LPBD: Malala Yousafzai

English 4-8 years Activism Islam Muslim Identity Feminism Education Historical Figures Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara & Manal Mirza summary Every adult has probably heard Malala Yousafzai’s story, and so I’m delighted that one of my favorite early-reader biography series has added this to the illustrious roster of the LPBD series. For #SweetsAndSocialJustice this week I…

My First Book About Ramadan

English & Arabic 2+ board book Ramadan Islam Culture & Identity Sara Khan & Ali Lodge summary With Eid al Fitr tonight, I just squeaked in under the wire to share this lovely board book about Ramadan! This is a board book geared towards teaching young children about the month Ramadan, and what Muslim families…

Our Favorite Day of the Year

Written by: A.E. Ali Illustrated by: Rahele Jomepour Bell For ages: 4-8 years Language: English, some Arabic, Hebrew, and Spanish. Topics Covered: School, Friendship, Holidays, Judaism, LGBTQ Families, Islam, STEM, BIPOC Protagonists. Summary:  This story follows a young Black Muslim boy named Musa when he starts school, but doesn’t know anyone. Musa is assigned to a table with 3 other boys-…

My Grandma and Me

Written by: Mina Javaherbin Illustrated by: Lindsey Yankey For ages: 4-7 years Language: English Topics Covered: Family, Islam, Culture & Traditions, Global Community, Muslim, Cross-Religion Friendships, Own Voices, Iran.  Summary: This is a lovely story about a young girl growing up in Iran and the strong relationship she has with her grandmother.  They are Muslim, and the young girl is the…

Yasmin- Chapter Books

Written by: Saadia Faruqi Illustrated by: Hatem Aly For ages: 5-8 years Language: English & Urdu (glossary in back) Topics Covered: Own Voices, Pakistani Muslim Family, Friendship. Summary:  This 12 book series (we have 3) is all about Yasmin, a bright and kind young girl whose family is proud of their Pakistani heritage. The stories revolve are Yasmin, and are…

The Proudest Blue

Written by: Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali Illustrated by: Hatem Aly For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Muslim Identity, Islamophobia, Family, Growing Up, Siblings, Own Voices, Lived Experiences, POC-Centric Narratives, Resilience, Strength.  Summary: The Proudest Blue is a story about Asiya’s first day hijab, which she has chosen because it’s the color of the sky.  Faizah, Asiya’s younger sister, is our narrator…

Internment

Written by: Samira Ahmed Cover Art by: art by Dana Ledl, design by Karina Granda  For ages: YA 12 years and up Language: English, some Arabic. Topics Covered: Islamophobia, Internment, Violence, Military Action, Oppression, History, Subversion, Independent Thought, Activism, Friendship, Love, Growing Up, Relationships.  Summary:  For #sweetsandsocialjustice I wanted to make a pairing where the food was reminiscent of the…

The Gift of Ramadan

Written by: Rabiah York Lumbard Illustrated by: Laura K. Horton For ages: 4-8 years Language: English, some Arabic. Topics Covered: Muslim Experience, Holidays, Ramadan, Islam, Family, Love, Social-Emotional Learning.  Summary:  This is a lovely introduction book to the holiday of Ramadan, told through main character Sophia’s eyes.  We are so pleased to have already seen a handful of book reviews…

Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Market

Written by: Huda Essa Illustrated by: Mercè Tous For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Global Community, Family, Diversity, Kindness, Clothing, Islam, Culture & Traditions.  Summary: Adam and his parents go to the outdoor market one day, and he sees a bright blue jay.  Following it, Adam doesn’t realize he’s left his parents behind until he tugs…

Yo Soy Muslim

Written by: Mark Gonzales Illustrated by: Mehrdokht Amini For ages: 3 years and up Language: English & Spanish, mention of speaking Arabic (but none in book). Topics Covered: Family, Religion,Muslim Identity, Culture & Traditions, Love, Community, Islamophobia, Social-Emotional Learning, Multicultural Families.  Summary: This is an incredibly beautiful story written from the perspective of a father’s letter to his daughter about being…