List
Muslim-Centered Books for Kids: Grades 3-5
These terrific books feature Muslim kids and families, and the list focuses on Muslim authors and illustrators.
-
Hurricane Helpers
2023 by Ali, Marzieh A.Get this itemNadia and Nadir are at home with their parents when the hurricane hits Houston in this first book in the Nadia and Nadir series. Their area escapes serious damage, but other neighborhoods aren't as lucky as theirs, so they look for ways to help others.
-
The War to Save the Worlds
2021 by Ahmed, SamiraGet this itemThe first book in this fantasy series features danger, excitement, and a couple of unlikely heroes who have to put the world back together. Part of the book takes place in Chicago.
-
Meet Yasmin!
2019 by Faruqi, SaadiaGet this itemIn this chapter book series, Yasmin is a creative and imaginative second grader with a loving, multigenerational Pakistani-American family.
-
The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World
2022 by Faruqi, SaadiaGet this itemFeaturing profiles and portraits of talented Muslim physicians, musicians, athletes, poets, activists, and more, this book introduces more than 30 great figures who have influenced our world in vital ways.
-
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, his is one of only a few Muslim families, and it feels like everybody is against him.
-
Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World
2020 by Islam, BurhanaGet this itemA spy, a scientist, a woman who led an army, a comic book artist, an Olympian, and more--these are just some of the amazing Muslims who changed the world.
-
Power Forward
2018 by Khan, HenaGet this itemIn this first book in the Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream series, fourth grader Zayd's dream is to be famous, and he thinks maybe he can do it by becoming a basketball star.
-
We Are Big Time
2024 by Khan, HenaGet this itemLess than thrilled about a move from Tampa to Milwaukee and a new Islamic school with a less-than-great girls' basketball team, Aliya Javaid is doing her best to adapt. A new coach helps the team focus on working together, while Aliya's family helps remind her that mistakes are a part of growth. As the team improves, they get increasing news attention yet are constantly having to redirect reporters to basketball, rather than identity-based questions.
-
Safiyyah's War
2024 by Khan, Hiba NoorGet this itemBased on the true story of the Grand Mosque of Paris's rescue of between 500 and 1,700 Jews, Khan tells the fictitious story of Algerian Muslim Safiyyah and her family's part in supporting the French Resistance during World War II.
-
Accidental Trouble Magnet
2020 by Mian, ZanibGet this itemWhen 10-year-old Omar starts the year in a new school, he makes a best friend but also attracts the attentions of a mean bully. Fun illustrations help tell the story in this first book in a series.
-
Sadiq and the Desert Star
2020 by Nuurali, SimanGet this itemWhen Sadiq's father tells him the story of the Desert Star and he takes a field trip to the planetarium, he is inspired to make a simple telescope. First in a series.
-
The Boy at the Back of the Class
2019 by Raúf, Onjali Q.Get this itemAhmet is a Syrian refugee who has been separated from his parents on their journey to England. When some kids at school find out about his story, they embark on a plan to figure out a way to reunite him with his parents before their borders close to refugees.
-
Grounded
2023 by Saeed, AishaGet this itemTrapped in the airport while waiting for flights home from a Muslims of North America conference, four tweens go on adventures through the airport, looking for missing cats and siblings. Told in alternating viewpoint chapters by Saeed, Al-Marashi, Thompkins-Bigelow, and Ali.
-
Kareem Between
2024 by Safadi, Shifa SaltagiGet this itemWritten in verse, Safadi tells the story of Kareem, a Syrian American boy who has just been cut from the football team and been volun-told to help Fadi, a new Syrian refugee classmate. Kareem has to cope with bullying, a desire to fit into his American school while being true to his identity and family, and his mother's absence from home.
-
Any Way You Look
2024 by Siddiqui, MaleehaGet this itemAll aspiring fashion designer Ainy wants this summer is to help her mother with her clothing boutique and hang out with her best friend Safiya. However, she's quickly overwhelmed when her sister starts working outside the family business and suddenly isn't wearing her hijab, unwanted attention from a classmate, and a creative block just as she gets the opportunity to design something.
Bookmatch
Bookmatch allows Skokie Library cardholders to receive a custom list of titles prepared for you by the library's expert staff.
Try Bookmatch