List
Muslim Voices: Grades K-8
From picture books to chapter books and nonfiction, these books offer varied insights into Muslim life, especially in childood.
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The Night before Eid: A Muslim Family Story
2023 by Khalil, AyaGet this itemThis lovely book is a sweet story, in more than one way. Zain's Taita (grandmother) has just arrived from Egypt and they are going to make ka'ak, a delicious cookie, for Eid. The cooking session is not without its mishaps, but all is well in the end. Bonus: recipe included! Suggested by Mary.
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Moon's Ramadan
2023 by Kazi, Natasha KhanGet this itemA loving moon peeks down on all the different world cultures celebrating Ramadan and Eid. The importance of the lunar calendar unites all Muslims, but each culture has unique practices and traditions. The moon lovingly observes them all. Suggested by Mary.
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In My Mosque
2021 by Yuksel, M. O.Get this itemThis picture book brought me so much joy. It provides readers who are unfamiliar with a mosque a peek into what is often and mistakenly perceived as mysterious and exclusive. In simple text and beautiful illustrations, this book shows the diversity and commonalities of mosques around the world. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Girls Rock: Indonesia
2022 by Bellante, ClaudiaGet this itemThis wonderful picture books celebrates the connection between Islam and music. Three young girls in a tiny Indonesian village form a heavy metal band, and find that their music brings them more deeply to their faith. Inspired by a true story. Suggested by Mary.
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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
2019 by Muhammad, IbtihajGet this itemBy Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad, this is the story of a girl's first day of wearing her hijab at school. When her younger sister sees that not everyone views the hijab as beautiful, they both find ways to be strong and proud of who they are. Suggested by Shelley.
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The Moon from Dehradun: A Story of Partition
2022 by Shamsi, ShirinGet this itemA picture book about an important moment in Islamic history. As Britain leaves India to its independence, it first divides the subcontinent, requiring that young Azra and her family move from India to Pakistan. Other families move in the opposite direction, and they meet on their journeys. I love the idea of presenting a monumental historical moment through the eyes of a child. Author's notes provide further exploration. Suggested by Mary.
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Halal Hot Dogs
2021 by Aziz, SusannahGet this itemI loved reading this enjoyable and upbeat story about one contemporary Muslim family’s weekly tradition of eating together after reading the Friday prayer. Don't read this book if you're hungry, because your stomach, like Musa's, will also begin to rumble! Suggested by Rummanah.
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A Sky-Blue Bench
2021 by Rahman, BahramGet this itemI love how this picture book beautifully captures and honors Afghan children. It is a truly inspirational story of community, creativity, hope, and resilience. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Amira's Picture Day
2021 by Faruqi, ReemGet this itemWhat do you do when you have two important events happening at the same time and can only attend one? Amira and her brother Ziyad are so excited to spot the crescent moon that tells them that Eid is tomorrow, but when she realizes that means she will miss picture day at school, Amira is conflicted. I loved both the story and validation of complex feelings and emotions and the fabulous and expressive illustrations. Suggested by Becca.
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Your Name Is a Song
2020 by Thompkins-Bigelow, JamilahGet this itemI absolutely loved this picture book and I wish I had this book when I was younger. At the end of the first day of school, a young Black Muslim protagonist shares her sorrow with her mother over her teacher's and classmates' inability to pronounce her name. Her mother's response lifts the girl's--and readers'--spirits by illuminating the resonating meaning and power of diverse names from many different cultures through song. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Yasmin the Detective
2023 by Faruqi, SaadiaGet this itemThe Yasmin books are wonderful for readers of early chapter books. In the latest title, Yasmin likes to sew, but keeps losing her thimble. Can she figure out what happened to it? Suggested by Mary.
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The Magical Reality of Nadia
2021 by Yūsuf, BāsimGet this itemAn absolutely delightful story about courage, empathy, friendship, and prejudice. It includes the perfect amount of humor, magic, and the importance of unity. I also loved reading about Nadia's fun facts. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Amina's Voice
2017 by Khan, HenaGet this itemWith her best friend becoming a citizen and maybe leaving Amina behind, and her strict uncle visiting from Pakistan who doesn't believe Amina should be playing the piano and singing, which she loves, Amina is facing a lot of challenges. But when her local Islamic Center is vandalized, the community comes together and helps to make things right. The sequel, Amina's Song, is great too. Suggested by Shelley.
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Barakah Beats
2021 by Siddiqui, MaleehaGet this itemA joyful, lovely, nuanced story about a proud young Muslim girl named Nimra who is navigating friendships, family drama, and her beliefs, while finding her own voice. I loved the diverse cast of Muslim characters and the respectful way faith is interpreted in different ways. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds
2021 by Ahmed, SamiraGet this itemThere is so much to love about this book: danger, excitement, and a couple of unlikely heroes who have to put the world back together. I also love that it's initially set in Chicago! Suggested by Caitlin.
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Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and off the Court
2017 by Abdul-Jabbar, KareemGet this itemA candid and conversational biography in which Abdul-Jabbar recounts his early life and becoming a fantastic basketball player of his time, while shedding light on the experiences and people who helped shape him into the man he became. He also discusses how his search for peace, meaning, and fulfillment led him to convert to Islam and be a social activist. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab
2021 by Huq, PriyaGet this itemAfter experiencing a horrific Islamophobic hate crime, Nisrin begins to explore her faith and her family history in this nuanced and complex graphic novel. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero
2021 by Faruqi, SaadiaGet this itemThis timely novel references the COVID-19 pandemic, Islamaphobia, and the anniversary of the attack on 9/11. Yusuf just wants to enter (and win!) the robotics competition, but in this small town in Texas, he's one of only a few Muslim families and it feels like everybody is against him. Suggested by Shelley.
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Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time
2019 by Mir, SairaGet this itemAn inspiring and uplifting diverse collection of contemporary Muslim women who broke down barriers, made their voices heard, and made contributions to the fields of science, activism, fashion, film, sports, education, and other fields. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Huda F Are You?
2021 by Fahmy, HudaGet this itemI laughed out loud reading this graphic novel about funny, quirky Huda, who is just starting high school and is always just one step away from social disaster! Suggested by Mary.
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