The Islamic month of Ramadan is a solemn holiday of fasting, charity, and additional prayer, culminating in the joyous feasting of Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan mubarak to those observing, and Happy Eid!

We’d like to call your attention to archived reading suggestions from our friends at KitaabWorld, who used to review and recommend children’s books with a focus on South Asian culture and identity, and now Lantern Reads, for additional titles and much more. Also check out Heidi Rabinowitz and Sadaf Siddique's recent Horn Book Magazine articles "We Need Diverse Jewish and Muslim Books: A Conversation" and "We Need Diverse Muslim and Jewish Books: An Update." Additionally, Boston-based publisher Mango & Marigold Press (formerly Bharat Babies) has two books on the topic: Amal’s Ramadan and Amal’s Eid, both written by Amy Maranville and illustrated by Joshua Stevens, which star a little boy who excitedly describes the ways his warm observant Muslim family celebrates the holidays. Hijabi Librarians, too, is a good place to find reviews, blog posts, and interviews. And Simon & Schuster’s imprint Salaam Reads is publishing books for all ages focused on Muslim characters and experiences.

Little Simon’s Celebrate the World board-book series includes Ramadan by Hannah Eliot and illustrated by Rashin. Eliot’s accessible text gives a straightforward but warm overview of the significance of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr; traditions associated with each holiday; and the holidays’ important themes of gratitude and good works. Rashin’s textured, brightly hued acrylic and oil illustrations affectionately portray the celebrations of diverse Muslim families and communities. (See also Rashin’s semi-autobiographical picture book Saffron Ice Cream, about which we are still dreaming after her visit to Simmons).

Of additional interest may be our "Refugees welcome here: resources and booklist" compiled in response to rising Islamophobia and our booklists for World Refugee Day; Julie Hakim Azzam's Horn Book Magazine article "'Mommy, Do I Have White Skin?': Skin Color, Family, and Picture Books," about seeking out and reading mirror books with her Arab American children; and this Family Reading post to celebrate Muslim Women's Day.

The following books can be a part of a child’s annual holiday observation or an engaging introduction to new traditions. All titles for primary readers and up were recommended by The Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide at the time of their publication; reviews are reprinted from the Guide/Reviews Database. Board book reviews are original hbook.com content.

Preschool

Katz, Karen  My First Ramadan
32 pp. Holt 2007
Trade ISBN 978-0-8050-7894-7

A young Muslim boy describes the ways his family celebrates the holy month of Ramadan, explaining some of the rituals and symbols of the holiday. Straightforward, easy-to-read text and bright, friendly collage and mixed-media illustrations make this a solid, approachable resource for Muslim and non-Muslim children alike.

Khan, Hena  It’s Ramadan, Curious George
16 pp. Houghton 2016
Trade IBSN 978-0-544-65226-2

Illustrated by Mary O’Keefe Young. George participates in his friend Kareem’s family’s Ramadan celebrations, from the beginning until its end with the festival of Eid al-Fitr. This year is a special one for Kareem, who is fasting during daylight hours for the first time. It’s not easy, but Kareem succeeds. Kareem and George attend mosque, do good deeds, break fast with a delicious meal and prayers, and admire the crescent moon in rhyming text and textured, softly colored H. A. Rey–style illustrations. George is respectful of his friend’s observance of the holy month but maintains his customary playfulness, e.g., entertaining children by juggling cans at the mosque’s food drive.

Yuksel, M. O.  In My Mosque
40 pp. HarperCollins/Harper 2021
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-297870-7
Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-308944-0

Illustrated by Hatem Aly. "As-salaamu Alaykum!" Young readers are welcomed to a mosque brimming with faithful family, friends, and community. A child narrator tells us about the people, sights, and sounds encountered in their mosque; engaging digital illustrations incorporate scans of ink washes, textures, and patterns that add culturally meaningful detail to the colorful scenes. Both text and art convey some tenets of Islam and emphasize the mosque's role as a place for faith and celebration. An author's note provides some more information; an annotated list of historic mosques around the world might inspire further research. A glossary and source list are appended.

Primary

Addasi, Maha  Time to Pray
32 pp. Boyds 2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-611-6

Illustrated by Ned Gannon. Translated by Nuha Albitar. In a bilingual English and Arabic text, Addasi's narrator describes her introduction to Muslim prayer rituals while visiting her grandmother in an unspecified Middle Eastern country. The information imparted about Islam will make this book valuable for many readerships. Rich-hued illustrations with patterned borders reflect the loving familial relationship.

Addasi, Maha  The White Nights of Ramadan
32 pp. Boyds 2008
Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-523-2

Illustrated by Ned Gannon. Noor and her brothers join their parents and grandparents in candy making, prayer, charity work, and a traditional nighttime walk to celebrate Girgian, when the moon is full, to mark the middle of Ramadan. Though the text is overly explanatory, sensory details enhance the story. The glowing illustrations, accomplished in color and shading, can be stiff. Glos.

Ali, A. E.  Our Favorite Day of the Year
40 pp. Simon/Salaam 2020
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-8563-0
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-8564-7

Illus. by Rahele Jomepour Bell. On the first day of kindergarten, Musa finds himself seated at a table with three other children. Ms. Gupta explains that by the end of the year these strangers will be good friends, and one way they will all get to know one another is via show-and-tell sharing of their "favorite day." Her favorite day is the first day of school; Musa knows that his favorite day is the Muslim holiday at the end of Ramadan, Eid el-Fitr ("Surely Eid was everyone’s favorite day"). When it’s his turn for show-and-tell, Musa’s mother comes to class to share the foods, decorations, and traditions associated with Eid. The classmates at Musa’s table, in turn, share their favorite days: Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas, and even Pi Day (March 14, natch). The illustrations, using "digital brushes and scanned, hand-printed textures," juxtapose each child’s family celebration of their favorite day alongside the class’s engagement with it, with attention to detail that gives each celebration specificity. Lush endpapers feature a textured quilt that stitches together squares representing different cultural celebrations. This warmhearted, inclusive story turns a simple act of show-and-tell into an opportunity to share identity and culture in a way that fosters curiosity and generosity toward difference. 

Bullard, Lisa  Rashad's Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
24 pp. Millbrook 2012
Library ISBN 978-0-7613-5079-8
Paper ISBN 978-0-7613-8842-5

Illustrated by Holli Conger. Cloverleaf Books: Holidays and Special Days series. Rashad and his Muslim family observe Ramadan: "a time to get closer to Allah," a time for thinking about Allah and others. Rashad's first-person narration and bright, cheerful illustrations combine for a simple and accessible introduction to Islamic holy month; text boxes provide additional information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Faruqi, Reem  The House Without Lights
40 pp. Holt 2024
Trade ISBN 9781250907219
Ebook ISBN 9781250399564

Illustrated by Nadia Alam. A house waits with anticipation for its new family to move in, envious of other houses' decorations for Christmas, plus Diwali and Hanukkah. But Huda's family doesn't put up Christmas lights when they arrive, and the house is a little disappointed. Gradually House grows to love the family, comforting and protecting them, and is content waiting until the family decorates for Eid. "A few months later, on a warm night under a new crescent moon, House TWINKLED." Soft illustrations feature a joyful Muslim family and welcoming neighbors in a gentle celebration of religious diversity.

Faruqi, Reem  Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
32 pp. Tilbury 2015
Trade ISBN 978-0-88448-431-8
Ebook ISBN 978-0-88448-432-5

Illustrated by Lea Lyon. When Lailah, a recent immigrant from Abu Dhabi, fasts for Ramadan for the first time, she's embarrassed to tell people at her new Georgia school. An empathetic librarian helps Lailah overcome her fear, and she shares a Ramadan poem with her class. The autobiographical author's note could have provided more substantive information, but the story should start conversation. Loose watercolors show a very contemporary Muslim girl.

Gilani-Williams, Fawzia  Nabeel's New Pants: An Eid Tale
24 pp. Cavendish 2010
Trade ISBN 978-0-7614-5629-2

Illustrated by Proiti Roy. For Eid (the Muslim celebration following Ramadan), shoemaker Nabeel buys new clothing for his family. He also buys fine-but-too-long-pants for himself. The shopkeeper doesn't have time to shorten them; neither, at first, do his wife, daughter, or mother — so Nabeel takes matters into his own hands. The amusing tale (an Indian import) is illustrated with bold gouache and India-ink paintings. Glos.

Gilani-Williams, Fawzia  Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam
24 pp. Kar-Ben 2017
Library ISBN 978-1-4677-8938-7
Paper ISBN 978-1-4677-9423-7
Ebook ISBN 978-1-5124-2717-2

Illustrated by Chiara Fedele. Gilani-Williams adapts a traditionally male-centered folktale with both Jewish and Arab roots to focus on a Jewish woman (Yaffa) and a Muslim woman (Fatima), who are neighbors and friends. Both women's daily lives reveal their similarities and their compassion, particularly during a poor harvest. Fedele's evocative illustrations use texture and color (mainly red, blue, and brown) to introduce a distant land and distinct cultures.

Gonzales, Mark  Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His Daughter
32 pp. Simon/Salaam 2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-8936-2
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-8937-9

Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. Gonzales pens a loving exhortation to his daughter to embrace her cultural identity. In simple, lyrical verse, Gonzales tells his daughter that not everyone will like who she is. He advises her to identify herself by her faith, ethnicity, and language, as well as reminding her--and us all--that the Islamic faith spans many nationalities and cultures. Rich, color-saturated illustrations incorporate vibrant patterns and motifs.

Hassani, Mojdeh & Iravani, Samira  Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar
40 pp. Dial 2023
Trade ISBN 9780593110614
Ebook ISBN 9780593110621

Illustrated by Maya Fidawi. Samira, a young Iranian girl, is accompanying her grandmother, Mama Shamsi, to the outdoor market for the first time. As they walk through the streets of Tehran, Samira playfully proposes various ways that she can hide under Mama Shamsi’s chador so that she won’t get lost at the big, crowded, noisy market. Each time she does so, the long, black, cape-like garment takes on the shape of a different animal, to her grandmother’s mock dismay. The joshing gives way to an empowering conclusion, as Mama Shamsi affirms Samira’s ability to confidently explore and navigate the world around her. The book reflects the authors’ own childhood experience of the often-disparaged chador as a source of safety and comfort. Digital illustrations chock-full of interesting, culturally authentic details wrap this story up nicely.

Heiligman, Deborah  Celebrate Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr
32 pp. National Geographic 2006
Trade ISBN 0-7922-5926-2
Library ISBN 0-7922-5927-0

Holidays around the World series. These books use short, simple sentences and large, colorful, well-captioned photographs to explain each holiday's customs and traditions. Written with a global perspective in mind, the text's use of the "we" voice (rather than "they") makes the information seem more authentic and respectful. Recipes and an explanatory note from consultant Dr. Neguin Yavari are provided. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Husain, Shahrukh  The Wise Fool: Fables from the Islamic World
64 pp. Barefoot 2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-84686-226-7

Illustrated by Micha Archer. As explained in the informative introduction, stories about Mulla Nasruddin appear throughout the Islamic world. The twenty-two short tales presented here (in tiny font) always have a kernel of humanistic wisdom, whether the protagonist pronounces judgment upon the foolish behavior of others or even laughs at his own actions. Brightly patterned collages accompany the tales. A pronunciation guide is appended. Bib., glos.

J, Harris  Salam Alaikum: A Message of Peace
40 pp. Simon/Salaam 2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-8938-6
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-8939-3

Illustrated by Ward Jenkins. The Islamic greetings "Salam Alaikum" (informal) and "Assalamu Alaikum" (formal), meaning "peace be upon you," provide the poetic refrain for this picture book comprised of lyrics to British Muslim singer Harris J's international hit. The messages regarding love, peace, and community are augmented by (somewhat overly) cartoonish digital illustrations showing a diverse urban community of adults and children helping one another. Music not included.

Jalali, Reza  Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle
32 pp. Tilbury 2010
Trade ISBN 978-0-88448-321-2

Illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien. Squabbling siblings Ali and Shirin come to an accord during the course of the month-long Muslim holiday. Though the story's overly instructive tone can be irritating, libraries wanting to widen their picture book holdings about Muslim holidays may welcome this title. The illustrations show a multi-generational American family's celebration of this important festival.

Javaherbin, Mina  My Father's House
32 pp. Candlewick 2024
Trade ISBN 9781536225532

Illustrated by Lindsey Yankey. A little girl and her father explore his hometown of Isfahan in Iran. They visit the ruins of a fire temple at dawn and meet her father's friend in his Jewish neighborhood, then meet up with another friend near the centuries-old Vank church. At the city center, the girl is awed by the grand palace and mosques and reflects on how the "lace-shaped windows" of the mosque mirror the arcs in the synagogue, church, and temple. They make their way to her father's house, past the coppersmith's bazaar, where her father laughingly recalls childhood antics. At home, they are greeted by his grandmother and his former nanny, who shares some freshly baked sangak bread. Later, they sit down for a winter's meal of chicken and rice with walnut and pomegranate sauce before sleep and dreams take over. This nostalgic story is framed through Isfahan's historical monuments and the interiors of the father's house. The mixed-media illustrations are in a muted palette with bright pops of color — tiles, fabrics, household decorations. A glimpse into the rich architecture, cuisine, and interreligious history of Iran, this is also an ode to a cherished childhood and a shared past with people of different faiths. An author's note makes personal connections; a glossary is also appended.

Javaherbin, Mina  My Grandma and Me
40 pp. Candlewick 2019
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-9494-4

Illustrated by Lindsey Yankey. The narrator recalls her childhood growing up in Iran. The child accompanies her grandma on her daily routines, including spending time with friends; as Grandma and her best friend laugh, drink coffee, and knit blankets for their mosque and church, respectively, the children (and readers) witness a beautiful interfaith friendship. Yankey's muted illustrations work well to convey cherished memories and love, with thoughtful cultural details incorporated throughout.

Khan, Hena  Behind My Doors: The Story of the World's Oldest Library
40 pp. Lee & Low 2024
Trade ISBN 9781643794235

Illustrated by Nabila Adani. The Al-Qarawiyyin Library of Fez, which serves as the first-person narrator of this nonfiction picture book, beckons the reader to hear the tale of its founding, glory days, disrepair, and restoration. From a humble start ("I began as a small corner for books") within a Moroccan mosque founded in 859 CE by Fatima al Fihri, the library becomes a grand part of Al-Qarawiyyin University, a place of tranquility, reflection, and learning. Though the knowledge held within its walls is a constant, amid changing kingdoms and threat from a great fire, the library falls into disuse. Passing by the building as a child, Aziza Chaouni, who holds a familial connection to the library, later returns as an adult architect. Her team restores and preserves the library and its materials for generations of learners to come. Khan's poetic text is accompanied by Adani's equally gentle, textured imagery of geometric patterns, tiles, and architectural features of Fez. The digital illustrations are further enriched with small details from Kufic script in the Qur'an to the variety of skin tones and dress styles displayed. An author's note, a glossary, and references are included in the back matter. A lovingly told ode to libraries, Islamic intellectual history, storytelling, and the role of women in Muslim history.

Khan, Hena  Crescent Moon and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes
32 pp. Chronicle 2018
Trade ISBN 978-1-4521-5541-8

Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. Geometric shapes are compared, in simple rhyming stanzas, to shapes found in traditional Islamic architecture, art, and rituals. Minarets are cone-shaped, the Ka'aba is a cube, and so on. Mixed-media illustrations are ornate and richly colored; depicting a different country on each spread, the pictures showcase the ethnic diversity within Islam yet focus on traditional (and sometimes archaic) attire. An author's note is appended. Glos.

Khan, Hena  Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
24 pp. Chronicle 2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-8118-7905-7 Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. A child describes the religious and cultural artifacts that define Islam for her family. Her grandfather wears a white kufi; she and her dad face Mecca on a red prayer rug. The book’s strength is in the saturated colors of the stylized art and the brief introduction to Muslim culture. The rhyming text is unremarkable, but this child’s view of Islam should prove useful. Glos.

Khan, Hena  Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
32 pp. Chronicle 2008
Trade ISBN 978-0-8118-6062-8

Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. This picture book provides an accessible, informative introduction to Ramadan, focusing on one girl's experiences of family, community, and tradition. A well-planned story arc, following the phases of the moon, gives shape to the tale. Paschkis's trademark deep-hued gouache illustrations with soft, flowing lines and decorated borders illuminate the thoughtfully designed pages. An author's note gives more information about Ramadan. Glos.

Kheiriyeh, Rashin  Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love
40 pp. NorthSouth 2024
Trade ISBN 9780735845442

Young readers are introduced to the thirteenth-century poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic Rumi in this accessible picture-book biography that spans much of its subject's childhood and adult life. Rumi develops his love of birds at a young age, leading to his discovery of stories about the Smurgh, a large mythical bird composed of thirty smaller birds, which becomes important to his developing identity. As a young scholar, he befriends a mystic named Shams (sun in Arabic), who "was a sun, shining in Rumi's heart and mind." His jealous students run Shams off, and Rumi falls into a deep period of sadness. During this time, he turns to writing as a form of solace and a way to work through complicated emotions and personal loss. The book contextualizes some of Rumi's most well-known writing, the "Masnavi," inspired by his friendship with Shams (although it does not address what many now suspect: that the two were likely more than friends). Kheiriyeh's illustrations use bold colors and gold leaf, and incorporate Arabic and Farsi script, along with traditional geometric designs and shapes common in Islamic architecture. Flora and fauna are an important part of the illustrations: pages are adorned with flowers, pomegranates, and a variety of birds, including Rumi's beloved hoopoe. A gentle, visually engaging introduction to one of the world's most enduring poetic voices.

Lumbard, Rabiah York  The Gift of Ramadan
32 pp. Whitman 2019
Trade ISBN 978-0-8075-2906-5

Illustrated by Laura K. Horton. As Sophia's family prepares for Ramadan, she decides she wants to fast so her heart will feel "sparkly." This sincere yet wordy story, with colorful, culturally specific illustrations, pays homage to a Muslim family's gentle support of a child's first fast. The author's note emphasizes the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of fasting.

Matthews, Mary and Lewis, E. B.  Magid Fasts for Ramadan
48 pp. Clarion 1996
Trade ISBN 0-395-66589-2

An informative chapter book for young readers tells the story of an eight-year-old Muslim boy who secretly joins the ritual fast for Ramadan. Matthews skillfully weaves details of the culture and religion through her strong, readable story, set in modern Cairo. Lewis's handsome full-page watercolors give the viewer details about dress and customs while developing character and setting along with the text.

Mobin-Uddin, Asma  A Party in Ramadan
32 pp. Boyds 2009
Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-604-8

Illustrated by Laura Jacobsen. Leena is invited to a birthday party during Ramadan. Her mother is unsure, but Leena insists she'll be able to refuse refreshments. There's no real conflict in the wordy story, but it is informative. An appended author's note explains that young children don't have to fast but may choose to participate with their families. Pastel-pencil illustrations show a Muslim family in a contemporary suburb.

Taylor, Sean & Khayaal Theatre  Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin
48 pp. Candlewick 2019
Trade ISBN 978-1-5362-0507-7

Illustrated by Shirin Adl. Twenty-one pithy tales starring the pan-Muslim trickster figure Mulla Nasruddin challenge readers' perceptions. In one story, a man asks Nasruddin, standing on the opposite bank of a river, how he can cross to the other side. Nasruddin replies, "What a birdbrain...You are on the other side!" With his towering turban, expressive face, and fluffy cotton gravity-defying beard, Nasruddin will elicit giggles even as readers contemplate the puzzles he poses. Mixed-media illustrations incorporate paper, tissue, felt, yarn, sticks, beads, and more. Glos.

Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah  Mommy's Khimar
40 pp. Simon/Salaam 2018
Trade ISBN 978-1-5344-0059-7
Ebook ISBN 978-1-5344-0060-3

Illustrated by Ebony Glenn. A young girl admires her mother and the bright khimars she uses to cover her head in observance of her Muslim faith. As she plays dress-up with her mother's yellow khimar, cheerful illustrations show the girl's imaginative play ("I am a superhero in a cape") and love for her family. A sweet family story with an affirming depiction of a black Muslim family in a supportive multicultural community.

Whitman, Sylvia  Under the Ramadan Moon
24 pp. Whitman 2008
Trade ISBN 978-0-8075-8304-3

Illustrated by Sue Williams. Filled with familial warmth and joy, this book describes, in lilting verse with a comforting refrain, Ramadan observances. Glowing, textured illustrations using gently rounded lines show a family engaged in holiday activities: spending time together, waiting for their day-long fast to end, preparing food, visiting relatives, attending services at a mosque. A worthy addition to any children's library.

Yuksel, M. O.  One Wish: Fatima Al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University
40 pp. HarperCollins/Harper 2022
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-303291-0

Illustrated by Mariam Quraishi. In a text rich with imagery, Yuksel (In My Mosque) tells the true story of Fatima ­al-Fihri, whose one wish was to build a school for all. But how? As a girl in early-ninth-century Tunisia who was tutored at home, Fatima did not know how to actualize such a grandiose vision. Then her family was forced to flee Tunisia due to war; they resettled as refugees in Fez, Morocco, where she eventually married. Upon the deaths of her father and husband, she decided to use her substantial inheritance to realize her dream and establish a school. After much planning, the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (which, per the appended note, "functioned as a school from its inception" and is now the ­University of ­al-Qarawiyyin) opened, a place where all students, "especially the poor and the refugees, could live and study for free." Watercolor and gouache illustrations contrast bright colors with sandy tones of the landscape while revealing the school's distinctive architectural style, replete with spacious courtyards and arches adorned with mosaics. The illustrations develop their own visual language: Fatima's yellow dress and blue scarf are consistent through the book as she matures; future students don clothes that repeat the same patterns, linking past with present. Ample back matter includes a glossary; more information about ­al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest existing and continuously operating university in the world; and an author's note separating speculation from fact. A welcome story that emphasizes the intellectual foundations of Islamic North Africa and the importance of charitable work that plants seeds for subsequent generations.

Zalben, Jane Breskin  A Moon for Moe and Mo
48 pp. Charlesbridge 2018
Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-727-3
Ebook ISBN 978-1-63289-579-0

Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. Brooklyn neighbors Moses (Moe) Feldman and Mohammad (Mo) Hassan meet while grocery shopping. One is Jewish and the other Muslim, but they look like twins and become great friends. Both text and illustrations mirror their similar experiences, emphasizing cultural and religious commonalities. Amini's multimedia collages combine photorealism, wild color combinations, and expressively stylized faces. Notes discuss Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan and include recipes for holiday treats.

Intermediate

Ahmed, Samira  Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds
368 pp. Little 2021
Trade ISBN 978-0-316-54046-9
Ebook ISBN 978-0-316-54049-0

Twelve-year-old Amira and her younger brother Hamza, Muslim Indian American siblings in Chicago, are the heroes of this suspenseful, action-packed adventure filled with jinn, ghuls, devs, and other supernatural creatures from Islamic folklore. When the children disturb an ancient artifact in a museum exhibit, two jinn appear, informing them that they are "chosen ones" needed for a serious mission. They must save Earth and Qaf (the jinn homeland) from Ifrit, a "terrible and cruel dev" intent on destroying both worlds. This is a refreshingly different take on the kids-must-save-the-world story in that Amira and Hamza are the most anxious, reluctant, and nerdy heroes ever. Constant clashes between the bickering siblings provide comic relief, in contrast with the seriousness of the task at hand. Dangerous encounters with monstrous foes challenge the two to believe in themselves and work together to fulfill their mission. Fantasy-adventure fans will have a hard time putting down this fast-paced and engaging tale. Author's note and glossary not seen.

Ali, S. K., and Saeed, Aisha, Eds.  Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices
272 pp. Abrams/Amulet 2020
Trade ISBN 978-1-4197-4083-1

Illus. by Sara Alfageeh This remarkably inclusive collection of short stories by fifteen Muslim authors showcases some of the many Muslim communities; cultural and familial traditions; and the universality of human experience against the backdrop of the celebration of Eid. Like their authors, the stories’ protagonists live in majority non-Muslim countries — in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Greece, the exception being Hanna Alkaf’s Malaysian character, Alia, in “Taste.” Stories range from simple celebrations of joy and navigating everyday conflicts to addressing loss and grief, but all are inextricably tied to community, identity, and faith. Protagonists’ experiences are inclusive of a variety of family structures, differing socioeconomic backgrounds, Shia Muslims, and recent converts to Islam. Though most stories are in prose, other formats include Alkaf’s tale in verse; a comic-format story by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Sara Alfageeh (who also designed the cover and frontispiece for each story in the collection); and a movingly powerful poem by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow celebrating the vivid imagery of Eid in the African American Muslim community—its history and connection to the memories and dreams of enslaved African Muslims. As a whole the collection captures the spirit and feelings of Eid as well as the many sensory elements: the collective “ameen” of a congregation of worshipers, the touch and rustle of Eid clothing, and the multitude of smells, sounds, and tastes that will resonate with Muslim and non-Muslim readers alike.

Alkaf, Hanna  Hamra and the Jungle of Memories
400 pp. HarperCollins/Harper 2023
Trade ISBN 9780063207950
Ebook ISBN 9780063207974

Hamra has just turned thirteen, though no one in her family seems to have noticed. Due to COVID-19, her home country of Malaysia is under quarantine, leaving her mother working long hours in an overrun hospital hours away, her father distracted by his duty to get supplies to those in need, and Hamra at home to care for her grandparents. While her grandfather often annoys her with his many far-fetched stories, her grandmother's increasing dementia worries and even angers her. Adults are supposed to take care of children, after all. To escape the pressures of caring for elders, Hamra goes to the jungle. When she recklessly takes fruit from the magical jambu tree, a weretiger demands she accompany him on a quest as payment for stealing. If she succeeds, the weretiger will remember his humanity, and her grandmother's dementia will be cured. Accompanied by her best friend, Ilyas, Hamra embarks on a quest where she must face her fears and find the courage to save her family and herself. A compelling story about family, friendship, and the power of memory, filled with Islamic traditions and Malay folklore.

Barnard, Bryn  The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World
40 pp. Knopf 2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-375-84072-2
Library ISBN 978-0-375-94072-9

This volume surveys, via text and informative original paintings, the many technological and scientific advances made, refined, or dispersed during the "Islamic Golden Age." The seventh through twelfth centuries saw progress in medicine, agriculture, optics, music, machinery, etc., to which Barnard devotes twelve topically divided double-page spreads. Tidily colored illustrations, accompanied by good captions, offer helpful amplification of the subtopics. Reading list.

Demi  Muhammad
48 pp. McElderry 2003
Trade ISBN 0-689-85264-9

Demi tells the story of the prophet Muhammad, explaining the creation of Islam and the Koran. The illustrations are surprisingly lively given the restrictions placed on them (Islamic law states that Muhammad may not be depicted; Demi overcomes this by showing him as a gold silhouette). This timely book presents the origins of Islam with great respect, illuminating the subject for children and for adults. Bib.

Faruqi, Reem  Unsettled
352 pp. HarperCollins/Harper 2021
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-304470-8
Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-304472-2

Faruqi's evocative immigrant story in verse follows a young girl from the "land of the pure" to the "land of the free." Thirteen-year-old Nurah Haqq and her family move from Karachi, Pakistan, to Peachtree City, Georgia, seeking better opportunities. Nurah wrestles with her growing teenage insecurities, cultural and faith-based hurdles, and difficulty fitting in. As she observes the struggles and triumphs of her family, she begins to reshape her life. Each new section (e.g., "Uprooting," "Replanting"), decorated in floral henna patterns, reflects her state of mind. Slowly, the familiarity of math, art, and swimming as well as a blossoming friendship help her shed her hesitancy and embrace change. Though a lapse into jealousy leads to a poor decision, she learns to stand up for herself and others. Faruqi's expressive use of free verse folds many disparate ideas of friendship, sibling rivalry, bullying, and terrorism into an ultimately heartwarming story. While other ­Muslim stories in verse, such as Other Words for Home (rev. 7/19) by Jasmine Warga and The Red Pencil (rev. 11/14) by Andrea Davis Pinkney, deal with immigrant refugees, Faruqi focuses on privileged immigrants whose model minority status doesn't insulate them from hate crime and Islamophobia. Nurah's coming-of-age story will inspire ­readers to step into their own light.

Faruqi, Saadia  The Partition Project
416 pp. HarperCollins/Quill Tree 2024
Trade ISBN 9780063115811
Ebook ISBN 9780063115873 $10.99

Seventh grader Mahnoor Raheem is less than thrilled when her Pakistani grandmother, Dadi, comes to live with them in Texas. Not only does Maha have to give up her bedroom, but her father also expects her to "babysit" his mother while he and Maha's mom work long hours at the hospital. Although her home life is disrupted, Maha is excited about her media studies elective; she sees the class as a steppingstone to pursuing her dream of becoming a journalist. A class project -- making "a documentary on a topic that's newsworthy" -- gives Maha the opportunity to learn more about Dadi's life and an appreciation for what history can teach us about the present. By spending time with her grandmother prepping meals, participating in her first Ramadan fast, and playing board games, she learns a great deal about the 1947 Partition of British India into India and Pakistan. Faruqi introduces readers to the Partition, the largest mass migration in history, through relatable characters experiencing recognizable middle-school dynamics. The conversational style of the historical retelling offsets some of the heavier issues of rampant violence, refugee resettlement, and trauma. Readers are rewarded with a deeply immersive and moving story as Maha experiences a shift in understanding of her hyphenated identities and connects her family's history to other immigrant experiences.

Hoyt-Goldsmith, Diane  Celebrating Ramadan
32 pp. Holiday 2001
Trade ISBN 0-8234-1581-3

Photographs by Lawrence Migdale. The experience of fourth-grader Ibraheem is used to focus a picture of religious and cultural tradition as expressed in a major holiday. The author and photographer do an equable job of conveying Ramadan's rituals, obligations, and joys. They provide general information about Islamic practices in the United States and some history of the faith. Glos., ind.

Jeffrey, Laura S.  Celebrate Ramadan
112 pp. Enslow 2007
Library ISBN 978-0-7660-2774-9

Celebrate Holidays series. Captioned photographs, maps, drawings, and sidebars combine with accessible text to present a thorough discussion of Ramadan in this series entry. Jeffrey explains the origin of the holiday then describes traditional observances and modern-day celebrations, including some personal family stories and simple activities.

Khan, Ausma Zehenat  Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting
87 pp. Orca Origins 2018
Trade ISBN 978-1-4598-1181-2
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4598-1183-6

This introduction to Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and prayer, balances information with personal stories and uses a variety of visual storytelling techniques (sidebars, pull-out quotes, recipes). Mindfulness of cultural nuances ("there really is no such thing as a single 'Muslim world'"); a chatty, down-to-earth narrative voice; and an attractive, photo-heavy design make the volume both informative and engaging. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Khan, Hena  Amina's Voice
197 pp. Simon/Salaam 2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-9206-5
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-9208-9

Since she started middle school, shy Amina struggles with self-consciousness about her Muslim Pakistani American identity. Meanwhile, her conservative uncle objects to her singing and piano playing, and the local Islamic Center is vandalized. A relatable portrayal of a tween who wants to fit in and who's devoted to her faith even amid her confusion about her family's varied approaches to it.

Khan, Hena  More to the Story
262 pp. Simon/Salaam 2019
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-9209-6
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-9211-9

In a Little Women-inspired novel, thirteen-year-old Jameela lives with her Muslim family in Atlanta. This Eid holiday their beloved father is away; a (good-looking) nephew of a family friend visits; and Jameela butts heads with her school newspaper's editor, who never approves her hard-hitting pitches. Then her sister is diagnosed with cancer, and Jameela must reevaluate her priorities. This modern-day Pakistani American family-story retains the charm, familial warmth, and appeal of Alcott's classic.

Khan, Hena  We Are Big Time
240 pp. Knopf 2024
Trade ISBN 9780593430484
Library ISBN 9780593899052
Paper ISBN 9780593430477
Ebook ISBN 9780593430491 $8.99

Illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui. Like Tavares's Hoops (rev. 3/23), this inspiring graphic novel is based on a real-life girls' basketball team — here, on the all-Muslim, all-hijab-wearing Salam School's 2018 2019 varsity team. Ninth grader Aliya has just moved from Tampa to Milwaukee and is finding the transition to a new city, climate, and much-larger school challenging. She joins Peace Academy's basketball team despite its reputation as being "pretty bad." With nuance, humor, and depth, Khan conveys Aliya's experiences as the team at first falters and then begins to win under the leadership of new coach Jessica Martinez. Coach Jess teaches the girls skills and teamwork, and the girls educate their (very respectful) coach about Islamic culture. It's not all rosy for Aliya: her co-captain is initially reluctant to share the spotlight; her grades suffer; and she focuses too much on her mistakes. At tournament time, the team is unfairly seeded last and must play the top team, but despite losing that game, they celebrate how far they've come. The team's story has attracted much media coverage, and the book ends with a proud Coach Jess stating on a Bleacher Report–like TV segment that the girls "shifted the conversation and what people think an all-Muslim team can be." Zerrougui's visual storytelling is highly readable and makes excellent use of varied panel sizes and placements to convey character, setting, and b-ball action alike. 

Khan, Rukhsana  Muslim Child: Understanding Islam through Stories and Poems
104 pp. Whitman 2002
Trade ISBN 0-8075-5307-7

Illustrated by Patty Gallinger. Short stories, excerpts from the Koran, poems, and one-page topical features focus on the experience of Muslim children (mainly in Western nations). While the stories are fairly pedantic, the book provides a nonpolitical glimpse into the culture and offers Muslim children moral guidance. In addition to black-and-white drawings, repetitive sidebars explain Islamic concepts and Arabic words. A pronunciation guide is appended.

Zia, Farhana  The Garden of My Imaan
230 pp. Peachtree 2013
Trade ISBN 978-1-56145-698-7

Aliya, a Muslim, wends her way through the typical middle-school struggles until another Muslim girl moves to town and challenges Aliya's assumptions about the importance of fitting in. The characters are sometimes a bit flat, but Zia's exploration of Aliya's faith, confidence, and social anxieties feels authentic and gives readers a comfortable place to develop their understanding of another culture. Glos.

Older

Àbíké-Íyímídé, Faridah & Jaigirdar, Adiba  Four Eids and a Funeral
336 pp. Feiwel 2024
Trade ISBN 9781250890139
Ebook ISBN 9781250890146

Said Hossain and Tiwa Olatunji used to be best friends in their artsy village of New Crosshaven, Vermont. But after Said went to boarding school in Virginia, the two became "mortal enemies," each believing it was the other who abandoned the friendship. During one summer vacation, when Said returns home, he and Tiwa are entrusted with the care of the cat who belonged to a beloved, recently deceased librarian, and the two start speaking again, but only for the sake of joint feline custody. After a fire at the community Islamic Center, the town's mayor informs everyone that it will be razed to build housing. Tiwa and Said collaborate on ways to save the center, which involves a mural that Said plans to paint and also intends to use as a portfolio submission for art school. Narration alternates between the two protagonists, with interspersed third-person flashbacks, telling a story of friendship, loss, and misunderstanding through a series of Eid celebrations and one funeral. Even while touching on some thorny topics — racism within the Muslim community, microaggressions — the novel creates a dynamic sense of second-generation immigrant Muslim teenage life. Though the plot can feel overcrowded, the captivating characters and their unique voices make for an entertaining and lively read. 

Albertalli, Becky, and Saeed, Aisha  Yes No Maybe So
440 pp. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray 2020
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-293704-9  
Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-293705-6

In alternating chapters, teens Maya (a Muslim girl) and Jamie (a Jewish boy) narrate a story set amidst a longshot Georgia state senate campaign. Pushed by their politically progressive moms into canvassing together, they continue the work longer than expected — mostly because they believe in the cause (their candidate’s opponent supports a bill that would restrict head and facial coverings, and though Maya doesn’t wear hijab, her mother does) — but also because they enjoy each other’s company. Jamie’s cousin, who’s the candidate’s assistant campaign manager, complicates matters with his eagerness to exploit anything that might make the campaign go viral, including the pair’s awkwardly burgeoning romance and the vandalism of Jamie’s car with a white-supremacy sticker. Albertalli and Saeed work the above concerns naturally into a mostly light rom-com, along with elements of both characters’ religions: Jamie’s family is in prep mode for his sister’s bat mitzvah, while Maya fasts for Ramadan for much of the book and struggles with her parents’ reservations about her dating, either outside the faith or at all until she’s older. Though the ending is hopeful, the novel leaves much unresolved, allowing its characters and their emotions to stay complicated.

Ali, S. K.  Saints and Misfits
328 pp. Simon/Salaam 2017
Trade ISBN 978-1-4814-9924-8
Ebook ISBN 978-1-4814-9926-2

After hijab-wearing sophomore Janna Yusuf is assaulted by a "monster" who presents himself as a pillar of the Muslim community, she resigns herself to silence. But his continued harassment leads friends and family to join her attacker in expressing criticism, and Janna reaches her breaking point. Ali brings to life a nuanced intersection of culture, identity, and independence.

Ali-Karamali, Sumbul  Growing Up Muslim: Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Islam
214 pp. Delacorte 2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-385-74095-1
Library ISBN 978-0-375-98977-3

Ali-Karamali balances facts, personal experience, and thoughtful discussion in this accessible introduction to Islam, written in an easygoing, occasionally humor-sparked style. Explanations of rules and practices lead naturally into good summations of Muhammad's life, the religion's spread, the plurality of Muslim expression, and distinctions between universals and varieties of interpretation; this will serve for both personal reading and research. Bib., ind.

Aslan, Reza  No god but God: The Origins and Evolution of Islam
167 pp. Delacorte 2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-385-73975-7
Library ISBN 978-0-385-90805-4

In this abridgment of his 2005 adult book, Aslan here provides an admirable synthesis of Muslim history and religious belief, paying special attention to the life and times of the Prophet. The writing is clear and engaging, and the author makes links to current concerns (jihad, the hijab) in a way that is respectful to both believers and to young readers. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Deracine, Anat  Driving by Starlight
280 pp. Holt/Godwin 2018
Trade ISBN 978-1-250-13342-7

In post–Arab Spring Saudi Arabia, Leena and her best friend Mishail delight in small rebellions against their male-controlled, religiously strict society. But Leena's flippancy soon falls away to reveal the precariousness of both girls’ lives. In a growing oeuvre centering on experiences of young Muslim women, Deracine's debut stands out for its nuanced characterization and twisting plot. Arabic vocabulary and Saudi cultural concepts are explained for outsiders without bogging down the prose. Glos.

Karim, Sheba  Mariam Sharma Hits the Road
310 pp. HarperTeen 2018
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-244573-5
Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-244575-9

After a scandalous modeling photo of Ghazala appears on a Times Square billboard, the NYU student and her friends Mariam and Umar go on a road trip to New Orleans to decompress. In this humorous and hard-hitting new-adult novel, the South Asian Muslim Americans confront Islamophobia in the Deep South and take on personal issues such as locating an absent parent and reconciling Islam with homosexuality.

Karim, Sheba  That Thing We Call a Heart
279 pp. HarperTeen 2017
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-244570-4

Shabnam, a secularized Pakistani American girl excited to go off to college, lost her friendship with Farah when Farah started wearing the hijab. The two reconnect over the summer, but Shabnam's romance with non-Muslim boy Jamie concerns Farah. Shabnam's father's love for Urdu poetry and Sufism adds further interest to this affecting coming-of-age story that realistically portrays the diversity of the U.S. Muslim community.

Sabic-El-Rayess, Amra, with Laura L. Sullivan  The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival
384 pp. Bloomsbury 2020
Trade ISBN 978-1-5476-0453-1
Ebook ISBN 978-1-5476-0455-5

This suspenseful memoir, set between 1992 and 1998, opens just before the author’s northwestern Bosnian town of Bihać is changed by war. Serbians (who’ve had warning) evacuate overnight, schools and businesses abruptly close, and the town’s remaining Muslim population is under siege by Serbian soldiers. Amidst this turmoil, a stray calico cat follows sixteen-year-old Amra home. Amra calls the stray Maci, the Bosnian word for cat, and the cat comforts and even, in a sense, protects Amra: for instance, because she chases Maci on the way home from school, Amra avoids a sniper attack. Amra comes to believe the cat is a guardian angel or benevolent spirit. She details her family’s gradual decline, as they endure poverty and malnutrition under siege for three years, and finally her own move to the U.S. on an academic scholarship. Though she never shies away from difficult topics such as the threat of rape, feeling forgotten by the international community, or post-war corruption, she always brings the story back to Maci, a metaphor for love that “never dies” and “withstands distance and time.” This fast-paced, touching memoir reminds readers of the significance of the Balkan ethnic war and places it into a larger conversation about the ways in which ethnically and religiously diverse societies are under threat from extremism and bigotry. An author’s note and resource list encourage further engagement.

Sarn, Amélie  I Love I Hate I Miss My Sister
153 pp. Delacorte 2014
Trade ISBN 978-0-385-74376-1
Library ISBN 978-0-375-99128-8
Ebook ISBN 978-0-385-37020-2

Translated by Y. Maudet. A year after Djelila's brutal murder, Sohane recalls her loving, difficult relationship with her beautiful younger sister. When a gang of boys from their French housing project accuses Djelila of shaming Islam, Sohane is fearful. Djelila laughs them off — then tragedy strikes. Based loosely on a true incident, Sarn's poignant novel is a coming-of-age story about the uniquely powerful bond between sisters. Glos.