Tag: reem faruqi

Do You Even Know Me? by Reem Faruqi ; Illustrated By Ani Bushry

Do You Even Know Me?
by Reem Faruqi; Illustrated By Ani Bushry
HarperCollins

From Reem Faruqi, award-winning author of Unsettled, Milloo’s Mind, and Amira’s Picture Day, comes an empowering picture book about a girl who counters bullying with love, peace, and kindness, and stands up for her Muslim culture and identity.

My name is Salma, which means peace.

Islam also means peace.

I wish more people knew that.

Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma’s religion the way she does, including news reporters and even a boy in her class, who bullies Salma for belonging to the culture and faith she loves. However, when things go too far, Salma finds the courage to defend herself.

From the acclaimed author of Milloo’s Mind, I Can Help, Amira’s Picture Day, and Lailah’s Lunchbox comes an empowering picture book about a girl who counters bullying with love, peace, and kindness.

Cover image and summary via Edelweiss

The House Without Lights: A Glowing Celebration of Joy, Warmth, and Home by Reem Faruqi; Illustrated by Nadia Alam

The House Without Lights: A Glowing Celebration of Joy, Warmth, and Home
by Reem Faruqi; Illustrated by Nadia Alam
Henry Holt and Co./Macmillan

A heartwarming family-focused picture book from the perspective of a house who wants to be decorated for the winter holidays . . . and is delighted to be lit up for Eid instead.

After seeing all of its neighbors’ twinkling lights for the winter holidays, House hopes to shine too. When Huda and her family family move in, House thinks its time to sparkle has finally come.

But, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Christmas come and go without a shimmer. Quickly, House learns that every family celebrates joy and togetherness in their own way, no matter the season. And a few months later House will see that this new family has its own holiday to shine for.

This book is sure to be a holiday classic, complete with back matter about the holidays mentioned, including the one House lights up for–Eid.

Cover image and summary via Edelweiss

Posted in Uncategorized

Do You Even Know Me? by Faruqi, Reem, Illustrated by Ani Bushry

Posted on by hijabilibrarians

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.

The Door Is Open Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices edited by Hena Khan

The Door Is Open Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices
Edited by Hena Khan

The Door Is Open

Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in this warm-hearted novel of interconnected stories that celebrates the diversity of South Asian American experiences in a local community center.

Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in the fictional town of Maple Grove, New Jersey, where the local kids gather at the community center to discover new crushes, fight against ignorance, and even save a life. Cheer for Chaya as she wins chess tournaments (unlike Andrew, she knows stupid sugary soda won’t make you better at chess), and follow as Jeevan learns how to cook traditional food (it turns out he can cook sabji– he just can’t eat it).

These stories, edited by bestselling and award-winning Pakistani-American author Hena Khan, are filled with humor, warmth, and possibility. They showcase a diverse array of talented authors with heritage from the Indian subcontinent, including beloved favorites and rising stars, who each highlight the beauty and necessity of a community center that everyone calls home.

Stories by: Veera Hiranandani, Supriya Kelkar, Maulik Pancholy, Simran Jeet Singh, Aisha Saeed, Reem Faruqi, Rajani LaRocca, Naheed Hasnat, Sayantani DasGupta, and Mitali Perkins

Cover image and summary via Hachette

Milloo’s Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women’s Education by Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

Milloo’s Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women’s Education
by Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi
HarperCollins

Perfect for fans of Malala’s Magic Pencil and She Persisted! From the author of Lailah’s Lunchbox comes a powerful picture book biography about Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, which provided education to thousands of girls across India and Pakistan at a time when girls weren’t encouraged to go to school. Maryam was a trailblazer for women’s education and the author is her granddaughter, creating a personal, inspiring tale.

Enough is enough!

Milloo lives in a time when school is considered unnecessary for girls. But to Milloo, education is not a choice; it is essential. When Milloo reads, her thoughts dance and her mind breathes. Milloo courageously dreams of becoming a teacher, but in fifth grade her parents tell her she has had enough school. Milloo is heartbroken but finds a way to achieve her educational goals, graduating high school and college with honors. When she’s married, Milloo’s husband tells her to stay home, but she does not let that stop her. She decides to open a school in her house and later expands her schools to India and Pakistan, fulfilling her dreams and those of so many young girls.

Reem Faruqi, author of Lailah’s Lunchbox and Unsettled, has written a stirring picture book biography about Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, and Reem’s grandmother. Maryam was a true trailblazer for women’s education.

Cover image and summary via Edelweiss

Anisa’s International Day by Reem Faruqi

Anisa’s International Day by Reem Faruqi
HarperCollins

From the award-winning author of Unsettled, meet Anisa, the adorable Pakistani American heroine of this irresistible younger middle grade novel about a girl who introduces her class to the art of mehndi for International Day. Filled with fun black-and-white interior art, recipes, and activities in the back matter and perfect for fans of Meet Yasmin!

Meet Anisa—she loves baking, turquoise, turtles, and ingenious ideas!

Anisa is super excited about International Day and can’t wait to share her mother’s samosas with her class. But when someone has the exact same idea, Anisa is crushed. Going to her aunt’s dholki party gives her an idea for the perfect activity instead – mehndi! There’s only one problem, Anisa’s best friend doesn’t seem to like the idea–she doesn’t even seem to like Anisa anymore. Will Anisa ever get to enjoy International Day? Reem Faruqi, the talented author of Unsettled, has written a heartwarming younger middle grade novel starring Anisa, a kind, driven, and courageous Pakistani American girl.

Cover image and summary via Edelweiss

Golden Girl by Reem Faruqi

Golden Girl
Reem Faruqi
HarperCollins

From the award winning author of Unsettled, comes her second magical middle grade novel in verse about seventh grader Aafiyah, a Pakistani American girl. This book is about her coming-of-age trials as her habit of “borrowing” glittery things overshadows otherwise good intentions, ultimately betraying her best friend and thwarting her plan to help her family in the process. This heartfelt, soul-searching story is perfect for fans of The Thing About Jellyfish and Clean Getaway.

Award-winning author Reem Faruqi delivers a powerful and relatable story that will leave readers with laughter, hope, and lessons learned. This middle grade novel in verse tackles difficult topics in a poignant way, and is infused with humor and family dynamics.

Seventh grader Aafiyah Qamar loves playing tennis, reading weird-but-true facts, and hanging out with her best friend, Zaina. However, Aafiyah has a bad habit that troubles her—she’s drawn to pretty things and can’t help but occasionally “borrow” them.

But when her father is falsely accused of a crime he hasn’t committed and gets taken in by authorities, Aafiyah knows she knows she needs to do something to help. When she brainstorms a way to bring her father back, she turns to her weird-but-true facts and devises the perfect plan.

But what if her plan means giving in to her bad habit, the one she’s been trying to stop? Aafiyah wants to reunite her family, but finds that maybe her plan isn’t so perfect after all.

Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: Unsettled

Posted on by Mahasin Abuwi Aleem

This review was originally published in School Library Journal, April 1, 2021. Unsettled will be published on May 11, 2021.

Review: Unsettled

by Reem Faruqi. HarperCollins. May 2021. 352p. Tr $16.99 ISBN 9780063044708

Gr 4–6—At home in Karachi, Pakistan, Nurah Haqq enjoys a life surrounded by family, friends, and visits to the ocean. A perfect day at the beach becomes the worst day when Nurah’s father announces that he has accepted a job offer in America. Her immediate family—father, mother, and older brother Owais—will soon relocate to the United States. Uprooted, the family settles in Peachtree City, GA, where Nurah discovers a nation of unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, and strange pronunciations. The challenges they face in America, including Nurah’s complicity in an attack on her brother, will force the girl—whose name means “light”—to face her own weaknesses, reconnect with the light within, and blossom into someone she is proud of.

Told in verse in short chapters and divided into nine sections which are illustrated with floral mehndi patterns, this is an insightful and moving narrative that tackles a wide range of salient topics, including ableism, bullying, assimilation, colorism, racial profiling, friendship, miscarriage, and domestic abuse. The brevity of some verses allows the engrossing narrative to move quickly, but also leaves some topics feeling underexamined. Faruqi beautifully weaves Urdu and Arabic terms, and Islamic concepts throughout the text, crafting an unapologetic and authentic look at what it means to grow up Pakistani and Muslim in America. Back matter, which includes a glossary of Arabic and Urdu terms, author’s note, and recipe for aloo kabab, offers additional context and opportunities for understanding and engagement.

VERDICT A thought-provoking and engaging coming-of-age story recommended for libraries of all types; will particularly appeal to fans of Jasmine Warga’s Other Words for Home, Kelly Yang’s Front Desk, and Hena Khan’s Amina’s Voice.

—Mahasin A. Aleem, Oakland P.L., CA

Posted in Activities, Books, Reviews

Review & Extended Activity: Amira’s Picture Day

Posted on by Ariana Hussain

This review was originally published in School Library Journal in March, 2021. Additional illustrations and an activity have been added to this post.

Amira’s Picture Day

by Reem Faruqi (text) & illus. by Fahmida Azim
Holiday House. Apr. 2021. 40p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780823440191.

 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.

VERDICT A lovely addition to the collection of books about Eid that can be used all year long.

Reviewed by Ariana Sani Hussain, The Blake Sch., Wayzata, MN , Mar 01, 2021

Extended Activity & Lesson

As stated in the review above Amira’s Picture Day is an opportunity to talk to elementary students about identity and how holidays reflect identity and values. It is also an opportunity to talk about equity in holiday recognition, school calendars, and what it means to matter in all the spaces we are.

Here are some suggested questions to ask students while reading this book:

  • How do you think Amira feels about missing picture day? Have you ever had to choose between two things that are important to you?
  • Do you think Amira’s parents understand how she feels at first? Is Eid or picture day more important to Amira’s parents?
  • How do you know that Amira’s parents want the children to be involved in the community?
  • What is Amira’s masjid like? Does everyone look similar in body shape, skin tone, or dress or are they different? What do you observe about Amira’s Muslim community?
  • How do you think Amira feels when she is at school wearing her shalwar kameez? How do you think she might feel about her friends seeing her in her shalwar kameez instead of her pink dress?

Pair this book with these videos about recognizing holidays.

Questions:

  • For the people in the videos what does it means to have their holiday recognized by their schools?
  • What would it mean to have no holidays recognized? If winter and spring breaks stayed the same, what would it mean for holidays like Christmas or Easter? Is not recognizing any holidays but still keeping the same breaks really being fair to everyone?
  • Have you ever had to go to school on a holiday that was important to you? How do you think it would feel to have to go to school on a holidays that was really important to you or your family?
  • How do you think it would feel to have to choose between a holidays that is important to you and a big test that would impact your next school year?
  • How did Linda’s daughter feel about seeing her holidays on the school calendar? What does it mean to have schools recognize your holidays?
  • How does it feel to have schools recognize your identity, culture, and history?

I Can Help by Reem Faruqi

I Can Help by Reem Faruqi
Illustrated by Mikela Provost
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

When Ms. Underwood asks if anyone wants to help Kyle, Zahra always volunteers. She loves spending time with Kyle—he’s creative and generous, and he makes the funniest jokes at lunch. But when Zahra’s other classmates start teasing her for helping him, she starts making choices she regrets.

I Can Help is a gentle, sensitive portrayal of reaching out, facing peer pressure, and learning from past mistakes. With thoughtful storytelling and poignant illustrations, this book will open discussions about choosing kindness in the classroom and beyond.

Cover image and summary via Eerdmans