Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman

Whitman, S. (2011). Under the Ramadan moon. Morton Grove, Illinois: Albert Whitman & Company.

Summary:

This book teaches its readers about Ramadan including its significance and common traditions.  Ramadan is one of the most special times of the year for Muslims.  It is a time for reflection and rituals; it is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.  The author includes a separate note with more information about Ramadan.

Awards:

• None known for this book (will update if I learn of any).

Resources:

• Listen to the book:

• Author's webpage

• History of Ramadan (includes a short video)

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad by James Rumford

Rumford, J. (2008). Silent music: a story of Baghdad. New York, New York: Roaring Brook Press.

Summary:

Ali is a young boy living in Bagdad during the start of the Persian Gulf War.  He loves soccer, dancing, music, and Arabic calligraphy.  His hero is Yakut, a thirteenth-century calligrapher.  Ali finds a way to calm himself as bombs fall on Bagdad just as his hero did so many years ago; they both found peace and a sense of calm through practicing calligraphy.  An author’s note about calligraphy is included at the end of the book.   

 Awards: 

• 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year

Resources: 

• Author's webpage

One Green Apple by Eve Bunting

Bunting, E. (2006). One green apple. New York, NY: Clarion Books.

Summary:

This book is about a Muslim girl named Farah.  She feels alone and different from her classmates.  Farah does not speak English, and some of her classmates ridicule her as a result.  She begins to notice how some things are similar to home.  While on a field trip to an apple orchard, she makes friends with some classmates and speaks her first words of English.  Farah then begins to feel as if she is part of the group.  

Awards:

•  Inaugural Arab American Book Award 
• Various other awards for her many books

Resources:

Listen to the book:

 

Listen to the author:

How apple cider is made:

Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane

Cunnane, K. (2013). Deep in the Sahara. New York, New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.

Summary:

The story follows a young Muslim girl named Lalla.  She admires the women in her family and the beautiful malafas they are wearing.  Lalla shares with the women in her family the many reasons she wishes to wear a malafa such as to be beautiful or mysterious.  She learns the purpose of wearing the malafa is much more than any of those reasons.  It is only after she learns the true purpose, she is allowed to wear a malafa. The author includes some background information in an author’s note.  The author also includes a glossary with several words in Hassaniya that are included in the text.

Awards:

• None known for this book (will update if I learn of any).

• Author Kelly Cunnane has received awards for other books she has written including the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award and ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book.

 

Resources: