Tag Archives: Yemen

Jan20

Almost Sunset by Wahab Algarmi

Posted on January 20, 2025 by islamicschoollibrarian

At 224 pages, this middle grade graphic novel has a whole lot of heart. Seventh grade is not easy for anyone, and Hassan is balancing school, grades, soccer, fasting, and taraweeh every night, while dealing with friends, video games, cousins, and falling asleep in class. I love that this OWN voice book really centers Islam. It doesn’t shy away from showing the stresses that the character and presumably the readers of immigrant kids in public schools might encounter, right alongside stresses with Muslim cousins and friends at the masjid trying to pressure you to do something you don’t want to do. And as in any coming of age story, young Hassan does not want any special treatment or parents to get involved. SPOILER: Hassan does hide his faith and that he is fasting for Ramadan at school, he also does make mistakes, notably among them is when he breaks his fast in what he is told is a loophole of sorts, but by the end he grows and trusts and realizes he doesn’t have to do it all, all the time, and that he isn’t alone. The book is not heavy, but it has layers that serve as relatable mirrors and windows for kids who are going to thoroughly enjoy this richly illustrated book.

SYNOPSIS:

The story starts with seventh grader, Hassan dreaming about food, drooling on his arm, and then being woken up by his teacher, again. It is Ramadan and Hassan is fasting, going to taraweeh at night, trying to keep up with school and soccer, and on top of it all, he doesn’t want anyone to know. He also doesn’t have the latest version of the popular video game that all his friends have, and he has to explain to his childhood friend Rosie why it is no longer appropriate for them to hang out together. Nights and weekends with family and at the masjid should be a reprieve, but somehow even there he is the odd one out, opting to pray instead of play, and being unsure if closing your eyes while sneaking food really prevents Allah swt from seeing you eating like his cousins claim. Threaded through it all are soccer practices, games, and falling grades that are going to get him tossed off the team, making this a Ramadan to remember.

WHY I LOVE IT:

Wahoo, some Yemeni representation, I loved the flashback/dream longing for Yemen. I like that Hassan isn’t expecting adults or others to speak for him, and his heart is really in the right place. I did feel a bit of a disconnect though when his friends knew he fasted the previous year, why he wouldn’t just explain it was time again for him to do so. Increasingly even the most isolated western cities are aware of Ramadan, so I didn’t feel that hesitation for Hassan to own it, even when a friend explicitly asks. SPOILER, On a similar thread, his soccer coach is Muslim and their isn’t a huge sigh of relief and immediate kinship when the information is revealed. If Hassan really feels he is shouldering it alone, why wouldn’t this empower him to step into himself so to speak. I also didn’t understand why the end of the season pizza party wouldn’t have just been at iftar time. The book really had a chance to model how others can support their Muslim friends, and moving a food based celebration a few hours is an easy accommodation, but the Muslim coach didn’t even do it, so why would non Muslims.

When Hassan does sneak food during his fast, he gets away with it, but it doesn’t sit right with him and I think it is powerfully done, him coming clean also is not punished as it really is something between Hassan and Allah swt and I love how it is left to that. Regardless of if you feel it is required of a 7th grade boy or not, the ownership of faith I feel is more important than the getting in trouble by your parents in this case.

FLAGS:

Lying, failing grades, sneaks food during fasting, boy girl friendship, hints at internalized Islamophobia.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I wouldn’t do this as a book club, but would absolutely have it on shelves for kids to easily access, and I would absolutely discuss with them, what their takeaways were.

Jul9

Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness by Elizabeth Laird illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Posted on July 9, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness by Elizabeth Laird illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

The presentation, the tone, the vibe, the seven countries and stories selected, the illustrations and large size really make this book enjoyable. With folktales from Ethopia, Sudan, Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and Uighur, some contain Islam and Muslims, and some do not, but the messaging and lessons are for all. Folktales are often used in classroom settings, and I appreciate that this book can be used in bits or all together. Most of the selections are 6-8 pages, but contain large illustrations to help the readers engage with the lessons being conveyed. Having read a few books by the author, I think it is clear that the people represented in this collection is very intentional, and these old stories from the occupied, the oppressed, and the war torn in contemporary times, really show the universal humanity of stories, kindness and peace.

The introduction from the author sets the tone before the stories begin. The Dog Fight from Ethopia is a tale of conflict and perspective and pride. Allah Karim from Sudan is trusting that Allah swt will provide, compassion for the homeless, and charity. From Palestine, the folktale True Kindness shows the value of hospitality. The Next Sultan from Yemen focuses on fairness and justice as does The Emir and the Angel from Afghanistan. From Syria the tale of The Woodcutter and the Lion focuses on friendship and being selfish, and finally The Nine Princesses of Kashgar, a Uighur story, shares a story of defending your land against occupiers.

Early elementary kids will enjoy the tales and relate to the lessons, they will get lost in the pictures, and recall the messages long after the book concludes. This book reminded me of how few folktales I’ve read outside of teaching, and I look forward to sharing this at bedtime, story times, and gift it to teachers and librarians to do the same. You can purchase the book here from Crescent Moon Store and save 10%.

Jan14

Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

Posted on January 14, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Under the Sana’a Skyline by Salwa Mawari illustrated by Mary Charara

For the last 100 days it seems the only time I truly smile is when I see images of Yemen standing with Palestine. It is impressive, so very inspiring, and equally humbling as well. Sadly, there are not many children’s books celebrating Yemeni culture, heritage and joy available to us in the west. This book published in 2022 is set in the war, with memories of easier times peeking through. When Belquis is assigned to write an inspirational story about Yemen for a global contest, she is at a loss of what to write about as she is surrounded by “bombings, fighting, blockades, loss, and poverty.” This 38 page picture book is text heavy, admittedly it isn’t particularly literary or memorable, but it shows a culture and traditions that need to be shared with our children. The media and talking points dismiss the rich history of the countries we are attacking in attempts to dehumanize those affected. This book does not get political or even name the sides in the conflict, it simple shows a girl and her sister rediscovering their city, their history, and their peoples’ kindness and generosity. I hope more books about Yemen will enter the marketplace, and I pray for the bombings to stop.

Set in Old Sana’a Belquis dreams of being a writer, but when assigned to write about something “inspirational” she is at a loss. Her geddah encourages her saying that “Some of the most inspirational stories arise from hardship.” Her father encourages her, and her younger sister Saba, to go to the roof and look out from a “bird’s-eye-view.” At maghrib time as they listen to the athan from the Great Mosque they look out at the 2,500 year old city and the qamariyat sparkling in the changing sunlight, but don’t feel inspired.

Beliquis briefly laments the looming deadline and the lack of sabaya to eat, but decides to go story hunting by taking Saba and rediscovering their ancient city. They pass Khala Khadija’s crumbling house as they head to the museum where they are reminded about the Queen of Sheba, Yemen’s original name Arabia Felix, and Queen Arwa.

As they leave the museum and head to Souk al-Milh they pass lines of people looking for handouts of food and waiting in line for fuel. When the war started, the tourists stopped coming, so the girls are free to browse, and end up using their pocket money to buy bakhoor for their mother before heading back home. Heavy hearts make them wish they had instead given that money to a hungry family, and when the cracks from the weather and bombs destroy Khala Khadija’s house completely, the girls, their family, and their entire neighborhood will show the inspiring generosity and spirit of the Yemeni people.

As always, with most every book I read, I wish there was a map, and while there is a glossary, I wish there was a more robust backmatter section with actual photographs of the many places, foods, items mentioned in the story. This book is important, seek it out, urge your libraries to shelve it. Learn about Yemen, make duas for the people suffering, hurting, and standing up for the oppressed, ameen.

Mar5

The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Golden Trail by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

Posted on March 5, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Golden Trail by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

This third book in the Adam and Zahra series, also available with a workbook, focuses on zakat and can be read alone. Aimed at toddlers to early preschoolers, this rhyming story can also work at story time with slightly older kids as a reminder of zakat and giving to those in needs. The book has very minimal text and as a result if you overthink it, it could be slightly problematic: there is magic, they are taking and giving something that doesn’t belong to them, Zakat is a portion of your wealth not sharing something you found-even if a note says otherwise. I think the book is sweet though, and the discussions to have with little ones outweigh the adult concerns I’ve mentioned. It touches on giving to others, on people in need, of people in need living very close to you, that everything being a gift from Allah (swt), it shows siblings working together, sharing, generosity, a lemonade stand for Yemen, giving of food and money, and befriending others. I think if you liked the other books in the series regarding a “magic” pray rug and a fasting shield, both mentioned in this, you will like the presentation of sharing and the term zakat presented in a similar fantasy laced manner; if those books felt uncomfortable for you and your family, this one probably will as well.

Adam and Anisa start the story in Ramadan, a week before Eid, digging in the sand at the beach. Adam finds a treasure box and a message in a bottle. The treasure box is locked and the message says that “My name is Zakat and I’m for someone in need…” Once the kids get the box home and the lock off, a beam of light shines a path for them to follow.

They follow the light out the door and through the field, and past the mosque and their friends, along the way they purchase a pie from the bakery for when they break their fast and keep following the light to the field as the sun starts to set. They find a house in the forest with a mom, a baby, and a little boy, to whom they give the money and the pie. They learn that they had moved to this country and were all alone, but Allah swt provided for them, and He is never far. They all break their fast together and learn that “Whenever you give, Allah will give you more.”

The backmatter of the book contains Context to the Story, Developing Character Strengths, Learning through Practice and a map of their adventure. I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Store here and if you use my initials (Islamic School Librarian) ISL at checkout you will save 10%.

Aug14

Sameerah’s Hijab and the First Day of School by Janette Grant Illustrated by Fatimah Ashaela Moore

Posted on August 14, 2014 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This book is perfect for 1st through 3rd grade girls, as it focuses on Sameerah’s first day of school in America and meeting new friends. Sameerah and her family have just moved from Yemen and Sameerah is nervous about fitting in, however her love of wearing hijab and Islam radiate through her as her new classmates ask her questions. Before long the students have found they have more in common than differences and Sameerah can’t wait to go back to school the next day, alhumdulillah.

This book works well for students to see how confidence, patience, and kindness can go a long way in understanding those around you. Sameerah is articulate and confident and a great example in knowing your deen well enough to present it to others. It is also a way to introduce Muslim children to how others may worship as Sameerah also learns about her classmates.