound to her blood line will soon be under her control, and that pesky jinn haunting her school is trying to get her to leave Malaysia.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I am intrigued by the the way the book holds space for Islam, culture, and fiction, and interweaves the three.  Islam is adhered to, along with the worship, and uncompromising faith in Allah swt, and while the jinn are kept as being real, as understood by Muslims,  their day to day antics cultural and fictional positioning, is richly developed and not put in conflict with deen, seemingly trying to keep everything halal.  I am not a scholar, I would not venture to proclaim that this does or does not cross lines, but the author is very aware of the threads at play, and has a solid awareness of writing craft, so the result is a great story, that feels authentic, without being “shirk-y.”

There are some pop cultural references that might age the book a bit, but I love the shootouts to Hanna Alkaf books.  For me, a Western reader, that really is my only other Malay juvenile literature reference, and the vibes are similar, so it was nice to see the connection.  

FLAGS:

Jinn, loss, death, fear, murder, threats, lies, enslavement, haunting, scaring, secrets, fighting.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This book is solid middle grade, but I think older kids will enjoy the story and find plenty to relate to, learn about, and be captivated by.  I think this book will be a great addition to home, school, and library shelves, and while my copy is from Australia, I believe a US version will be available in 2025, inshaAllah.

Dec15

Hidden Fires by Sairish Hussain

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Hidden Fires by Sairish Hussain

I will not be getting over this book any time soon. It broke my heart, and all my other critical organs, in the most delightfully well-done way possible, and undoubtedly I am better for it. I don’t read a lot of adult fiction these days, and with some diabetic retinopathy concerns, I couldn’t read the 384 page adult book about generational trauma, partition, the Grenfell Tower fire, family dynamics, bullying, self-harm, and resilience, but was pulled in to the audio book version instead. The Desi-British voices of Yusuf, Rubi, and Hassan were refreshing to my American ears.  The multi-perspective book told in parts richly develops the characters, their relationships, and their current, past, and future struggles.  The author is Muslim, as are the characters, and while they all practice in their own way, it is undoubtedly who they are, and their Islamic identity is not questioned, feared, blamed, or apologized for.

SYNOPSIS:
The book weaves three distinct voices. Yusuf, is an 80 year old an immigrant who lived through partition, raised his family in the UK, has lost his wife a year prior, and is struggling with haunting memories of the past, failing health, regular loss of friends, and loneliness.  Hassan, Yusuf’s youngest son is a workaholic who is married to a non Muslim, non Desi who is suffering from fibromyalgia and who’s mother unexpectedly passes away in Spain.  Rubi, is Hassan’s 16 year old girl who is overweight, bullied, lonely and about to take her GCSE exams when she is dumped on her grandfather Yusuf’s door while her parents head to Spain.  The book opens in Ramadan the night of the Grenfell Tower fire and the horrific event affects them all, stirs memories, and shapes futures.  From there the layers of each character slowly unravel as they cope with the swiftly changing present as they desperately work to break free from the past.  As dementia plagues Yusuf, Rubi finds purpose in being needed, and Hassan is forced to re-prioritize his life before it is too late.

WHY I LIKE IT:
The book takes a slow approach to building up the characters and their back stories. It is almost feels like world building as a book would if it were a fantasy, it doesn’t info dump, but at some point the hooks are so deeply embedded that you really cannot leave the characters and their world and you have to finish the book, just to ensure they are ok.  Because I listened to the book, I feel like there might have been some Islamic content that was not completely ok, but again I was having vision issues and couldn’t note where to go back and check.  I think it is fine, and because it is an adult read, I think the audience can discern accuracy, but please know, I’m not 100% green lighting the Islamic rep.  It is undoubtedly well done and fasting and praying are a part of the characters, but their relationship to their faith and their understanding of it, is presented as theirs, it doesn’t get preachy or make broad statements about Muslims everywhere or Islamic doctrine.  

FLAGS:
There is body shaming, self-harm, trauma, death, torture, killing, lying, abuse, fear, guilt, dementia, bullying, assault, physical violence, drug use (mentioned), attempted suicide (mentioned), music, theft, make-up, close male and female relationships, Muslim marrying a non-Muslim, hallucinations.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think mature high school seniors or possibly even juniors could benefit from this book with discussions.  I think Rubi’s voice tied to her father and grandfather, will really open up youngsters perspectives, and provide a great vehicle to hear their thoughts, fears, worries, concerns about body image, self harm, aging grandparents, accessibility to parents, etc..

Dec10

Dear Moon: Inspiration from the Beautiful Wisdom of the Qur’an by Zayneb Haleem

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Dear Moon: Inspiration from the Beautiful Wisdom of the Qur’an by Zayneb Haleem

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At 128 pages, this hard back 7.5 x 8.5 inch book is a beautiful book from start to finish.  If you follow the artist online (@idotdoodle), you know her style and her incorporation of an ayat from the Qur’an or an Islamic sentiment with her signature young girl and nature embellished scenes.  But holding the book in your hands, and pausing on the two page spreads to reflect, and ponder, and be reminded to connect with the love of your creator, is truly a treat. Whether you read it from start to finish, or dip in and spend time with just a few pages at a time, the book will capture the attention of all ages and be enjoyed over and over again, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with a welcome to the reader from the artist, introducing herself, her connection to Islam, her love of art, her expression of emotions through her illustrations, how she picked the verses, where her own thoughts and reflections emerged from, and what she hopes the book will accomplish. 

The book releases in February 2025 and is available wherever you purchase your books.  I hope you will consider preordering to show your support.

Dec4

Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny: The Travelling Dentist by Emma L. Halim & Her Mum Mary Tucker illustrated by Alissa Mutiara

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Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny: The Travelling Dentist by Emma L. Halim & Her Mum Mary Tucker illustrated by Alissa Mutiara

Sometimes you just need a sweet little story about a traveling (sorry one l I’m not British) dentist going under the sea to help a hammer head shark with a toothache.  This rhyming story for toddlers is perfect for the demographic as duas are said to get through the pain and fear and the reliance on Allah swt that all will be well.  The Muslim animals and the fun illustrations make the story appealing whether your child is afraid of the dentist or not, and the focus on the duas in the backmatter, makes the book a good tool for repetitive use.  It is worth noting that their are 32 pages in the book, but the story is only 20 pages.  There is a glossary, multiple dedications, scanable codes for activities, ads for other books, duas, sources for duas and author bios in the back.

The book starts with Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny introducing themselves as traveling dentists for all animals, even those under the sea.  When they get a call from Sonny, they set an appointment time, gather their gear on a boat and then head underwater to the shark village.

Sammy is glad they are there, as he is in pain. They clean his teeth, but need to remove the wiggly one, and that scares him.  He says a dua and before he knows it the huge tooth is out, alhumdulillah.

The book then has a two page spread about duas that help when you are “feeling funny inside” in Arabic, English transliteration, and their meanings in English.  A fun book with a great mix of story, silliness, education, and heart.

Nov23

Vultures in the House of Silence by A.R. Latif

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Vultures in the House of Silence by A.R. Latif

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This 312 page richly imagined Islamic fantasy is both engaging and compelling.  It is too advanced for me to review as it weaves a complex tale based on history, religion, fantasy, and imagination.  I do know that it was for the most part well written, I have some issue when the character’s diction would include words that felt too contemporary slang, but it didn’t happen too often.  The pacing though, unfortunately for me, was definitely off.  Undoubtedly the author has tremendous skill.  The emotional pulls, the world building, the consistent cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, kept me curious to see what would unfold.  The story beats just dragged more often than they should have for no clear reason in developing the plot, defining character arcs, or adding to the rising action.  I don’t think I ever stopped reading at the end of a chapter, those hooks were well placed, but when I stopped in the middle of the chapter, it often took four or five days for me to be motivated enough to open the book back up.  I truly think it just needs a good editor to help cut certain scenes, and smooth out the tempo.  The idea and layers are great, and if I, as someone who struggles with middle grade fantasy, couldn’t walk away from this YA/Adultish read, I’m sure lovers of fantasy, jinn, monsters, Islamic history, found family, gray characters and action, will find this book an enjoyable read, even the slow parts, that  I struggled with.  So no this is not a negative review,  I am hopeful my teenagers will read it and enjoy it, I just really hope the author will consider working with an editor to elevate the text as it truly has potential.

SYNOPSIS:

I don’t know that I can retell the story, it has a lot going on and I’ll probably inadvertently spoil something, so here is the summary from the back of the book:

“A boy wakes up surrounded by corpses. Unable to move, he is assaulted by vultures who stop pecking at him only when he speaks. To survive this nightmarish ordeal, he tells them the story of how he ended up on their menu…

What follows is the wild tale of the young gardener Khurafa, coping with the aftermath of the Mongol invasion of Baghdad and the death of his parents amidst the bloodshed. After a vivid dream and several supernatural encounters, he becomes convinced that an ancient group of nine sorcerers called the Servants are bent on world domination. Accompanied by his scholarly mentor Shaykh Nariman, and the sly, uncannily perceptive Zakiyya, he seeks saintly help against the Servants, but finds mostly monsters instead.”

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the opening, it really grabs you, the emotion of Khurafa and the loss of his parents and his predicament with the vultures connects you to him and his vulnerabilities.  The twists are also well developed and keep the book interesting.  I feel like the end needed more, and the middle needed less.  SPOILERS: I didn’t get the cat, or the going from village to village.  All the names, and all the drama at each village, dragged for me.

It appears the book is meant to be a series, so I wonder if many of the characters that died will return, but I feel like the final battle was a little disappointing, and anti-climatic.  All the build up and then it went so quick.  I appreciated the full circle on the House of Silence, and the answering of some of the questions, but for all the emotion  at the start, the end didn’t mirror that in the cathartic way I hoped it would.

I say all this with full acknowledgement that I am not drawn to fantasy, I am not well versed in Islamic history, and it is absolutely possible, that I just don’t get it. In brief, I am not the target audience.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I think this book could be a good book club selection, with some motivation to get to the end, I think readers will be happy that they did, and I would imagine they would be willing to read the next book in the series. For many I would imagine it would be the first Islamic fantasy they will have read that has the layers, richness, and intrigue that this book does, and inspire them.

Nov16

Prince Among Slaves by N.H. Senzai illustrated by Anna Rich

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Prince Among Slaves by N.H. Senzai illustrated by Anna Rich

 

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This 48 page biography tells a story that we all should know, yet are probably hearing for the first time.  The story of how West African Prince, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori, was forcefully taken and sent to America to be a slave on a plantation, what he endured for decades, and how he made his way back to the African continent.  The large emotional illustrations and poignant text tell of his his life in Fouta Djallon, the painful journey to Mississippi, the trials as a slave, the joy of being a husband and father, and his attempts to return home a free man.  With each challenge and at each stage, him additionally showing amazing strength and trust in Allah swt.  The heartbreaking tale unearths so much evil, ignorance, and faith, that the story is not meant to be read once, it begs to be reflected on, pondered over, and shared far and wide. The treatment of Prince Abdulrahman shown in some of the illustrations are difficult to look at, as they should be, there is also a very passionate kiss shown up close between him and his wife.  I think the story’s words and illustrations emphasize the anguish, the strength and the humanity, but I mention the illustrations for each to decide on their own.  There is not a biography or sources in the book, but rather mentions in the Author’s Note the source matter being a film by Unity Production Foundation.  It is not unusual to adapt a biography from a film, and I read an ARC, but I do hope the final copy will be sourced.  The book is for middle grade readers, and I cannot wait to add a physical copy on my own bookshelves, and gift numerous ones to teachers to share in their classrooms.

WARNING: SPOILERS: THE SYNOPSIS CONTAINS A FULL RETELLING, as it is historical, I hope that is ok, but in no way shape or form is my summary taking away from the details, emotion, and writing the actual book contains. 


In 1762, the Fulbe enjoyed prosperity and peace under the king, and when Abdulrahman was seven he started school in Timbo. He loved learning about the Prophets in the Qur’an, and excelled at his studies.  So much so that his father sent him to Timbuktu to continue his studies at age 12. Five years later he returned to train as a warrior, when the first white man, a surgeon, Dr. John Cox appeared injured and lost, they helped heal him and sent him back home to Ireland.

By age 26, Prince Abdurrahman was a warrior, a scholar, soon to be king, a husband and a father of a son.  One day while on patrol, he was captured. He and 170 others were loaded on a ship, for eight months, and sent over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

On August 16, 1788 he arrived starved in Natchez, Mississippi, for $930 he and another man became the property of Colonel Foster.  Resigned that this was his fate, he helped share his knowledge of cotton, and the plantation prospered. In 1975 he married, Isabella.  They had nine children and eight grandchildren.  

In 1807 while selling goods in the market, Abdurrahman sees Dr Cox (subhanAllah), and the doctor pleads with Colonel Foster to free the Prince.  Foster could not be moved and when the doctor died, Abdurrahman once again accepted his fate. 

His story though had started to spread, and a printer, felt a softness to the Prince turned slave and printed often embellished stories trying to help his cause.  He asked the Prince to write a letter, the Prince wrote an ayah from the Quran and the printer passed it to Mississippi senator Thomas Reed explaining the Prince’s desire to return to Africa.  Senator Reed got the letter to Henry Clay, the Secretary of State under John Quincy Adams, who then got the message to the President of the United States.

The letter was written in Arabic, and they assumed Prince Abdurrahman was thus from Morocco.  The Sultan of Morocco was touched by his plight and petitioned for his release, and the Prince kept quiet not wanting the truth of where he was from to remove the help he was receiving.

He was finally freed and able to purchase the freedom of his wife Isabella with the help of those who had heard his story, but the efforts to free his children were not as successful.  The truth about him not being Moroccan became known, and despite extensive travels and pleas, his declining health forced him to leave America with out his children.  He arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, but would die before he could reach his home of Fouta Djallon.

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Nov15

Mama Wears a Hijab by Fifi Abu

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Mama Wears a Hijab by Fifi Abu

I don’t understand this 24 page 10 x 10 board book. I don’t get it literary wise, or Islamic rep value wise, and if someone can explain it to me, I will be happy to listen.  I’m figuring it is a “me” problem because the author has multiple masters, one in children’s literature and has even been on the Caldecott committee, so I don’t know why I can’t make heads or tales of the metaphors.  At times it seems they are describing the hijab, but maybe the parent child relationship, on one spread the pregnancy, possibly motherhood in general.  A few pages are beautiful, and I like the illustrations, but the continuity is lacking and makes me a little uncomfortable.  Islamically, I understand that women who cover their head often do wear makeup and perfume, but they are not part of hijab, so to have that be articulated is both erroneous and odd.

The illustrations show hijab, niqab, a duputta style, and everything in between.  The characters shown are families in a variety of skin tones, clothing styles, body shapes, and cultural settings.

The book is not a story, it functions in two page spreads of rhyme that take an abstract concept and ground it so to speak, but what the connection is, is by and large lost on me.  I know I have included more inside pages than normal, but I feel that I can’t really review it, so perhaps the least I can do is provide enough peeks for people to come to their own conclusions.

Nov14

Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

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Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

This 32 page large 10 x 10 hardback book explores how we are all different and unique, while also being the same too.  The illustrations and text present a nice way for children to learn that Allah swt created us all to be different in our appearances, what foods we like, how we dress, how we speak, but come together to all say Assalamu alaykum and stand foot-to-foot to pray.  Some of the refrains are a bit abrupt, and it really focuses a lot on physical descriptions and food, the target audience though of preschool to early elementary, will see themselves in the book, probably even a character that looks like them, and expand their understanding of al-Khaliq creating them all.

 

The book starts with an ayat from Surah al-Hujurat and then starts by asking the audience to imagine a world were everyone is the same.  It highlights that Allah created each of us starting with prophet Adam (as) to be just as we are, with different traits. From there, neighbors are introduced: their names, country of origin and favorite foods that all come together to make a table of sharing.

In school the students look different and play different, in the city the different building types are shown to come together, and in the masjid our hearts are in sync when we pray. The text concludes asking the reader to highlight five ways they are unique and a hadith in Arabic along with its English translation.

Nov5

The Thirty Before Thirty List by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid

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The Thirty Before Thirty List by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid

This is the second book I’ve read by the author and while I didn’t do a full review of the first (Finding Mr Perfectly Fine), I am going to do a full review of this one, because the book might not be “halal, halal” or intentionally Islam centered, but with a robust Muslim cast it stays impressively clean and there is a lot of Islam present.  I’m glad I bought a physical copy so my nieces or my daughter can pick it up and enjoy Rana’s growth and antics.  The book is nearly 400 pages long, but they fly by, and if you are 16 and up looking for a rom com style escape book this will fit the bill.  The only thing that really gave me pause is an early label the protagonist slaps on her self as “not being a devout Muslim.”  I get the point is to not let the stereotype of an arranged marriage and strict brown parents overshadow the initial impression of the book, but the author is a better writer than that early statement indicates.  As the story progresses you see her Islam IS very much part of her identity, her environment, her outlook, and the author shows it in relatable nuanced ways that the early “telling” was not needed.  Yes, the book has the protagonist and a different boy or two alone at times, and there is some hand holding and a few hugs, but the intention is always to find a spouse, and religious lines are usually clearly on the character’s radar.  There is some talk about mortgages, and a side Muslim character that has a girlfriend he keeps secret as they go on holiday together, but again, nothing obscene, or defensive, just realistic actions from contemporary characters viewing things their own way and doing the best they can.

SYNOPSIS:

Maya’s life is pretty predictable, she lives at home, goes to work, hangs out with her childhood friend on the weekend, and dodges any attempts to be set up for marriage.  Then one day on the tube a mysterious stranger, Noah, his leather bound notebook, and everyone else in her life moving forward, prompts her to open the notebook and copy his 30 before 30 list.  Adapting what doesn’t make sense at all for her life, she never peeks ahead, but rather takes one adventure at a time.  When people from different circles in her life start interacting, and Noah reenters her life, Maya will have decisions to make and a new list to commit to, her own.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I needed a diversion, I was going to be spending a few consecutive days in waiting rooms at hospitals and knew I’d need something light, easy to read, pause, and return to, and something to make me smile.  Maya is likeable, and her family and friends relatable.  Her Bangladeshi and British culture add depth and I was genuinely surprised and appreciative with how much Islam managed to find its way in to the plot and character arcs.

FLAGS:

Relationships outside of marriage, nude model, lying, hugs, hand holding.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This would make a great adult, college, or even 12th grade book club selection, for just a fun book to laugh about and enjoy with friends.  It isn’t that deep, but there are threads that will hit, and to chat about it will bring friends closer together.