My First Ramadan

My First Ramadan

Written and Illustrated by: Karen Katz

Elementary Grades

"Katz uses a small child's viewpoint to explain the essentials of a traditional holiday. With his father, a young boy reads in the Qur'an about Ramadan, the most sacred time of year for Muslims all over the world. He learns about the prophet Muhammad and what he taught his followers. Clear words and simple, colorful collage illustrations show the family together as the boy learns the meaning of Muslim customs, prayers, and practices. He decides that he is old enough to fast every day of the holy month, so after a big breakfast, he does not eat again until it is time for iftar, the evening meal; then the family goes to the mosque to pray. Children will appreciate the warm, personal narrative, as well as the connections with Muslims all over the world."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/11612526/Andrea-Yoakum-Lesson-Plan-on-Islamic-Holiday-of-Ramadan

Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story

Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story

Written By: Jonny Zucker
Illustrated By: Jan Barger Cohen

Elementary Grades

"A simple and delightful introduction to the Islamic festival of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr — suitable for even the youngest child. Follow a family as they fast each day, go to the mosque on the Night of Power, and enjoy a delicious feast."

Publishers Synopsis


Online Resources:
http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Ramadan/
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=76

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story

Night of the Moon

Written By: Hena Kahn
Illustrated By: Julie Paschkis

Elementary Grades

"The new crescent appears, marking the first day of the month of Ramadan. Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, is confused because "it's only the seventeenth." Her mother explains that the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. At sunset, the family enjoys a special dinner. The following week, her family prepares food to be distributed at a mosque. One night, Yasmeen sees that the moon is full, and realizes that the observance is half over. Other events include a family barbecue and a celebration of the "Night of the Moon" at the community center, where stalls sell clothes, jewelry, toys, snacks, and gifts. Then Ramadan is over, and the next day is Eid. Yasmeen awakes to her brother's greeting of "Eid mubarak," and the children receive gifts of money. Paschkis's beautiful paintings incorporate Islamic tile art, adding to an authentic sense of the culture. Suitable both for independent reading and reading aloud, this book also serves as an excellent resource for teachers and librarians."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.cmes.arizona.edu/outreach/lessonplans.php#nightofthemoon

Does My Head Look Big in This?

Does My Head Look Big In This?

Written by: Randa Abdel-Fattah

High School Grades

"Australian 11th-grader Amal is smart, funny, outspoken, a good student, and a loyal friend. She is also a devout Muslim who decides to wear the hijab, or head covering, full-time. The story tells of her emotional and spiritual journey as she copes with a mad crush on a boy, befriends an elderly Greek neighbor, and tries to help a friend who aspires to be a lawyer but whose well-intentioned mother is trying to force her to leave school and get married. Amal is also battling the misconceptions of non-Muslims about her religion and culture. While the novel deals with a number of serious issues, it is extremely funny and entertaining, and never preachy or forced.

The details of Amal's family and social life are spot-on, and the book is wonderful at showing the diversity within Muslim communities and in explaining why so many women choose to wear the hijab. Amal is an appealing and believable character. She trades verbal jibes with another girl, she is impetuous and even arrogant at times, and she makes some serious errors of judgment. And by the end of the story, she and readers come to realize that "Putting on the hijab isn't the end of the journey. It's just the beginning of it."

School Library Journal Review

Online resources:
www.thisiswhereineedtobe.com/pdf/The_ID_Project.pdf