Tag: nonfiction

I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp by Anthony Del Col; illustrated by Fahmida Azim

I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp
by Anthony Del Col;
illustrated by Fahmida Azim
Lev Gleason/Diamond Books

WINNER OF THE 2022 PULITZER PRIZE FOR ILLUSTRATED REPORTING!

A 2024 JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION!

This graphic novella, from New Friday an imprint of Lev Gleason®, recounts the true story of Zumrat Dawut, as originally published in the independent online news organization, Business Insider, through interviews conducted by Anthony Del Col and testimony given to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Zumrat Dawut is a mother of three in the Xinjiang autonomous region in China, who was arrested and sent to a detention facility for simply being a Muslim. There, she endured brutal living conditions, torture, interrogations, anti-Muslim propaganda, and sterilization. But that was just the beginning of Zumrat’s troubles, who with her husband would soon hatch a plan to escape to America.

This story, featuring art by Golden Kit Award-Winner Fahmida Azim (Samira Surfs), and adapted by best-selling writer Anthony Del Col (Kill Shakespeare), was originally published online by Business Insider. This print edition, published by New Friday an imprint of Lev Gleason®, includes a foreword by Nicholas Carlson, Global Editor-in-Chief of Business Insider, an interview with the creative team, a follow-up interview with Zumrat Duwat, a teaching/discussion guide, and process art.

I Escaped a Chinese Internment Camp is a harrowing, evocative, and important story that will enthrall and enlighten readers worldwide.

Cover image and summary via Edelweiss

Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan; Illustrated by Nabila Adani

Main_previewBehind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library
By Hena Khan; Illustrated by Nabila Adani

Come learn about the oldest operating library in existence that was originally founded by a Muslim woman in 859!

Merhaba! Welcome! Meet Al-Qarawiyyin Library–the oldest library in the world. Do you want to see what magical treasures are behind its doors? You’ll find special reading rooms where young and old gathered to discuss, debate, and discover the world. And, most important, the collection of books that hold knowledge more valuable than any jewels! Open its doors, unlock its story, and discover an adventure that only a library can share.

Told from the unique perspective of the library, award-winning author Hena Khan, along with luminous illustrations by Nabila Adani, bring to readers Behind My Doors, a charming ode to the magical wonders of each and every library.

Cover image and summary via Lee & Low

Muhammad Ali And Malcolm X The Fatal Friendship (A Young Readers Adaptation Of Blood Brothers) by Randy Roberts & Johnny Smith ; Adapted by Margeaux Weston ‧

Muhammad Ali and Malcolm XMuhammad Ali And Malcolm X
The Fatal Friendship (A Young Readers Adaptation Of Blood Brothers)
By Randy Roberts & Johnny Smith ; Adapted By Margeaux Weston
Christy Ottaviano Books/Hachette

Discover the remarkable relationship between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, and how their bond affected the movement for Black pride and independence in the 1960s in this nonfiction book for young readers.

Freshly adapted for young readers, this in-depth portrait showcases the complex bond between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, revealing how Malcolm helped mold Cassius Clay into Muhammad Ali and influenced his rise as an international symbol of Black pride and Black independence. Yet when Malcolm was expelled from the Nation of Islam for criticizing the conduct of its leader, Elijah Muhammad, Ali turned his back on Malcolm, a choice that some believe tragically contributed to the minister’s assassination in February 1965.

Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X is the story of how Ali redefined what it means to be a Black athlete in America, informed by Malcolm’s leadership. An extraordinary portrait of love, friendship, and power as well as deceit and betrayal, here is a window into the public and private lives of two national icons, and the tumultuous period in the American Civil Rights Movement that they helped to shape.

Cover image and summary via Hachette

Letters From a Prophet by Zimarina Sarwar, illustrated by Jannah Haque

Letters From a Prophet
by Zimarina Sarwar, illustrated by Jannah Haque
Kube

The book starts from the dawn of a new era for the early Muslims as they welcomed the promise of peace. Detailing The Prophet’s decision as well as efforts to invite the wider world to a better way of living. Describing how monumental the task at hand was for those selected to deliver the message.  From how the messengers were chosen to visit the opulent palaces of the Roman Empire, how they travelled by boat up the Nile to Alexandria, the journey itself from crossing vast planes to approach the extravagant fortresses of mighty Persia. Including the reactions to the letters which varied in extremes, and how they all carried profound lessons. Finally, the book covers the lessons and truths that are as applicable to our lives today as they were then, all from these Letters of A Prophet.

Many years ago, across distant lands and faraway empires, a series of letters were sent to some of the most powerful men on earth. These were no ordinary letters, however- they were from none other than the Last Prophet of God and the message they contained was one for all time.

It was the year 7AH (628AD), and the dawn of a new era for the early Muslims as they welcomed the promise of peace on the horizon. The time was now right. The Prophet (pbuh) decided to invite the wider world to a better way of living.

Messengers were chosen to visit the opulent palaces of the Roman Empire, travel by boat up the Nile toAlexandria, cross vast planes to a Kingdom in Abyssinia and approach the extravagant fortresses of mighty Persia.

The task at hand was monumental for those selected to deliver the message.  Reactions to the letters varied in extremes, but all carry equally valuable lessons. Within the preparation, delivery and reactions to these letters, we learn about faith, power, and the human condition. You will see how Letters from a Prophet contains timeless truths just as important and relevant to our lives today, as they were back when they were penned. Join us on a profound journey of discovery…

Image and summary via Edelweiss

An Asian American A to Z: A Children’s Guide to Our History by Cathy Linh Che and Kyle Lucia Wu, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran

An Asian American A to Z: A Children’s Guide to Our History
by Cathy Linh Che and Kyle Lucia Wu, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran
Haymarket Books

A comprehensive and spirited exploration of Asian American history—its movements, cultures, and key figures—beautifully illustrated and compellingly told for readers of all ages.

Co-authors Cathy Linh Che and Kyle Lucia Wu take us on a journey through stories of celebration and resistance: the Third World Liberation Front, the Muslim Ban, Japanese American incarceration camps, Padma Lakshmi, Rashida Tlaib, Sunisa Lee, and more. It is a history of struggle, but also one of great triumph, brought to life with colorful and dynamic illustrations by Kavita Ramchandran.

Written by the directors of Kundiman—an organization dedicated to nurturing Asian American writers—An Asian American A to Z is a book for children of all backgrounds and a vital resource for tomorrow’s organizers. Asian American identity formation is expansive yet under-taught, and this book is a necessary intervention that will ground readers in joy, history, and solidarity.

Cover image and summary via Edelweiss

The Wonders We Seek by Saadia Faruqi, Saffa Khan

The Wonders We Seek
by Saadia Faruqi, Saffa Khan
Illustrated by Aneesa Mumtaz
Quill Tree/ HarperCollins 

In this compendium of remarkable Muslim figures throughout history—with stunning portraits and illustrations by Saffa Khan—authors Saadia Faruqi and Aneesa Mumtaz introduce the reader to many of the Muslim physicians, musicians, athletes, poets, and more whose contributions have influenced the world we live in.

This richly illustrated biographical collection highlights some of the talented Muslims who helped make the world we know today, for readers who loved Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls.

A brilliant surgeon heals patients in the first millennium.

A female king rules the Indian subcontinent.

A poet pours his joy and grief into the world’s bestselling verses.

An iconic leader fights for civil rights.

And many, many more.

Throughout history—from the golden age of the empires of Arabia, Iraq, Persia, and India, up to modern day—Muslims have shaped our world in essential ways, with achievements in music, medicine, politics, human rights, literature, sports, technology, and more. Give this book to readers who are excited to learn about great figures and thinkers in world history!

Summary and cover image via Edelweiss

She Persisted in Science : Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference by Chelsea Clinton

She Persisted in Science : Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference
by Chelsea Clinton
Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
Philomel Books/ Penguin Random House

A STEM-focused addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling She Persisted series!

Throughout history, women have been told that science isn’t for them. They’ve been told that they’re not smart enough, or that their brains just aren’t able to handle it. In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to women scientists who didn’t listen to those who told them “no” and who used their smarts, their skills and their persistence to discover, invent, create and explain.

She Persisted in Science is for everyone who’s ever had questions about the world around them or the way things work, and who won’t give up until they find their answers.

With engaging artwork by Alexandra Boiger accompanying the inspiring text, this is a book that shows readers that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and that women in science change our world.

This book features: Florence Nightingale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia, Grace Hopper, Rosalind Franklin, Gladys West, Jane Goodall, Flossie Wong-Staal, Temple Grandin, Zaha Hadid, Ellen Ochoa, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha & Mari Copeny, and Autumn Peltier, Greta Thunberg & Wanjiru Wathuti

Cover Image and Summary via Edelweiss

Me and White Supremacy: Young Readers’ Edition by Layla F. Saad

Me and White Supremacy: Young Readers’ Edition
by Layla F. Saad
Sourcebooks Explore / Sourcebooks

Awareness leads to action, and action leads to change.

From the author of the New York Times bestselling book ME AND WHITE SUPREMACY comes the young readers edition that teaches readers how to explore and understand racism and white supremacy and how young readers can do their part to help change the world.

Me and White Supremacy has reached so many adults in their journeys to become better ancestors. This edition aims to make change with even younger members of our society. Covering topics such as white privilege, white fragility, tone policing, white silence and more, Layla Saad has developed a brilliant introduction and deep dive that is sure to become a standard in antiracist education.

Layla Saad meticulously updated the content for young readers to include:

  • definitions and history of various topics covered
  • “let’s break it down” sections to help readers process complex topics
  • questions at the end of each chapter to recap, reflect, and respond to the information covered
  • this is no longer a 28-day challenge so educators can use this content for longer or shorter amounts of time
  • content is approachable and applicable for those with and without white privilege

Me and White Supremacy teaches teens and pre-teens how to dismantle the privilege within themselves and others so that they can stop themselves (and others) from inflicting damage on people of color, and in turn, help other white people do better, too.

Summary and cover image via Edelweiss

I am Malala Yousafzai by Brad Meltzer

I am Malala Yousafzai
by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
Dial / Penguin Random House

The youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate, Pakistani women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai, is the 26th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8.

Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17 for speaking out against injustice even when it was terrifying to do so. She was an ordinary Muslim girl who wanted to attend school, and she refused to stop protesting for her rights even after being attacked by a powerful group in Pakistan who wanted women to remain in the shadows. She continues to fight for women’s rights and free education for children all over the world.

This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are:

  • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
  • Photos that bring the story more fully to life
  • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
  • Childhood moments that influenced the hero
  • Facts that make great conversation-starters
  • A character trait that made the person heroic and that readers can aspire to 

You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!

Summary and cover image via Edelweiss

Journey to America by Maliha Abidi

Journey to America:
Celebrating Inspiring Immigrants Who Became Brilliant Scientists, Game-Changing Activists & Amazing Entertainers
by Maliha Abidi
becker&mayer! kids / Quarto

Journey to America is a beautiful collection of biographies celebrating 20 of America’s most inspiring first- and second-generation immigrants.

A timely, beautiful exploration of America’s rich history of diversity, Journey to America profiles 20 immigrants and children of immigrants who have affected the nation’s culture or business.

From showstopping entertainers to game-changing activists to brilliant scientists, these first- and second-generation Americans show the determination and innovation that has shaped the country we know today:

  • Science: Kalpana Chawla (astronaut), I. M. Pei (architect), Chien-Shiung Wu (particle physicist), and Albert Einstein (theoretical physicist)
  • Entertainment: Tan France (fashion designer), Camila Cabello (singer-songwriter), M. Night Shyamalan (filmmaker), Natalie Portman (actress), Rihanna (singer), and Dikembe Mutombo (basketball player)
  • Politics: Ilhan Omar (congresswoman), Arnold Schwarzenegger (former governor of California), and Alexander Hamilton (founding father)
  • Business: Indra Nooyi (former PepsiCo CEO), Sergey Brin (Google co-founder)
  • Children of immigrants: America Ferrara (actress), Walt Disney (founder of The Walt Disney Company), Michelle Kwan (figure skater), Kamala Harris (U.S. vice president), and Barack Obama (former U.S. president)

Journey to America gives you all the stats, facts, and behind-the-scenes information on who they are as well as what they’ve done.

Author-illustrator Maliha Abidi’s striking illustrated portraits bring the personalities to life in vivid color. Sidebars explain historical and political facts about the immigration process, highlighting the differences between a permanent resident and a citizen, a first- and second-generation American, and more.

As children develop their own dreams for the future, the diverse stories and accomplishments of these American immigrants serve as inspiration.

Summary and cover image via Edelweiss