Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: Halal Hot Dogs

This review was originally published in School Library Journal, April 1, 2021. Additional images from publisher’s websiteHalal Hot Dogs will be published on May 4, 2021.

Review: Halal Hot Dogs

by Susannah Aziz (text), illus. by Parwinder Singh. Little Bee Books. May 2021. 40p. Tr $17.99 ISBN 9781499811575

Gr 2–4—It’s Friday, Musa’s favorite day of the week—the day his family, including his mother, father, siblings, and grandfather walk together to attend Jummah prayer service at a local masjid and have a special meal together afterward. After weeks of waiting and enduring some food mishaps, it’s finally Musa’s turn to choose the family’s post-Jummah treat. He knows exactly what he wants: halal hot dogs from a stand near the masjid, topped with Salam sauce, of course.

This lively tale chronicles Musa’s Friday adventure through the streets of his vibrant urban neighborhood. Bright cartoon illustrations contribute to the feel of the story. While the family’s ethnic identity isn’t explicitly identified, references to dishes such as molokhia and kefte, and mentions of cultural traditions (debke, a folk dance popular in Palestinian and Lebanese communities), as well as depictions of family members wearing traditional dress, offer an unabashed representation of a loving and positive Middle Eastern family. Community members at the masjid and in the neighborhood are depicted in various skin tones, shapes, and sizes, with names representing diverse ethnic backgrounds. A glossary of Arabic words and terms and an explanation of halal laws provide additional context.

VERDICT An enjoyable tour of food, faith, and family.

—Mahasin A. Aleem, Oakland P.L., CA

Posted in Book Discussions, Books, Reviews

Review and Book Discussion: Fatima’s Great Outdoors

Fatima’s Great Outdoors, a picture book about an Indian American Muslim family’s experience camping, was published on March 30, 2021. It’s proven to be a wonderful book for sparking discussions about a host of topics, including the range of representation in immigrant experiences in children’s literature, especially as it relates to the South Asian community.      

We have also had conversations amongst ourselves about the content and deliberate framing of the book, especially in light of the NPR interview with author Ambreen Tariq, and the points she brings up about outdoor spaces and of national parks and Native land (read this perspective about national parks and native land from the Atlantic) and the historical violence against Black people in the woods. 

What follows are three perspectives on the book from Hijabi Librarian contributors:

  • Ariana’s starred review for School Library Journal,
  • Noureen’s review (below) that includes concerns that she has as a Pakistani American immigrant,
  • as well as observations from Amna, who is a Pakistani Canadian immigrant.

Noureen’s review:

Tariq, Ambreen. Fatima’s Great Outdoors. Illus. by Steve Lewis. 2021. 40p. Penguin Young Readers Group $17.99 (ISBN 9781984816955) Grades K-3

Fatima Khazi, an eight-year-old immigrant from India, is excited for her first ever camping trip with her family. After a rough week at school, this is the perfect getaway. Packed into the car, snacking on savory Indian treats, and singing along to old Bollywood songs by Rafi, a popular singer in India, the family makes their way to the campsite. The resourcefulness and ingenuity of her mother solves problems with a frightening spider, a stubborn tent, and a campfire that won’t catch. Fatima and her hardworking parents want to enjoy this “great American pastime” and eat Halal bacon along with their traditional Indian meal of shami kababs, roti, and anda. 

There is a certain unease in the story and sadness to Fatima’s character that is hard to ignore through the book. Fatima feels a sense of displacement and misses her life in India. There are no fellow immigrants or people of color that she can relate to at school or in the park. Fatima is clearly struggling with a lot of anxiety and worry. She misses her parents that work long hours and feels overshadowed by her sister, who seems to be adjusting more easily socially and academically at school, while Fatima is bullied at school for her thick accent, her appearance, and lunch.

The introduction of South Asian immigrant lifestyle is a bit cliche, and includes living in a one room house, working two jobs, not using paper products, eating home-cooked meals, and being resourceful. The Khazis’ life in India is portrayed through stereotypical struggles of Fatima’s mother in a small village with a woodburning stove, dealing with lizards and scorpions, while her father’s ineptness outdoors is due to his upbringing in  the city. 

The family’s past life is creatively mirrored on a two page spread and gives the readers a chance to take a closer look at the day-to-day Indian family’s lifestyle in the clothing, household items and setting. 

South Asian readers will relate to cultural touches and vocabulary in the book. However, there is no glossary to help other readers understand these unfamiliar words like nani (maternal grandmother), Apa (older sister), shabash (word of encouragement), roti (bread), shami kebabs (beef patties), samosas (fried pastry), aanda (fried egg), ghee (clarified butter), and Rafi, a famous singer from India. 

Lewis’s choice of  color palette and use of light at different times of the day is exquisite and intricate. Resulting in the backdrop of the great outdoors that feels like a dreamy and enchanted woodland. 

It is an endearing book for young readers, though its tropes and cliches were a bit excessive for a South Asian immigrant like myself. Even so, I feel that the book is a nice introduction to the immigrant experience. Venturing into camping is clearly a step into the unknown, just like immigrating to a brand new country is a huge step in itself. The reader roots for this little girl and her family’s resourcefulness. 

Focusing on Fatima’s family and her mostly white classmates at the beginning of the book, there is not much racial diversity depicted with the exception of a multiracial group holding a “Brown People Camping” banner (the author founded the movement) at the end of the book.  

The story makes many people of color feel welcome in the outdoors. The close-knitted family structure and the quality of art combines for a riveting read. People of all ages will enjoy this story as they remember memories of the trips they have taken with their families. 

Thank you to Kokila for providing digital access to this book. Fatima’s Great Outdoors was published March 30,2021.

Amna’s thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this story. I could relate to Fatima a lot, even though in my family, I am the aapa (or big sister). I appreciated the references to Bollywood songs, foods like shami kabab, anda (egg) and roti. I think that non-Urdu speakers may not understand all cultural and food references, especially since anda is not depicted, and a glossary is not included. This was not a problem for me as a reader, but I wanted to mention it. Another important detail enjoyed seeing was that the author was intentional in depicting the family getting meat from the halal butcher – I’ve never seen that mentioned in a picture book before! 

Fatima’s mother was shown as a very practical and fearless woman and it was explained why her dad was so out of his element in the outdoors. I appreciated that her dad was not afraid to use the stove to make breakfast. 

Overall, the family’s excitement in being together and trying something new, coupled with the lovely illustrations, is well conveyed and heartfelt. The illustrations really give the reader the opportunity to get to know the family more deeply, especially in the scenes and use of color palette that contrasts the family’s life in India with their life in the United States. 

I appreciated the framing of Fatima and her sister’s school life, adjusting to new situations as new immigrants without first mentioning they were immigrants, as most of the incidents Fatima went through could easily happen to other children. Fatima’s experiences were very relatable, however, I appreciated the juxtaposition of her sister’s easy academic adaptation, challenging the idea that people have to have the same immigrant experiences, and that this experience can vary even amongst family members. 

Here in Canada, we have a program called Learn to Camp which is offered by Parks Canada. Learn to Camp presents at libraries and other organizations to instruct potential campers on how to plan, organize, and do everything related to camping. The last illustration shows campers holding a Brown People Camping banner and reminds me of the last session I hosted at my library in 2019, where the speaker emphasized the idea of camping for everyone, and being inclusive of campers of many different ethnic backgrounds. 

Readers Weigh-in

What did you think about this story and the intentionality behind it? Did you connect with any of the characters’ experiences?

Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: Hannah and the Ramadan Gift

Hannah and the Ramadan Gift by Qasim RashidThis review was originally published in School Library Journal, March 1, 2021. Additional images have been added to this post.

Hannah and the Ramadan Gift

by Qasim Rashid (text), illus. by Aaliya Jaleel.
Penguin Random House/Viking Books for Young Readers. Apr. 2021. 40p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780593114667

Gr 1-5- At eight years old, Hannah’s family says she is too young to fast from dawn to sunset through the month of Ramadan, but Dada Jaan has an idea of how Hannah can help. He says that Ramadan is a reminder to Muslims to help those in need and helping neighbors is worth the world. In her independent actions in school and at home, the girl finds that helping is more difficult than it seems. At the end of Ramadan, celebrating with her religious and ethnically diverse community, Hannah wonders what, if any, impact her actions have made and whether it is enough. Human rights activist, attorney, and former candidate for Virginia State Senate Rashid’s narrative shows the positive and local action children can take and the wisdom and kindness gained through learning from elders. Jaleel’s palette of saturated pinks, purples, yellows, and aqua conveys the passage of time through the month while tying in common Islamic geometric patterns and decor. Language and visual markers indicate Hannah and her family are South Asian and an author’s note describes Eid with family and community in Pakistan and in the United States. Though this narrative is accessible to all Muslims and non-Muslim readers, it particularly reflects Rashid’s Ahmadiyya Muslim values in service to humanity, peace, and love of mankind.

VERDICT A Ramadan narrative that inspires action and reflection for all readers. Purchase for all collections.
-Ariana Sani Hussain, The Blake Sch., Wayzata, MN

Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: In My Mosque

In My Mosque

Yuksel, M. O. In My Mosque. Illus. by Hatem Aly. 2021. 40p. Harpercollins/Harper, $17.99 (9780062978707). Pre-S-Gr 3.

What is a mosque? What does it looks like inside and what do people do there? This beautiful book transports readers on a magical journey inside famous mosques around the world, various Islamic practices, diverse communities, and cultural elements they encompass. Evoking feelings of immense joy and peace, this book is an open and warm invitation to readers and the world to come in and explore this important space and the religion that is practiced by 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.

Gorgeous endpapers feature birds, patterned in colorful geometric-shapes set against a black background. Each spread pairs elements of Islamic practice and worship in famous mosques. Colors are vibrant and celebratory of everyday scenes captured from the joyful perspective of Muslim children. Paired with simple lyrical text that describes the people, practices, activities, and surro

undings the way a child would notice them. For instance, before entering the mosque worshippers first remove their shoes, which are described is being lined up “like colorful beads” while the opposite page describes the sensation of wiggling and sinking his toes into “the silky-soft carpet.”, Children share other observations and sensations, and readers are immersed into their feelings of gentle comfort in listening to the recitations and the clicking sound of tasbih (prayer beads), the cooing of pigeons outside the mosque, the warm hugs of loving family members, and the smells of delicious food.

Children are depicted in poses of relaxation, glancing out the window, distracted in prayers, shushing each other when they are not supposed to be talking, and running and playing in the spaces. Adults are shown as gentle and patient, and the mosque is presented as a place where children learn religious culture and heritage and grow up feeling safe and loved by their community.

Children are also active participants in their community, showing small acts of kindness, such as helping elderly or disabled worshippers, or passing out prayer beads, mats, and collecting and distributing food. One child is also seen in active prayer, finishing salat by saying “peace and blessings be upon you/As-salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” (in Arabic). The text in this particular spread reads, “In my mosque we end our prayers by greeting the angels on our shoulders who watch over us day and night. My angels cheer me on as I whisper heartfelt wishes and hope they all come true.” Though the wording of duas solely as wishes does not quite encompass the entirety of the meaning, framed in the context of a child’s understanding, it is sufficient.

 

Readers see that the mosque is not only a place of worship, but a place of community and one where the community also builds itself and contributes to larger community needs. Commonality with other faiths is also emphasized. It is a gathering place for people to find each other, refresh their faith and listen to uplifting sermons, “in my mosque, we pray for peace, love, and joy…just like my friends who worship in churches, temples, and synagogues.”

The illustrations are diverse with worshippers reflecting different countries and set against the backdrop of architecture and geometric mosaic patterns specific to each region. Arabic style calligraphy is incorporated throughout the book. The book mentioned that Aly’s breathtaking  illustrations were created by using digital rendering and scans of ink washes, textures, and patterns

While the book’s backmatter includes a note about mosques, a glossary, and author’s note, and a selection of mosques around the world, it does not specify which mosque is which in the book itself, though readers with background knowledge will be able to identify many of them. However, this information is available on the author’s website and includes an annotation with other information about each specific mosque (including the Diyanet Center in Lanham, Maryland), and also includes discussion questions and activitie
s for families and educators.

An awe-inspiring book that shows parallels between different religious places of worship, and highlights both universality of faiths and uniqueness of Islam and its places of worship.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: Home Is Not a Country

Elhillo, Safia. Home Is Not a Country. 2021. 224p. Make Me a World, $17.99. (9780593177051). Grades 8-12

Written in verse, Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo is a novel in four parts of a young woman, contextually indicated to be Sudanese American, in the diaspora struggling to place her identity within the world around her.

Nima sees herself as a shadow of the girl “she could have been,” if only she was given the name Yasmeen instead of Nima. Elhillo navigates the literal and metaphysical power of a name and the effect it has on a person’s identity, constructing the story from this inadequacy felt by Nima. Nima’s family, community, language and physical traits also become a source of conflict for her, building upon this idea of identity, questioning belonging, and being one’s own biggest enemy. There is culture, religion, history, and trauma behind Nima’s name, and readers follow her journey in learning about its origin.

In the first two parts of the novel especially, these identity markers are a source of confusion and sometimes disdain for the main character. As this conflict hits the peak of its extremity, Elhillo introduces mystical and fantastical elements to the story, one in which Nima further explores her history and comes to terms with what her name is, where she comes from, and the sacrifices of those around her that she thought she knew. The last two parts of this novel are the real standouts: the whimsy, the unexpected turn of events, the exceptional and lyrical use of language as we follow along the story. Elhillo creates a metaphor for searching for your history and learning about your past in a most unexpected way that really elevates this novel. As this story is written in verse, the pace moves quickly as the reader follows Nima into her hole of self-doubt and dwindling self-worth. At first the poems feel like a collection, connected but not necessarily a linear telling. But as the novel moves along in Nima’s journey the poems start to feel more like a continuous story.

Digital edition with Arabic text Physical book with Arabic text, pages 14-15Nima and her family’s Muslim and Sudanese background is hinted at throughout the novel, and there is Arabic script used in the text. Dialogue and commentary from other characters are in italics and ampersands are used in place of the word “and.” Set against the backdrop of 9/11, Nima and her small community’s religion, brown skin, and assumed foreignness, make them a target of Islamophobia. Nima notices how this heightened awareness of growing hostilities push her mother to change the manner in which she observes hijab as a way of avoiding violence and discrimination. Her childhood friend, also a Sudanese American Muslim, is brutally attacked. In these moments, so natural to the story, readers are given a contextual and historic representation of what it was like to be visibly Muslim at that time. These two points of friction–Nima’s internal struggle and the outside discrimination, flow in tandem with each other, and at times, overlap as points of conflict. They also play into the possibilities and feelings of loss in the could-have-beens often felt by those removed from their heritage countries, and for Nima’s place and time. 

The what-could-have-beens always tend to seem like the greener pasture, but only because we never have a chance to actually live those alternate realities. The ability for Nima to explore her sense of self and intergenerational trauma through this existential journey, stories less often written or recognized for characters, and particularly women of color, makes this novel an important read. Readers who relate to Nima’s cultural and/or religious background tend to live with certain expectations that come with belonging to the diaspora. This also may include feeling disconnected to the characteristics and cultural practices, especially when faced with heightened discrimination or isolation. Nima’s journey, explored through this mystical magical realism, encourages readers to go on one of their own and explore that history which seems far away or out-of-reach. This story also examines the mystique of a parent that their children may find hard to bridge, that, when and if it is explored, humanizes them and paints a clearer picture of why they are the way they are. Elhillo creates a story that considers this unknown territory and gives young adult readers a moment to reflect on how their own generational histories may hold more revelation than they are aware of.

Home is Not a Country beautifully explores a young person’s struggle in finding her identity as well as the journey to her self-acceptance–of herself, her history and her name.

Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: The Candle and the Flame

This review was originally published in School Library Journal, May 1, 2019.

The Candle and the Flame

416p. glossary. Scholastic. May 2019. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781338306040.

Gr 7 Up—Eighteen-year-old Fatima is a human who carries the fire of the djinn within her. She’s a devout Muslim raised by her adopted Hindu family in Noor, a city along the Silk Road, when her parents and all but two other of the city’s inhabitants are slain in a massacre by the Shayateen, a class of djinn who thrive on chaos and destruction. Noor emerges from the ashes to become a vibrant multicultural city where Muslims, Hindus, and others live together in a brokered peace maintained by human rule and the protection of the Ifrit Djinn, who value order and reason. There are signs, however, that this peace is under serious threat. When Fatima’s presence at the violent death of Firdaus, a powerful Ifrit, transforms her into Fatima Ghazala, she is changed in ways that upend her identity, threaten her relationships, and thrust her into the center of the city’s ruling class. Under the protection of the Ifrit’s leader, Zulfikar, Fatima finds herself grappling with feelings she’s never had before. In this sophisticated debut novel, Azad combines Islamic concepts and Middle Eastern mythology with a variety of other traditions to create a magical treatise on identity, community, friendship, and love. Readers will identify with female characters who struggle against limiting societal expectations. The themes of trauma and grief are treated with care. Azad’s vivid depiction of the details of Noor’s sights and sounds make the city come alive. Back matter includes a glossary of terms. Readers may also enjoy the forthcoming title We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal.

VERDICT A moving commentary on gender roles, identity, love, and loss, and a first purchase for school and public libraries.
Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: The Power of Style

The Power of Style book cover

Allaire, Christian. The Power of Style, Apr. 2021. 96p. Annick Press, $19.95. (9781773214900). Grades 7-12

Self-described fashion-obsessed author of The Power of Style, Christian Allaire, presents fashion through a lens of inclusion.  Allaire, Indigenous Ojibwe from the Nipissing First Nation Reserve in Ontario, never saw anyone that looked like him in the mainstream fashion spaces. Now as fashion and style writer for Vogue, he hopes to change that. His book is a celebration of style and identity, cultural activism and empowerment, making space for those that are historically underrepresented and erased.

Colorful and bold, young adult readers can explore and learn about many different expressions of identity and fashion, and image presentations associated with them. It is divided into six sections: Sewing Traditions (focusing on ribbon work by Indigenous designers from several nations), Hair (especially in Black and Indigenous communities as an act of love and resistance), Cosplay and Body Positivity, Headcoverings, High Heels (for men, and in queer fashion), and Makeup. Throughout each chapter Allaire provides space for contributors to write their own thoughts while giving readers more context to the subject matter via definitions, infographics, and photographs. The sections are simple, but do well as a first snapshot or introduction to these topics. 

In the fourth section titled Head Strong, Allaire discusses Muslim women and the hijab (or headscarf). The definitions for hijab and modest fashion are presented on the same page early on in the section. This gives readers an idea of how these concepts intersect while also showing that modest fashion is a concept that falls outside of religion, which is a pretty important distinction to have in a book like this. Head Strong features two main Muslim women who identify as hijabi. The first is Haute Hijab designer and owner, Melanie Elturk. The second is Leah Vernon, fashion influencer, model, and author of Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim. Allaire includes a discussion about hijab on the runway as well as in professional sports. This section includes a diversity of images and contributors of Muslim women; there is no one image or fashion that is highlighted as to what “hijabi” looks like. Also, when discussing performance hijabs, instead of naming large corporations, Allaire highlights a small Muslim owned brand. This chapter is a great introduction to hijabi fashion and frames a moment for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to learn about its different aspects and expressions.Fashion is quite personal and connects many aspects of a person’s identity. Allaire creates the opportunity for minoritized groups to see the fashion that embraces identity and cultural expressions within a book, while opening the metaphorical door for readers to learn about other fashions and identities. The Power of Style is a powerful and highly anticipated release that should be in every young adult nonfiction collection.

 

 

Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures

Springstubb, Tricia. Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures. Illus. by Elaheh Taherian. 2020. 32p. Candlewick Press, $16.99 (USD)/$22.76 (CAD). (9781536203066). PreS-Gr 1.

This gentle and heart-warming story explores an intergenerational friendship and the power of words. Khalil moves to the upper floor of a house with his loud and busy family, while Mr. Hagerty, an older white man, lives on the floor below. During the summer, Khalil and Mr. Hagerty spend time in the backyard – Khalil searching for bugs, rocks, and other treasures while Mr. Hagerty works in his garden. They bond, as Mr. Hagerty helps Khalil read his library books and Khalil helps him remember the names of things he’s forgotten i.e. what his “digging thing, [his] hole-maker” is called. One day, when things don’t go as planned, they take a break over “chocolate cake and tall, cold glasses of milk.” That night, over their respective dinners, they each come up with an idea to brighten the others’ day. The clever and sweet ending is a perfect way to portray a growing friendship and sharing the simple pleasures of life.

Taherian’s playful collage-style illustrations portray the juxtaposition of the two households. For example, in one spread Khalil and family can be seen through the upper window; their curtains with bright and bold patterns, texture, and colors conveying their liveliness, whereas in the lower window Mr. Hagerty sits alone, reading—his curtains simple and monochrome. Springstubb’s simple text pairs well with Taherian’s illustrations, both working to highlight the purity and simplicity of the relationship.

While Khalil and his family are not identified as Muslims and there is no reference in the text or visuals to Islam, the name Khalil, meaning “friend” in Arabic is a possible indication that the family is Muslim.  In this interview, the author explains that this book was inspired by an Iraqi refugee family. Khalil’s character is modeled after the eldest boy in that family. Mr. Hagerty’s character is based on her own grandfather, who was Irish-American.The book is also dedicated to the “real” Khalil and his three younger brothers.

Posted in Activities, Books, Reviews

Review & Extended Activity: Amira’s Picture Day

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

 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.

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?
Posted in Books, Reviews

Review: Muslim Representation in Picture Books (School Library Journal)

This piece was originally published for School Library Journal in October 2020.

Muslim Representation in Picture Books

Picture books enable readers to see themselves reflected in the larger world. With increasing Muslim representation in published books, all readers can explore the diversity of Muslim communities, identities, and cultural backgrounds as they intersect to create unique expressions of Islamic cultures and practices. Picture books also offer a visually intimate look into Muslim experiences and places where individual and private family traditions, conversations, and interactions flourish.

These books were published in 2019–20 (with one from 2018) by mainstream publishing houses. In searching for books published during this time frame, we found few Muslim male authors and protagonists. In some books, characters are not explicitly Muslim, but nomenclature and context (often a headscarf on a female character) offer clues. In some representations of Muslims in stories, a khimar or hijab (to name a few of the terms used for headscarf) on a female character is still the prevailing identity marker but serves to identify only Muslim girls and women. Also, books may depict Muslim girls wearing hijab at young ages, when it is commonly not worn, or portray girls and women wearing hijab in situations where it is usually not worn. Because there are fewer identity markers for Muslim boys, they often remain invisible.

#OwnVoices representation provides nuanced authenticity as well as subtle allusions to racial diversity in Muslim communities and families, with characters of varied skin tones and clothing styles. As we stated in our 2019 SLJ piece about Muslim representation in YA literature, we hope that publishers will release more books about Muslims and amplify the voices of Muslim populations that are less frequently heard from or seen.

Dee, Noor H. I Say Collection with Nabil and Noura. illus. by Iput. Islamic Foundation. May 2020. ISBN 9780860377825.
PreS-K –This collection of board books follows siblings Nabil and Noura as they explain how common Islamic phrases such as as-salamu’alaykum and bismillah are used in everyday life. Each title includes the phrase written in Arabic with diacritical marks to indicate vowels and stops, transliteration, and translation into English. Simple but profound, these cheery offerings will foster understanding of words used by Muslims and Arabic speakers across the globe. Nabil and Noura are light-skinned, and Noura wears a headscarf; their ethnicity is unclear. Dee and Iput are both Indonesian.

Javaherbin, Mina. My Grandma and Me. illus. by Lindsey Yankey. Candlewick. 2019. ISBN 9781406384949.
PreS-Gr 3 –In this tender, autobiographical story, Iranian American author Javaherbin recalls cherished moments with her grandmother in Iran. Through daily chores, acts of faith like attending mosque and doing charity work, and a beautiful interfaith friendship between the narrator and her grandmother and their Christian friends, her grandma exudes wisdom, generosity, and love. Soft, muted illustrations are made richer with cultural detail, conveying a nostalgia-tinged reminiscence of precious time spent with a loved one.

Khalil, Aya. The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story. illus. by Anait Semirdzhyan. Tilbury. Feb. 2020. ISBN 9780884487548.
K-Gr 3 –Kanzi, an Egyptian immigrant to the United States, worries about not fitting in at her new school, and her fears are heightened when a classmate mocks her and her mother for speaking Arabic. Wrapped in her Teita’s (grandma’s) quilt, Kanzi writes a poem that inspires a classroom quilt project, with her teacher facilitating a discussion of English words that come from Arabic, language appreciation, and acceptance. Muted illustrations and gentle, reassuring text tell a story of a young girl finding pride and love in the languages she speaks. A glossary of Egyptian Arabic terms is included.

Khan, Hena. Like the Moon Loves the Sky. illus. by Saffa Khan. Chronicle. Mar. 2020. ISBN 9781452180199.
PreS-Gr 1 –In eloquent and expressive poetic verses inspired by the Qur’an, a mother shares wishes for her child using the Arabic phrase inshallah (“if God wills it”). She hopes that her child will find wonder in the natural world, seek and reflect on knowledge, and speak “truth [while] working for its sake”—in short, become an integral part of the world and contribute to its betterment. The family is depicted as brown-skinned, and an older woman and a younger child wear headscarves, though their ethnicity is not directly stated; the author is Pakistani American. With vibrant illustrations, this book celebrates a parent’s unconditional love and faith.

Khan, Hena. Under My Hijab. illus. by Aaliya Jaleel. Lee & Low. 2019. ISBN 9781620147924.
PreS-Gr 3 –In a powerful narrative that demystifies hijab and individualizes its wearers, a brown-skinned young girl examines the private and professional lives of the women in her life. Jaleel’s warm illustrations feature women from a multiracial family and community, of different ages, skin tones, and body shapes, depicted with and without headscarves. This delightful portrayal of the different styles of hijab also demonstrates how personality can be conveyed with each twist of fabric.

Latham, Irene & Karim Shamsi-Basha. The Cat Man of Aleppo. illus. by Yuki Shimizu. Putnam. ISBN 9781984813787.
K-Gr 4 – Ambulance driver Alaa stays in his beloved Aleppo, helping the injured while many flee the ongoing war. Noticing how the cats of the city are also affected, Alaa cares for them; as his story reaches others, he obtains funding from all over the world. Soon he helps the cats, other animals, children, and adults to find a home and moments of joy and hope. Based on the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, this is an inspiring tale of compassion. Shimizu’s breathtaking illustrations and notes from Alaa and the book’s creators add nuance.

Lumbard, Rabiah York. The Gift of Ramadan. illus. by Laura K. Horton. Albert Whitman. 2019. ISBN 9780807529065.
PreS-Gr 3 – When Sophia’s family puts up lights for Ramadan, her grandmother calls them “Pretty and sparkly. Just like the heart of a person who fasts.” Though Sophia finds fasting difficult, with the help of her grandma, she learns that there are many different ways to celebrate Ramadan. Seeing her mother reading the Qur’an and her father assisting neighbors, she finds a way to become involved, help others, and earn something very important to her, the sparkly heart of a believer. Sophia’s family is depicted as multiracial (Sophia’s mother has pale skin and her father has dark skin, while Sophia and her brother and grandmother are the same shade of medium brown). Colorful illustrations enhance this lovely story about Ramadan and its special place as a month of celebration.

Mir, Saira. Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time. illus. by Aaliya Jaleel. S. & S./Salaam Reads. 2019. ISBN 9781534418882.
K-Gr 5 –This collection of illustrated profiles highlights 19 contemporary Muslim women in science, education, fashion, entertainment, politics, activism, and other fields. The women represent various national origins, body types, and skin tones (some wear headscarves; others don’t). Mir notes that these individuals are part of a long line of empowered Muslim women who have made their mark on the world. A quote from each subject is paired with Jaleel’s dynamic illustrations of them in action.

Muhammad, Ibtihaj with S.K. Ali. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family. illus. by Hatem Aly. Little, Brown. 2019. ISBN 9780316519007.
K-Gr 4 –Shopping with her mother and younger sister Faizah, African American Muslim Asiya finds the perfect scarf for her first day of wearing a hijab and first day of school. Faizah is equally enamored of her older sister’s choice, a blue scarf the “color of the ocean.” Told from Faizah’s point of view, this tale depicts the highs, lows, and ultimate triumph of Asiya’s first day covering her hair at school. Bright, bold blues evoke strength, pride, and love, with details that respectfully capture the characters’ African American heritage.

Ramadan, Danny. Salma the Syrian Chef. illus. by Anna Bron. Annick. Mar. 2020. ISBN 9781773213750.
PreS-Gr 3 –Salma and her mother, Syrian refugees living in Vancouver, Canada, miss home, so, with the help of friends at the refugee center, Salma attempts to prepare her mother’s favorite dish, foul shami, to finally make her mother laugh again. Striking illustrations and use of Syrian motifs frame Salma’s heartwarming story as she adjusts to her new home and finds moments of joy with the help of a loving community of refugees from around the world.

Saeed, Aisha. Bilal Cooks Daal. illus. by Anoosha Syed. S. & S./Salaam Reads. 2019. ISBN 9781534418103.
PreS-Gr 3 –Creamy, garlicky, slow-cooked daal is Pakistani American Bilal’s favorite meal. But his friends, who have never eaten the spiced lentil dish, are unsure about how it looks and smells, causing Bilal some apprehension, even as more friends join to help him and Abu (his father) prepare the meal. Bilal’s story speaks to the anxiety of children whose food is often othered, while instilling pride and love in their culture. An author’s note includes a recipe and information about daal as a staple food in South Asia, including Pakistan, where Bilal’s grandparents grew up.

Sullivan, Rosana. Mommy Sayang. illus. by author. Disney. 2019. ISBN 9781368015905.
PreS-Gr 1 –Aleeya and her Mommy sayang (dear mommy) spend every waking moment together in their Malaysian village—and even sleep can’t part them, as Aleeya dreams of her beloved parent. When Mommy gets sick, Aleeya feels the separation acutely. Remembering her dreams, she finds a way to help her mother feel better. Featuring delicate linework and centering Malaysian Muslims of different skin tones and body sizes, this tale is both a beautiful example of representation and a sensitive way to explain and process feelings around parent-child separation.

Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah. Mommy’s Khimar. illus. by Ebony Glenn. S. & S./Salaam Reads. 2018. ISBN 9781534400597.
PreS-Gr 2 –A young African American Muslim girl admires her mother as she covers her hair with a khimar, or “flowing scarf.” Exploring her mother’s closet, the girl adorns herself with a sunshine yellow khimar over her braids, awakening her imagination to multiple possibilities. Illustrated in radiant colors and brimming with universal appeal, this is a joyful and much-needed representation of a loving, intergenerational, interfaith, African American Muslim family and their multiracial mosque community.

Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah. Your Name Is a Song. illus by Luisa Uribe. Innovation. Jul. 2020. ISBN 9781943147724.
K-Gr 5 –At the end of the first day of school, a young Black Muslim girl is upset because her classmates and teacher “could not say her name.” As she and her mother walk home through their bustling, multiethnic neighborhood, her mother teaches her that “names are songs,” each conveying an innate melody. Soft, flowing illustrations complement lyrical text affirming that all names are valid and worthy of respect. The narrative reflects a common experience for many BIPOC families, who must uplift their children’s identities and teach them tools to defuse and defend against microaggressions from both peers and teachers.


Sara G. Ahmed is a general services librarian in Delaware County, PA. Mahasin Abuwi Aleem is the children’s collection management librarian for the Oakland (CA) Public Library System. Ariana Sani Hussain is a teacher librarian at the Blake School in the Minneapolis suburbs. Hadeal Salamah is a librarian at Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC.