{"id":15905,"date":"2025-02-20T05:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T10:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=15905"},"modified":"2025-02-28T16:17:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T21:17:06","slug":"childrens-books-muslim-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/childrens-books-muslim-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Children\u2019s Books That Celebrate Muslim Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re from a Muslim family looking for more representation in children\u2019s literature, or a teacher or parent of non-Muslim children wanting to better understand and celebrate Muslim culture, there are so many wonderful storytellers in the kids\u2019 lit community who have contributed to essential, diverse narratives that pay homage to the rich history and vibrant present of this community.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve rounded up some of our favorite children\u2019s books that feature Muslim protagonists, celebrate Muslim culture, and illustrate Islamic traditions \u2013 perfect for reading during Ramadan, Eid, and all year long.<\/p>\n

no no 9780593649442 Ramadan<\/i> by Malik Amin, illustrated by Debby Rahmalia <\/p>\n

Introduce your child to the holy month of Ramadan with help from this Little Golden Book! Readers of all ages will learn what Ramadan is, why Muslim families fast during the month, and the traditional dishes people enjoy between fasts.
\n(Ages 2 \u2013 5) <\/i><\/p>\n

9781590781753 My Name Is Bilal<\/i> by Asma Mobin-Uddin, illustrated by Barbara Kiwak <\/p>\n

On their first day at a new school where they might be the only Muslim students, Bilal sees his sister, Ayesha, being teased by bullies. Hoping to avoid the same fate, he decides to tell his classmates his name is Bill. Fortunately for Bilal and Ayesha, there is<\/i> a Muslim teacher at school, Mr. Ali, who lends Bilal a book that changes how Bilal feels about his identity. An excellent read for those in Bilal and Ayesha\u2019s shoes (and a lesson in inclusion for others), this heartening story is a valuable reminder that we should take pride in who we are.
\n(Ages 2 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781590784310 The Best Eid Ever<\/i> by Asma Mobin Uddin, illustrated by Laura Jacobsen <\/p>\n

Though her parents are far away for the Hajj pilgrimage, Aneesa is looking forward to celebrating the three days of Eid with her Nonni, who made Aneesa three beautiful outfits for the holiday. When she meets two sisters at the prayer hall whose clothes are drab and ill-fitting and learns that they are refugees, Aneesa comes up with a wonderful plan to spread the generous spirit of Eid.
\n(Ages 2 \u2013 5) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780593114667 Hannah and the Ramadan Gift<\/i> by Qasim Rashid, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel <\/p>\n

Hannah is too young to fast for Ramadan but wants to do her part and observe this important month. What is she to do? Throughout this story, Hannah learns about the power of good deeds and that you can help make the world a better place no matter your age. This book is perfect for little ones who want to find ways to participate during this holy time.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593706817 Rabia\u2019s Eid<\/i> by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Debby Rahmalia <\/p>\n

After a month of fasting, Rabia is excited to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr on the last day of Ramadan. Join her family as they eat a big breakfast, dress in new clothes, and paint their hands with henna. Readers will learn about the traditions that make Eid a special day for everyone who celebrates it.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 6)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781984848093 Salat in Secret<\/i> by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Hatem Aly <\/p>\n

Muhammad receives a special prayer rug for his seventh birthday. Although he is excited to use it for his five daily prayers, he worries that his classmates at school will tease him. Thankfully, his teacher helps him find a solution. This heartfelt book is about faith, tradition, and courage to live your truth.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780823455652 The Gift of Eid<\/i> by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel <\/p>\n

If you are looking for a heartfelt holiday story to commemorate Eid-al-Fitr, look no further. In this retelling of The Gift of the Magi<\/i>, Yasmine\u2019s family has fallen on hard times, and she doesn\u2019t have enough money to buy her mother an Eid gift. However, as the little family goes through the day, Yasmine comes to understand the true meaning of Eid.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780763694944 My Grandma and Me <\/i> by Mina Javaherbin <\/p>\n

This exquisitely illustrated picture book captures the love between Mina, a young girl growing up in Iran, and her grandmother, whom Mina follows everywhere. Through the little joys of their everyday lives and practice of Islam, and through the love that Mina\u2019s two grandmothers \u2014 one Muslim, one Christian \u2014 have for each other, readers are gifted a heartwarming portrait of family ties and universal love.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780670062874 Big Red Lollipop<\/i> by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Sophia Blackall <\/p>\n

The good news: Rubina\u2019s going to her first birthday party! The bad news: Rubina\u2019s mother insists that she take her little sister Sana along \u2014 even though Rubina knows that\u2019s not how her Western classmates do birthday parties. As Rubina feared, Sana is a terror, and Rubina\u2019s classmates aren\u2019t pleased. But hang tight for a sweet and redemptive story arc from the author who admits to playing the role of Sana in her own childhood.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780525645665 Deep in the Sahara <\/i> by Kelly Cunnane, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi <\/p>\n

Deep in the Sahara, in the country of Mauritania, young Lalla dreams of the day when she, too, will get to wear the malafa<\/i>, just like her mother and older sister. But first, Lalla must understand the true meaning behind the malafa<\/i>: the garment is not only a beautiful tradition but a part of her faith. When the time is right, Lalla\u2019s mother has the loveliest malafa<\/i> waiting for her.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780241743454 A Kids Book About Being Muslim <\/i> by Nadia Hasan <\/p>\n

What does it mean to be Muslim? Readers of all ages can learn the answer to this question with help from this easy-to-read book. From worship to traditions, the author shares the experiences, faith, and joy she gets from her religion.
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 9)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781629798479 A Party in Ramadan <\/i> by Asma Mobin-Uddin, illustrated by Laura Jacobsen <\/p>\n

When Leena attends a party during the holy month of Ramadan, she plans to keep her fast and then join her family for a delicious iftar<\/i>, the post-sunset meal that breaks their daily fast. But at the party, all of Leena\u2019s friends are eating and drinking treats, and Leena\u2019s tummy starts to ache. This upbeat and realistic read follows a young girl negotiating her differences with peers and highlights what Ramadan is all about \u2013 spiritual reflection, doing charitable deeds, and spending time with loved ones.
\n(Ages 7 \u2013 9) <\/i><\/p>\n

9781629798462 The White Nights of Ramadan<\/i> by Maha Addasi, illustrated by Ned Gannon <\/p>\n

During the month of Ramadan in the Arabian Gulf, Muslim families celebrate Girgian, or Mid-Ramadan: the three days surrounding the full moon. Children dress in traditional garb and go from house to house, collecting treats. Noor narrates this story, which gives a fun peek into holiday traditions and remains focused on the family and charity aspects of Ramadan. For more by author Maha Addasi, look to Time to Pray<\/i><\/a>, an endearing picture book about the call to prayer.
\n(Ages 7 \u2013 9) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780593699263 Kareem Between<\/i> by Shifa Saltagi Safadi <\/p>\n

Seventh grade is difficult for most kids, and Kareem is no different. The year has hardly begun, and he feels his world spinning out of control. But when the star quarterback promises him a shot at making the football team, Kareem faces a difficult decision: do something he knows is wrong to join the team or stand up for his beliefs \u2014 even if it means being a social pariah the rest of the year?
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780375840722 The Genius of Islam<\/i> by Bryn Barnard <\/p>\n

From orange juice to architecture, young readers can discover how the Islamic Empire changed the world. The engaging text and detailed illustrations will keep young readers poring over the pages of this informative nonfiction book.
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593109212 Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet<\/i> by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik <\/p>\n

The first book in a new illustrated chapter book series<\/a>, Omar is the new kid at school, and he is not at all excited about it. What if the work is too hard or the kids are mean or the teacher is a zombie alien?! But despite his imaginative spirit, the reality of his Big Mean Bully is no fun to deal with \u2014 particularly the bully\u2019s anti-Islam sentiments. Thanks to his family, Omar overcomes \u2014 asserting himself as a new middle grade literary hero.
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780735228528 The Night Diary<\/i> by Veera Hiranandani <\/p>\n

In this Newbery Honor Book set during the 1947 Partition of India, Veera Hiranandani tells the story of Nisha, as she reckons with her identity and losing her homeland. Twelve-year-old Nisha is half-Muslim, half-Hindu, which makes things particularly complicated when her newly independent homeland divides between Pakistan and India, Muslim and Hindu. Overnight, Nisha\u2019s family become refugees, and through letters to her departed mother, Nisha explores her hope, heartbreak, and search for a home.
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780399544699 Amal Unbound<\/i> by Aisha Saeed <\/p>\n

In this richly crafted, bestselling novel, readers follow the ambitious and artistic 12-year-old Amal, who dreams of one day being a teacher but finds herself forced into indentured servitude for the Khan family, who controls her Pakistani village. In an act of resistance, Amal works with her fellow servants to win back their freedom. Suspenseful and emotional, this powerful middle grade novel underscores the importance of family, literacy, and community.
\n(Ages 10+)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593117125 Nayra and the Djinn<\/i> by Iasmin Omar Ata, illustrated by Iasmin Omar Ata <\/p>\n

Between bullies, family pressures, and an exhausting best friend, Nayra is having a rough time. It’s also Ramadan, and while fasting is important to Nayra, her hunger makes the days drag on. When a mysterious mythical being from Islamic folklore appears looking for help, Nayra jumps at the chance. While the djinn uses their powers and wisdom to help her navigate her overwhelming life, it’s also a race against the clock to help them return home before the end of Ramadan. School Library Journal<\/i> calls this beautifully illustrated graphic novel a “captivating use of Islamic beliefs and culture to share with readers the importance of rebuilding relationships and standing up for oneself.”
\n(Ages 10+)<\/i><\/p>\n

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