Faruqi, Reem Illustrated by Ani Bushry. Do You Even Know Me? May 7, 2024, 40pp. HaperCollins (9780063206182). Grades Prek-2nd
Do You Even Know Me? By Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Ani Bushry, addresses bullying and Islamophobia in a picture book for young readers that is both gentle and powerful. When elementary student Salma hears the word Muslim coming from a news anchor on tv, she is disturbed by the expression on the woman’s face, which is one of anger. Salma states that she is a Muslim, and that both her name and religion mean peace. She tells readers of how she is a peacemaker at home, between her siblings, to ants, and in the lunch line at school. She and her best friend Skye do everything together, but on a day that Skye is absent, another classmate, Luke, asks where Skye is and that “probably no one will ever sit with you or your people anymore.” Salma is upset but can’t react in time, and Luke continues his bullying, bumping into Salma on the playground with an insincere apology.
Salma gets advice from her siblings and friends, but after a classroom read-aloud about bullies results in Luke positioning himself as an anti-bully to their classmates and teacher, she does not know what to tell her teacher. Luke’s bullying becomes more and more prevalent, and Salma sits with the discomfort of her feelings over both the bullying and her inability to act. But when in the lunchroom Luke whispers “Muzzlim” to her, Salma is propelled to ask the titular question. When Luke responds by saying ”I know all about Muzzlims from TV,” Salma asserts her identity as a Muslim and tells him “what you see on TV is not who I am.” Observed by her teacher and classmates, Salma is able to recount everything that has happened and Luke faces consequences for his actions.
In the days following Luke does not interact with Salma, but later attempts to brush his bullying under the rug. Salma does not let him do this, telling her how he made her feel, and he apologies, this time with sincerity. But when Luke’s best friend is absent one day, Salma remembers how that felt and reaches out, hinting at a future of friendship and understanding.
Faruqi’s narrative addresses bullying and Islamophobia with nuance and complexity, considering childhood friendships and the weaponization of prejudice and its impact, alluding to the impact of media portrayals of Muslims on a national level on a personal every day one. Salma’s instances of standing up for herself model pathways towards resolutions with restorative practices and accountability.
Accompanying the text are Bushry’s illustrations, which speak volumes in their simplicity and warmth. The soft colors and rounded shapes complement the story’s gentle yet profound message, by focusing on the everyday in Salma’s life–from pictures decorating the family home and endpapers to friend and family dynamics–deliberately humanizes Muslim children to emphasize both commonality and the responsibility of knowing real people.
Backmatter enriches the reading experience, with both author and illustrator notes that provide valuable insights into real-world issues such as the Muslim ban, the dangers of misinformation, and emphasis on human connection. Anti-bullying resources include links to the Islamic Networks Group (ING) and Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), empowering readers to navigate complex topics with understanding and compassion and to learn. It is important to note that negative media images directly impact Muslim students. An 2020 ISPU report found in a survey of Muslim families just over half (51%) with children in K-12 public schools reported a child of theirs had been bullied for their faith in the past year. One-third of those bullied report that a teacher or school official was the bully.
Do You Even Know Me? resonates as a timely reminder of the importance and deliberate work of inclusivity, acceptance, and restorative practice. Through Salma’s journey, young readers are encouraged to embrace their identities, stand up against prejudice, and foster empathy in their communities.
Anisa’s International Day by Reem Faruqi
Golden Girl
This review was originally published in 
K-Gr 2–Amira feels conflicted when she realizes that school picture day is the same day as Eid. Spotting the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan, Amira and her brother Ziyad know it means that there will be prayers, celebrations, and skipping school the following day. Amira’s mom decorates the girl’s hands with mehndi. Amira and Ziyad prepare goody bags for the kids at the masjid, while her mother irons Amira’s Eid outfit, a beautiful blue and gold mirrored shalwar kameez. 
Though Eid is full of the joy and community she loves, missing picture day puts a damper on the celebration, until Amira thinks of a possible solution. Deceptively simple, Faruqi’s narrative gently addresses the impact that the celebration of non-dominant cultures and holidays has on children and choices families make to uphold traditions. Moreover, Amira’s conflicted feelings and insistence on finding a solution create opportunities for dialogue about the importance of acknowledging spaces that matter to children, especially while families try to foster positive identity. Azim’s illustrations are fun and colorful, with tiny details reflecting the family’s personality, while the people attending Eid celebrations at Amira’s masjid are racially and culturally diverse, with varied skin tones, body types, and expressions of fashion and style.
Back matter features an author’s note and glossary of terms, referencing Urdu and Amira and her family’s Pakistani roots.
I Can Help by Reem Faruqi
Unsettled By Reem Faruqi
Amira’s Picture Day by Reem Faruqi