Tag Archives: Muslim Family

Aug5

Academy Story by Naim Hammami

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Academy Story by Naim Hammami

I dnfed this elementary aged book a few months ago, and pulled it back out feeling obligated that the publisher sent it to me and, I ought to read it.  So, I did, and it is not well-written, but since I read it, I’m writing a review, and hopefully sparing y’all the same frustration.  The cover is pretty cool, so is the idea, and the Islam is centralized and prioritized, but the story reads like an introduction, yes a 152 page introduction.  It repeats itself so often, it contradicts itself within the repeated ideas, and then moves forward at a snails place before ending.  I think it wanted to end on a cliff hanger, but because so little is accomplished up until that point, it feels like it doesn’t end at a climax, but rather the start of the action, which is irritating.  It feels like the author started telling a story orally about a family in a kingdom that when they finish primary school either continue to secondary school or find themselves in a secret academy, and no one knows how they are chosen, or what the academy is like; someone heard that much and told the author to write a book, and they did.  There is no character development, drawing the reader in, suspense, imaginative language, or refinement, it reads rough and I don’t know if it is because it is translated, or because there was never much to work with, but if you have seen this book, and were excited to see an Islam centered adventure story, sadly I’d say pass, it misses the mark.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with centralizing three siblings, Fatima, Suhayl, and Harun.  Fatima is the oldest and is a second mother serving her family, cooking, and apparently enjoys reading, she was not chosen for the Academy and is still bothered by it.  Suhayl is the protagonist who hates school, and Harun is the little brother who is still in primary school.  The first few chapters are the repetitive circling of anticipation and excitement for finding out who gets in to the Academy at home and talking about what little is known about the Academy, and why it is important as today is the day Suhayl will find out.  Why they had no idea about the Academy before breakfast on the day he is going to find out, is beyond me, the world building was an info dump, repeated in the following chapter when Suhayl is now at school.  His friends all discuss that they are going to find out about the Academy, only then to contradict that whole build up and wonder IF they will find out about the Academy today.  We meet the friends, find out some of them have parents that went to the Academy, but do not talk about, as they are not allowed.  The reader is not told what the benefits of having gone to the academy are either, outside of knowing all educators have been trained there.  The book then says how Suhayl doesn’t have friends and proceeds to discuss how close he and his friends are.  When the assembly starts the class learns there is no Academy announcement and no end of the year field trip, instead they will have to come up with a challenge, that is optional, to do over the school holidays.  After rounds of voting and a weird power flex, a business challenge with rules is established and the winner gets to leave school if they want. Suhayl is determined to win, he and his buddy, Yusuf, decide to make fans using the Venturi Effect to sell at their stall and try and make the most profit and win.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the premise, the artwork, the Muslim characters, I even like the business, life-lessons and science explanation of the fan.  I don’t understand how it makes Suhayl’s fan more effective than a regular fan, but the book has bigger problems. I know for many author’s writing is figuring it out or making it up as you go, so I realize the ridiculousness of saying that this book feels like the book is being made up on the spot. It is writing quality that allows readers to get lost in a story, enjoy the words, and connect to the characters knowing that the author has control of a story and taken care of the required elements of a completed book.  The rules of the challenge and how they were to finalize the idea, seemed so scattered, that combined with the weak writing, and repetitive premise building, made the intrigue of a whispered about Academy seem like a completely separate story.

Additionally, I don’t understand the stressing of the three siblings, The book is only about one, Suhayl, and his friends, yet each have a “character profile sheet,” but they are not all together at the start, or even the end.  One profile sheet is at the end of chapter 2, one at the end of chapter 4, and then the third at the end of chapter 6.  If the point is that as the series progresses you will see the sibling more, and it is meant to garner interest, the choice assumed that readers will stick around for a series, and I don’t think the book at hand, will pull readers in to see how the series pans out.

FLAGS:
Secrets, business deception

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

If the book were donated I would shelve it, but I would not seek it out to shelve.

Jul26

More Hands by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Ekinsu Kocaturk

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More Hands by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Ekinsu Kocaturk
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This 32 page picture book blends food and the concept that teamwork makes things better, when a young boy asks his grandfather why his pishmaniyah is so delicious, and Grandpa Yahya offers to share his secret ingredient. The book is a fun bedtime or story time read as the more hands needed builds and builds. As someone though who has now read the book over a dozen times, I do wish there was more backmatter. I would love a recipe for the cotton candy type sweet, maybe some history of what pishmaniyah is (I had to Google it), and how it is traditionally prepared. The text dances around the pages, and the fun illustrations will appeal to children and help explain the process. There is a “bismillah” in the book and it mentions “baraqah” on the back cover, athere are also a few hijabis in the illustrations, but the book is universal for all readers toddler and up.


The book jumps right in with Sami asking his grandfather about his pishmaniyah. It is unclear if grandpa was planning to make it, or if it was a question out of the blue, but either way, Grandpa Yahya offers to share the secret ingredient. The ingredients are pulled out, and then more hands are needed, and then more and more and more. Once the whole family, and neighbors, and their kids are all involved it is time to eat and enjoy the dessert together.



As an adult I wonder what would have happened if so many people were not available to help, and did they wash their hands, and how big is their house, but kids won’t care, kids will just think it is funny. And that is ok too, books that show family, community, and teamwork with humor are always great additions to share with our littles.

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Jul24

Tales from Cabin 23: Night of the Living Head by Hanna Alkaf

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Tales from Cabin 23: Night of the Living Head by Hanna Alkaf

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I was genuinely pulled in to this story within a story, 244 page middle grade scary read.  I was not expecting Islamic representation from the Muslim Author, I’m not sure why, but I was happily surprised all the main characters are Muslim and unapologetic, praying, reciting ayats when the fear mounts, and seeing the world through their Malaysian and Islamic perspectives. It was really well done, engaging, spooky, and then it came to a screeching halt, like slam on the breaks, story is over now we are going to talk and explain and make it about family and forgiveness.  I admittedly don’t read much “horror” if any, so perhaps the over explanation at the end is formulaic to put the target audience reader at ease, and prevent lingering nightmares.  Even if that is the case however, the climax in the book came way too early making the explanation way too long.  I would imagine most target readers don’t expect the same literary refinement in a scary book as they would in other genres, but the more “explaining” the book tried to do, the more holes were revealed. By the end, the book made no sense and I wished I would have stopped reading halfway through and had the unknown lingering vibes be the ultimate takeaway.

SYNOPSIS:

It starts at Camp Apple Hill Farm where Melur is for a two week summer camp, when she chooses “dare” and is forced into the woods alone to find the witch that tells stories in Cabin 23.  When she finds herself at the cabin, the story she is told is about Alia, her missing sister who has returned, and a penanggalan that is terrorizing the town.  Twelve year old Alia has moved from Kuala Lumpur to the city of her birth, she doesn’t have a lot of friends, and her missing sister has unexpectedly returned.  Something is off with her sister, she smells weird, and is too perfect.  Alia’s parents don’t seem to want to discuss it, and what is the whooshing sound that seems to follow Alia everywhere.  When kids at school start whispering about seeing things and hearing things, Alia is worried that her sister and the sightings, might be related. Yep no further spoilers here, sorry.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the characters are Muslim and it is just who they are, it isn’t othering or explanatory, it is just part of the characters, that comes out as they try to figure out what is going on.  I really enjoyed the first half, I know that often in scary movies, at least the ones I can handle, the build up is usually fun, and the resolution a little bit of a let down, so I was anticipating that, but this book really seemed to fall apart as it tried to wrap up all the threads.  It ultimately ended up being rather disappointing and I’m honestly kind of mad about it. Despite it all, I will still shelve it for middle graders to read.  We need Islamic rep in all genres for all ages and this one I think is the first I have seen, and for that alone I do appreciate what it offers.

FLAGS:

It is “scary”, there is gore, abandonment, possession, creepiness, no one will accidently pick it up and be surprised.  The cover has a head with its entrails hanging out and the title is “the living head.”

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
As stated above I would shelve the book, I think fans of creepy book will be delighted to see a Muslim protagonist, and the Malaysian rep is nice to see as well.

Jul12

Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu

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Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu

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The first few chapters of this 336 page middle grade book were rough. It is a stand-alone companion novel, and I have read the previous works, so I don’t know if my expectation of myself to know the characters being introduced, was additionally muddled because the memories were faint, or as I actually suspect, the writing at the beginning is just weak. Like really weak, but I’m stubborn, and I kept reading, and I was rewarded, alhumdulillah. The book found its voice, its pacing, its heart, its relatability, its layers and I am so glad that I didn’t dnf it. The characters, their community, their tenacity, the exploration of family really stays on level with providing the reader insight and messaging to make them reflect on their own lives, without feeling preached to. The focus of football (soccer) keeps the book light and hopeful, while the difficult themes of deportation, Islamophobia, refugees, theft, absent parents, self doubt, forgiveness and second chances with adults, thread in and out. Many of the characters are Muslim, halal food is normalized as is saying salam, it isn’t focused on Islam but the kids make duas before they start a sting operation and when life changes are presented, also they consider Qadr of Allah when things occur. It feels authentic, and Muslim kids will enjoy that the focus isn’t a religious or cultural identity crisis, but just part of who they are as they take on this next chapter of their lives, non Muslims will feel the same.

SYNOPSIS:
Ali, Mark, and Sami are living it up since Mark’s mom won the lottery and they move in to a mansion with a pool. Sami’s brother Aadam starts doing the lawns to help pay for his lawyer fees to appeal his deportation, and things are looking up, expect for Mark’s mom’s new boyfriend though, he seems to be a bit of a racist. It all comes pouring down when Aadam is accused of stealing money, the boys are no longer allowed at the house, and Mark is prevented from hang out with his friends. Ali and Sami are not about to take this treatment without a fight, they have an idea to raise some money for Aadam with a charity football match, and Mark knows his mom is being influenced by her boyfriend and doesn’t abandon his friends. Ali though, is preoccupied, his absent father shows back up, and his step-brother has just been enrolled in their school. It is a lot but together Ali, Sami, and Mark support each other, stand up for what they believe in, and find ways to make sure they and Aadam are not “kicked out.”

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the commentary on refugees, that it isn’t a political issue, but a human one. The exploration of found family and born family, and giving family second chances impressed me in a middle grade book. I also liked the kids hyping up the community and getting creative to solve a problem, rather than wait for the adults to step in. Whether it was to raise money for legal fees, or solve a mystery and clear someone’s name, these kids really have each other’s backs while dealing with a lot of heavy stresses. They mess up and make mistakes, but the book spending time to show them come back from them is a level of emotional intelligence and maturity that I think readers will benefit from.

I was thrown at a passage that mentioned that Ali can’t go to the mosque because he doesn’t have his dad around. Which made no sense to me as the kid goes to restaurants, parks, stores, on buses, on his bike alone throughout the book. Alhumdulillah, I have wiser folks I can ask concerns to, and my Lit Sister Zainab explained that in fact in the UK some masjids don’t allow women all the time and kids are not encouraged to come unsupervised, so if that stands out to you as well for being completely off, recognize it doesn’t mean it is wrong, like I did.

Truly the book is terrible at the beginning. The barrage of character names, the unlikability of Ali because of how he treats his brother, and the stress of how winning the lottery has made Mark’s life better, is all over the place. I must have read the first three chapters at least four times, before I just decided to plow through and see if the pieces fell in to place, which alhumdulillah, they did.

FLAGS:
Lying, stereotypes, racism, Islamophobia, accusations, theft, lottery, Mark has a crush on Grace, but it is subtle, anger, jealousy.

SPOILER: Ali’s dad was in love with a lady before he married Ali’s mom. His parent’s had him marry Ali’s mom to tame their “wild son” and at some point in the marriage, the dad had a nikkah with the first lady and eventually left Ali, his mom, and two siblings for his other family. The focus is how Ali feels about having his dad leave their family, being jealous of his step brother, and dealing with his return. It doesn’t make it a religious issue or judge if this was permissible, it really stays focused on the parent children relationship and the emotions involved in the leaving, not staying in touch, and the returning. I think middle grade can handle it.


Jul5

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan Illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

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We Are Big Time by Hena Khan Illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

With themes of being new in school, balancing sports and school, teamwork, focusing on the positive and pushing back on media stereotypes, this 240 page middle grade graphic novel inspired by a true story is a feel good story that can be enjoyed by all.  The all hijab wearing Muslim high school girls’ basketball team is researched and noted in the backmatter, and while often Hena Khan books feel performative, the tone of this is not identity based. The characters are Muslim, they are not questioning their religion, and in fact push back on the media who try and make it about what they have to overcome by practicing their faith, rather than on their abilities on the court.  That isn’t to say that the Islamic representation is strong.  For characters in an Islamic school, a whole page is dedicated to being the new kid in each class, but only one “salaam” is offered.  The team informs their non Muslim coach when they need to pray which is nice, but surprisingly with a Muslim author and Muslim illustrator when the protagonist prays at home with her family, the men and women erroneously stand together.  The framing, the setup, the accomplishments are all Muslim centered, but the book is not particularly Islam centered. The take away of teamwork, hard work, and normalizing Muslim hijabi women in sports is well done, and I think an easy book for kids to identify with as they read the panels of Aliya dealing with stresses and changes, on and off the court. This book releases next month, and I encourage you to consider for yourself if you feel the author has done enough with her platform to speak about Palestine before supporting or not supporting the book.

SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with Aliya, her two brothers and parents stuck in a car headed from Tampa to Milwaukee.  They are relocating to be closer to her grandparents, and the kids are not excited.  The first day for the trio at Peace Academy stands out because the school is big.  Aliya who has played rec basketball in the past, now decides to try out for the school team.  Tryouts are a bust, only nine girls show, so they all make the team.  With hopes of turning a failing program around, the school has hired a new coach, a non Muslim who used to play Division 1 ball.  It seems Aliya might start to make friends with her teammates, but then she is named co-captain which ruffles some feathers, her grades start slipping, and the team still isn’t winning. When the media takes an interest in the team, the pressure mounts to represent themselves, their school, their faith, and show what they can do on the court.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that identity is not in question and that the characters articulate the worries they have about their representation in the media, not because of something they’ve said or even Islamophobia, but just based on the framing of the questions, and assumptions that abound.

I read a black and white arc, so at times I didn’t know who was the dad and who was the older brother, but even with that confusion, the beginning is a bit stilted.  The dad doesn’t know if his daughter was any good at basketball, and the dialogue is so flat to set the stage, that I was glad it only lasted a few pages.  I appreciated that the parents were stressing grades, but were not overly narrow minded, they were presented in a very level headed supportive way as to not fall into a common desi/immigrant stereotype.

I don’t know why the prayer scene is wrong, but the more I try and tell myself it was just a mistake, the more mad I get.  This is why beta reading is so important, Muslim kids will notice, it will make the book feel just that much less authentic, and it so easily could/should have been fixed.

FLAGS:

None, a little bit of Islamophobia, but it is pretty clean

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The graphic novel format makes the book a pretty quick read, and most of the discussion points are handled in the text, so I don’t know that a book club would benefit.  I do think having it on the shelf for kids to pick up and read, will keep the book bouncing from one reader to the next.  I know my kids have all read it…that’s the beauty of graphic novels, just having it around means it gets picked up, read, and often finished, despite the readers age or even interest.

Jul3

Trains & Trainers by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

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Trains & Trainers by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

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This 36 page picture book about siblings, one with autism, is much needed in the Islamic fiction sphere to shine a light and bring awareness.  My concern, though, which is a big one, is that no where in the story or backmatter or even dedication does it hint that the author has first had experience with an autistic individual.  The lack of transparency makes it hard to feel at ease reading the story.  Is it tokenism, is it assumption based, is it stereotypical, is it accurate?  The take away message shouldn’t be affected, Allah swt has made us all unique and special, but when it states in the back matter so generically, to “ask an adult to help you find out more about autism,” it makes the book feel inauthentic. Now for all I know the author has an autistic child or sibling, but that is kind of the point, I don’t know, and because I don’t know, I don’t know if this book is valid.  Literary wise the book is decent, there are heavy handed speeches from the mom, where it might have been nice to see the main character learn those same lessons on his own, but it is often the nature of Islamic fiction books, and this book handles it better than most.  I did cringe at the illustrations with the children wearing trainers in the house.  I know it is part of the plot, but even my kids noticed right away and felt it was off. Perhaps Muslims taking off their shoes at home is not as universal as it once was, and no it isn’t just the autistic child wearing shoes while sitting on the sofa.

The book starts with a young boy quietly turning on the TV as to not alert his older brother to what he is doing, the blaring music though betrays him, and Badr stands in front of the TV blocking Malik from seeing the outcome of Zymbot and Fungulga’s battle.  In frustration he pushes his autistic, non verbal brother, which makes Badr cry and gets Malik a chat from his Mama.

The mom and sons then head to the store, but on the way there, they stop at a train crossing and watch the railcars pass by.  At the store Malik wants to get a toy train, but Mama reminds him that a toy such as that will not last long in their house.  Once again Malik feels his life is hindered by his brother. He says things in frustration that he doesn’t really mean, and regrets, but again gets him some guidance from his mother.

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At home, his Mama prays and Malik contemplates what his Mama goes through.  Badr, who often plays in his own way, then starts playing and pulls Malik into his fun too.

Jun21

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur

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Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur

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This 323 page middle grade fantasy written by a Muslim author features Muslim characters in a jinn filled adventure, but is not very Islam filled.  Jinn are widely accepted these days in western literature even by non Muslims, so it doesn’t hold the Islamic rep weight it perhaps once did, and while the characters mention prayer once or twice, they are never shown to rely on faith, practice it, or have it be a central part of their identity.  None-the-less, at times I truly could not put the book down, the fast paced adventure coupled with the compelling characters really hooked me and pulled me in, until it didn’t.  I’m not entirely sure of why the rapid unravel of my connection to the book happened, but I’m guessing it is because of A: I struggle with fantasy. B: the plot was really kind of weak. C: the “Alice in Wonderland” style world building is not a style I enjoy. D: So much of the tension in the book is predicated on conversations not happening because the time is not right, but ultimately I’m pretty sure it is E: A little bit of all of the above.  The book is fun, I think kids will like it even though so much wasn’t clarified, resolved, and seemed unnecessary to me, I’m not the target audience, and I recognize that.  It is worth noting that the premise of the book stems quite heavily on the fact that Farrah is a “harami” as it is called, she is a child born out of wedlock. The details of the parents’ relationship prior to her birth are glaringly absent, but that stigma affects her relationships and is central to the story.

SYNOPSIS:

Farrah only sees her father one day a year on her birthday, Yalda, the winter solstice.  While hiking and climbing her father presents her with a gift, a ring, and when she hears a voice and makes a wish, her world will never be the same.  Her father, who she thought was a judge in the UAE, is actually a jinn king, who is now trapped in the ring that Farrah wished upon.  When he is imprisoned, a jinn boy named Idris is freed and together the two of them set out to free her father and get some answers.  They journey to the jinn world where they meet the other jinn kings and learn they are next to be imprisoned by the ring. While there they meet Farrah’s half brother Yaseen, who joins Farrah and Yaseen before returning to Earth, picking up Farrah’s human friend Arzu, and heading to battle Azar in the underworld.  New friends, new worlds, and new perspectives give readers a lot of reasons to cheer for Farrah and her found family as they take on jinns and try to make sense of it all.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the main characters: Farrah, Yaseen, Idris and Arzu.  I need more answers and more development of Farrah’s mom, dad, their relationship, Yaseen’s mom, Idris’s parents and situation, though a lot was resolved plot wise in the last 19 pages, the unresolved character arcs nagged at me.  I’m guessing there is going to be a second book, so perhaps some insights will come, but for as enjoyable as the main character’s voice is in understanding her own motives, and those of her friends, the lack of development for the remaining characters was quite a contrast.

I felt that the plot was a little weak as well, why did they go to the jinn world, just to return, whey did they seek the protection charms but then abandon them, why was Idris imprisoned in the first place, even if they got the ring back at the mall what were they going to do with it, what was the answer to the first riddle, who was making the rules about the riddles and the trades? I’m not saying some of that wasn’t answered and I just didn’t get it, but it is a sample albeit a small sample of all the unanswered questions I had about what was going on, at all times.

I’m biased against Alice in Wonderland type stories where the reader is just taken from one climax to the next without any world building showing or hinting at why this is now happening.  Like falling down a rabbit hole, it seemed like each event was building the fantasy world for Farrah and the reader in real time and I would have like a little grounding.  It worked for a large part of the book, but I think not understanding enough about the jinn and jinn world, is what made the climax fall a little short for me unfortunately.

I needed people to have conversations, I know when characters are fighting shadow creatures, they can’t explain their family dynamics, but when the same literary device happens again and again, and the characters never have conversations, never get answers, it gets a little frustrating for the adult reader reading a middle grade book, i.e. me.  Maybe kids don’t care, but mom and dad and the grandparents all needed to have a conversation, and that sadly never came.

FLAGS:

Lying, poisoning, entrapment, fighting, mention of being born out of wedlock, sneaking out, near death experiences, stealing.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don’t think I understand the book well enough to teach it, but I would absolutely have it on a classroom, library, and home shelf.

Jun19

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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This 40 page OWN voice written and illustrated picture book for kindergarten to elementary, addresses the question and provides some answers that Palestinian diaspora children have faced for years, about the attempted erasure of Palestine by way of not labeling the country on maps.  The book does not name the occupiers, so hopefully it will avoid bans and censorship, as it does not shy away from articulating the taking of land, theft of homes, and renaming of villages.  The refrain is that “Palestine lives in you and me,” and that can never be taken away.  That the book stays on level and is traditional published is quite impressive for the contents contained. I love that their are resources as the beginning for adults to learn more, that Isha prayer is mentioned, The Proudest Blue is in an illustration, that rohi, omri and habibti are woven in, and the Author’s Note is detailed. 

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The book starts with little Falasteen at school, the class has a new map of the world and everyone is taking turns telling about where their families are from.  Let me pause here and say, this was my biggest, only real problem with the book, the illustration hints that the map is the rug, and the rug is just shapes of the continents, it is not a political maps that shows country boundaries, but I also read an e-arc so maybe something will change in the illustrations, but none-the-less, I note it here because it is the first page.  Moving on, when it is Falasteen’s turn she doesn’t see Palestine and when she asks her teacher, her teacher tells her, “I think there is no such place.” I wish I could say this is extreme, but I’ve been hearing similar conversations from friends for over 30 years, at least in the book the teacher isn’t mean about it, just ignorant, real life sadly, is often much more aggressive.  This is the catalyst though that prompts Falasteen to start asking her question.

When she gets home, she asks her Jido, who is tending the grape vines, why Palestine is not on the map, and he draws her a map to take to school the next day to share with her friends and teacher.  He tells her, her “teacher needs teaching.” Let me pause again her, I was initially a little surprised at this tone, and SPOILER that at the end it doesn’t circle back to her teaching her teacher and class, but on the second reading, I was glad for it.  No one should have to prove their existence, that is my bias of wanting to be accepted or palatable to an outside gaze.  Teachers all the time get asked something they don’t know and if it on topic will go and find an answer, to dismiss little Falasteen intentionally or out of ignorance regarding her home country, is not something that needs outside approval, or that needs to be proven.  Outside acceptance is not required in this example of reality. 

She then asks her Teta who is cooking in the kitchen, why Palestine is not on the map.  Teta tells her about when soldiers came with their tanks and guns, and burned their fields, and she had to leave with Falasteen’s mom in her arms to keep her safe.  She shows her the key that she keeps from her home that was taken, and how she longs to return.

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After Isha prayer, Falasteen asks her mother the same question.  Her Mama tells her that some places don’t need a map to be found, and that “Palestine lives in you and me.”  That even though Falasteen has never seen Palestine it is within her.  When she tells her mother that her teacher told her it doesn’t exist, her mom explains that those that say it doesn’t exist, that make the maps, cannot erase them, their memories, their culture. 

The remainder of the book is more hopeful and prideful of the places where Palestine is found and the hope that someday they can visit. I enjoyed the read, it is important, it is needed, and I hope you will preorder/order it to show your support.

Jun14

Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir illustrated by Nez Riaz

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Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir illustrated by Nez Riaz

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For ages four to eight this 40 page picture book really introduces great concepts of leadership, business, support systems, and dreaming big.  Before Leena Mo, leads a company though, she thinks up ideas to solve a problem, she turns her ideas into a plan, tests her hypothesis with her prototype, and takes her invention to the next step when demand grows.  Investors, employees, storage, sales, Leena Mo has not only created a product and a company, but she is leading a business, and inspiring others, even back in her Mama’s home in Iraq. With a Mama wearing hijab, a singular mashallah in the text, and the Arabic word for “my dream” Helmy being what she names her snow clearing robot, children everywhere will be inspired and encouraged to think a little bigger than they may have done before.

I love that this business concept is brought down to an early elementary age (and even younger), in a way that they not only will understand, but also be inspired by.  Younger kids might not get the steps, but the fun engaging illustrations, and simple text builds to show that the idea is also growing, and even four and five year olds will grasp that this is exciting.  There are books about science, inventions, even increasingly more about financial literacy, so this is in many ways a next step, that touches on those concepts, but really focuses on the investors, growth and leadership.  The story and concepts weave together, and that culture finds a place as well, is a testament to the quality of this solid, joyful OWN voice read.

The book starts with Leena playing outside in the snow with her friends, when her Mama asks her to shovel before it gets dark.  Leena hates shoveling.  She finds it worse than raking leaves, doing the dishes, and even taking out the garbage.  Instead of complaining though, she starts to dream up an idea of something that would make clearing the snow easier.  She decides on a robot, and gets to work designing and building and testing.

Once it works, a neighbor, Miss Irma, asks to borrow Helmy, and when she returns it, the rest of the neighborhood wants to know where they can purchase one of their own.  When Miss Irma invests in Leena and her team, the next phase begins and as parts turn into products, and equations determine cost, the team of Leena, Olivia, and Lily starts rolling out Helmies.

The sweet ending of inspiring others, will also hopefully inspire readers to think bigger, dream bigger, and recognize the role support,  teamwork, and leadership all play in bringing ideas to life.

The book can be preordered and soon ordered anywhere and everywhere books are sold.

Jun10

Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Tatiana Gardel 

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Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Tatiana Gardel 

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At 48 pages this picture book provides a tender window into a little boy with anxiety, a small voice, and a huge imagination.  I absolutely love that Xavier is the star, the other kids are not mean or overly nice, they are important, but at the story’s core is him finding his confidence, and accepting himself, through his love of superheroes, sketching, and imagining what-ifs.  Xavier is Muslim, there is an “Assalamu Alaika” on one of the pages from another character to him, a superhero by the name of Super Saleem, and Islamic decor in the illustrations in his home.  Religion is not centered or explored in this Muslim authored book, but Muslim readers will see the subtle hints and feel seen immediately.  I love that Xavier discusses coping techniques his therapist has taught him to help with his anxiety and that the tone is empowering and positive.  A good story for kindergarten through second grade, and a great way for kids with anxiety to see themselves represented, and a window for others to grow their empathy and compassion.

The book starts with Xavier at school, which is loud, and wishing that he could make his small voice big.  He notices the big voice kids, have lots of friends, and he can’t seem to find the words when people talk to him.  He gets nervous, and as a result, he is lonely.  One day he discovers Super Saleem and that inspires him to create his own superheroes that are unstoppable.  When raindrops start to fall, a new kid, comes to help, and BJ likes Xavier’s drawings.  Xavier wonders if he has finally made a friend.  The book shows that even when things are going well, there can be a lot of worries, stresses, over thinking, and missteps. But being brave to keep trying, can have super results.

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