One thing I love about Your Kid’s Next Read is the generous author contingent within the community. Today, I’m excited to welcome a member of that community, Razeena Omar Gutta, to share a wonderful booklist.
Razeena and I ‘met’ when she sent me a copy of Hana’s Hundreds Of Hijabs, her debut traditionally published picture book (illustrated by Manal Mirza and published by Barefoot Books), along with a lovely letter.
The book is a delight and I was so happy to be able to share it via the Facebook group and the podcast.
Razeena is also an avid reader and shares her favourite books on Instagram at @razeenareads
Now, in the lead up to Ramadan, which this year begins on 22 March, Razeena is here to spread the word about other children’s and YA books that showcase Muslim life.
From board books to engaging own voices YA novels, there’s something here for every young reader. Click the book title to find out more or to purchase via Booktopia*
25 books about Muslim life for kids of all ages
Booklist by Razeena Omar Gutta
Muslims across the world are getting ready for Ramadan – a month of fasting, prayer and community-building. Ramadan lasts for one month, at the end of which is the most important Muslim holiday of the year – Eid al Fitr. This celebration is filled with fun, food and family.
Aside from Ramadan, Muslims have other important aspects to their lives that may be different to others. For example, many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab and Muslims are unable to eat certain foods.
There are many fabulous books that showcase Muslim lives in various ways. The Muslim tradition is rich in art, history and a variety of cultures, and there are authors across the world, working hard to ensure Muslim kids get the representation they deserve in children’s books.
For instance, my picture book HANA’S HUNDREDS OF HIJABS (illustrated by Manal Mirza) showcases creativity, problem-solving, community and hijab-joy, in a way that’s true to my reality.
It was important to me to share this with others who don’t often get to see the positive aspects of this sometimes misunderstood item of clothing.
Whether you have Muslim children in your school or classroom or not, I encourage to check out the books on this list to a get a sense of what Muslim life might look like.
Board Books
Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan & Sarah Walsh
It’s Ramadan Curious George by Hena Khan
R is for Ramadan by Greg Paprocki
Baby’s First Ramadan – DK Books
First Festivals – Ramadan – Ladybird Books
Ramadan and Eid Picture Books
The Month That Makes the Year by Inda Ahmad Zari
Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kari
Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi & Lea Lyon
The Night Before Eid by Aya Khalil & Rashin Kheiriyeh
Zahra’s Blessing by Shirin Shamsi & Manal Mirza
General Muslim Picture Books
In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel & Hatem Aly
Hana’s Hundreds of Hijabs by Razeena Omar Gutta & Manal Mirza
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan & Mehrdokht Amini
Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz & Parwinder Singh
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, & Hatem Aly
Middle Grade
Once upon an Eid edited by Aisha Saeed & S.K. Ali
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi & Laura Shovan
Planet Omar (series) by Zanib Mian
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Bhai For Now by Maleah Siddiqui
YA
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Living on Hope Street by Demet Divaroren
Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali
Yes I’m Hot in This by Huda Fahmy
For more recommendations or any questions regarding Muslim children’s books, get in touch with Razeena Omar Gutta on Instagram at @razeenareads.
Are you new here? Welcome to my blog! I’m Allison Tait, aka A.L. Tait, and I’m the author of middle-grade series, The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. You can find out more about me here, and more about my books here.
If you’re looking for book recommendations for young readers, join the Your Kid’s Next Read Facebook community, and tune in to the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast!
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