Youngsters’s books, picture books, chapter books, and middle grade books, with Muslim characters present illustration, open youngsters’ eyes to new cultures, and construct empathy.
We nonetheless want extra books with Muslim characters. Hopefully. publishers will notice that readers like us need to see extra variety and proceed to supply extra books with diverse characters.
The books on this listing have fun the Muslim religion and cultures throughout the Islamic religion neighborhood, similar to Egyptian, Pakistani, and Somali cultures.
Learn these image and chapter books together with your youngsters and college students; they’re actually good, well-written tales that you just’re going to like.
Image Books with Muslim Characters
The Proudest Blue A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.Ok. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly
This image e-book narrates a loving, tender bond between two sisters. It’s a relatable, candy story that reveals the significance of the hijab within the Muslim religion and feeling delight in who you’re. The little sister, Faizah, seems as much as her huge sister, Asiya, and when her huge sister wears a fantastic, blue hijab for the primary time, different college students make enjoyable of her. However Asiya stays robust and unaffected.
Salat In Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Hatem Aly
Two of my favourite kidlit creators teamed up for this vital story about bravery, religion, and household. After his dad provides him a prayer rug of his personal, a Muslim boy named Muhammad searches for a spot to wish in school, however he’s nervous to ask his instructor so he hides his prayers from his classmates. After faculty, he sees his dad praying outdoors his ice cream truck with police standing over him. Muhammad bravely leaves the truck to affix his father. And although they’re each trembling a bit of bit, they end their prayers, and the police depart. The subsequent day, Muhammad feels the braveness to method his instructor and ask for a spot the place he can pray.
Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrations by Ebony Glenn
The little lady feels beloved, protected, courageous, and imaginative when she performs dress-up along with her mommy’s colourful khimars that are headscarves. Her playful pleasure with the scarves celebrates her household’s tradition and beliefs.
Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Azia, illustrated by Parwinder Singh
It’s Musa’s flip to choose the meals after the Jummah Prayer on the masjid — and he picks halal scorching canines. However first, he shares which meals treats his different relations picked for his or her turns, then he has to attend till after masjid. He’s a bit wiggly and hungry. When it’s time, Musa waits in a protracted line, wanting to share along with his household. However when he arrives house, the bag doesn’t have the sauce or scorching canines inside. Now, what is going to he do? Discover one other halal scorching canine stand, after all.
Amira’s Picture Day by Reem Faruqi
Amira’s household is celebrating Eid, but it surely’s the identical day as faculty footage which she’s unhappy to overlook. As soon as they go to their Eid celebration, Amira feels very joyful and even happier when her mother takes her to highschool simply in time for sophistication footage. I like studying about Amira’s Muslim vacation and seeing how her household celebrates Eid. Her vary of feelings completely captures her day
Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Lavish, richly coloured illustrations fill this lovely e-book of shapes celebrating Muslim tradition. “Hexagon is a tile, / daring and vivid, / painted with an ayah / I like to recite.” Find out about geometric shapes like circles, squares, and octagons from each day life and structure.
Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan, illustrated by Saffa Khan
Transcendent illustrations of inky blues, reds, and oranges seize the temper of this parental prayer for a kid…Every web page begins with the phrase Inshallah which suggests “if God wills” in Arabic. Inshallah that the kid shall really feel protected, be type, search information, and stand robust. “Inshallah you depend all of your blessings and graces.” Mild and stuffed with loving needs, this can be a memorable, soothing e-book.
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
The numerous ladies on this lady’s life put on hijabs and likewise generally don’t. They encourage her with all that they do and who they’re. It’s an vital slice-of-life story that includes robust, inspiring Muslim ladies.
Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
Bilal tells his mates all about daal. Collectively, they rigorously put together the components and wait because the flavors combine collectively. This story makes me need to eat daal, too — it’s a savory introduction to this lentil dish from South Asia in addition to a warm-hearted instance of sharing conventional meals with mates from different cultures.
The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil, illustrated by Aaait Semirdzhyan
An exquisite story that reveals the worth of being bilingual and sharing your language and tradition with others! Kanzi’s household strikes to a brand new faculty. Fortunately, her new instructor values Kanzi’s tradition and language. She helps Kanzi share her Egyptian tradition and Arabic language along with her classmates which builds bridges and friendships along with her new classmates.
Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, illustrated by Maya Fidawi
A bit lady worries about getting misplaced on the bazaar and asks her Mama Shamsi if she will be able to conceal beneath her huge black chador. Every time, Mama Shamsi tells the lady what creature her chador would appear to be if the lady hid beneath. For instance, if the lady climbed on Mama Shamsi’s again, it could appear to be she was a turtle! If the lady had been within the entrance, Mama Shamsi would appear to be a kangaroo. Finally, the lady understands that it may be too foolish to cover beneath the chador. She bravely holds palms with Mama Shamsi as they stroll by way of the market.
I’m New Here by Anne Sibley O’Brien
Again house, Jin and Fatimah knew their languages and had been included of their courses. Being new, they now really feel lonely and confused. This e-book gently reveals the way it feels to be new and the method of constructing mates from the attitude of youngsters from totally different cultures and international locations.
One Green Apple by Eve Bunting
Farah struggles with residing in new in a rustic the place she doesn’t perceive the language or tradition. However a area journey to an apple orchard helps her discover frequent floor along with her new classmates.
Peg & Cat The Eid al-Adha Adventure by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson
Peg and Cat go to their mates Yasmina and Amir to have fun the Muslim vacation of Eid al-Adha. Apart from singing and dancing, they have fun by giving to others.
Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
When she was youthful, Malala desires of the issues she’d do if she had a magic pencil. She’d erase struggle, poverty, and starvation. Then she would draw ladies and boys collectively as equals. Quickly she begins writing about her beliefs. Even after dangerous males tried to cease her, Malala writes, utilizing her phrases because the magic to unfold a message of hope. Fantastically illustrated and provoking, this biographical story shares Malala’s beliefs with the youngest of readers.
The Masjid Kamal Loves written by Ashley Franklin, and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Written like “The Home that Jack Constructed,” see how joyful Kamal feels when he’s on the masjid. From his sneakers to the buddies, the rug, the imam, and prayers, he loves going to the masjid. I additionally love the illustrator’s use of vibrant blues.
Riding a Donkey Backwards Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin retold by Sean Taylor and the Khayaal Theatre, illustrated by Shirin Adl
Mulla Nasruddin stars in hilarious brief tales that may enchantment to youngsters of all cultures, though he’s well-known already in many various Muslim international locations. He’s goofy, witty, endearing, difficult, and clever…you possibly can’t assist however adore him. The collage illustrations seize the emotion (and goofiness) of Mulla with a pleasant humor of their very own.
The Kindest Red A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihal Muhammad and S.Ok. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly
Faizah will get to put on the crimson gown handed on by her mother and her sister for image day. After a lesson at school about making the world how we wish it to be, Faizah and her pal Sophie present kindness to their schoolmates. Then it’s image time. And Faizah feels unhappy as a result of she doesn’t match her huge sister. With Jada’s assist, Sophie shares her gown’s sash in order that Faizah can put on a hijab, too. This e-book will assist youngsters contemplate that their actions may also help the world be a greater place.
Starting Chapter Books with Muslim Characters
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui, illustrated by Hatem Aly
Yasmin is an exuberant lady who’s involved in all the things from exploring to constructing to vogue. Every e-book on this collection shares brief tales from Yasmin’s life, all in chapters with vigorous, full-color illustrations. Every story reveals Yasmin as a artistic drawback solver, even when issues get laborious. Her Pakistani American tradition is embedded all through the story such because the meals Yasmin’s household eats like naan or how she calls her father Baba.
Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman Nuurali, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
Not solely is that this a nice STEM story a couple of younger boy who finds the celebs to be fascinating, but it surely’s additionally a narrative with variety as a result of Sadiq’s Muslim household is initially from Somalia. After a area journey to the planetarium, Sadiq and his mates begin an area membership and work collectively to lift cash for a DIY telescope. Rising readers will benefit from the friendship, teamwork, STEM subjects, and variety.
Planet Omar by Zanib Mian
Playful writing, whimsical illustrations, and wealthy Pakistani-American tradition…Among the best issues about Omar is his HUGE creativeness! He makes use of his creativeness to cope with shifting, beginning a brand new faculty, bullying, and racism. That is one in all my favourite books and I like that it’s about Muslim characters.
Disney’s Daring Dreamers Club: Milla Takes Charge by Erin Soderberg
These ladies relate their lives to Disney princesses for a category project and construct robust bonds of friendship. I preferred that it was informed from the views of 5 totally different mates, but the range of the group, which features a Muslim character and a lady with two mother,s felt a bit contrived.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Many individuals love this warm-hearted story of kindness and connection to others narrated by clever outdated oak tree named Crimson. He, in any case these years, decides to intervene to assist a lonely lady named Samar, a Muslim lady, who’s new to the neighborhood and whose household was the meant recipient of the phrase, “LEAVE” on Crimson’s trunk. Earlier than he’s minimize down (executed), he helps Samar discover a pal.
Power Forward by Hena Khan
Crammed with Urdu and Pakistani tradition, this can be a brief starting chapter e-book a couple of boy who loves basketball. Sadly, he skips violin classes and lies to his dad and mom to be able to go to additional basketball practices. Zayd learns some laborious classes each about honesty and communication along with his household which, in the long run, makes his life higher.
Magical Land of Birthdays by Amirah Kassem
When Amirah’s neighbor provides her an outdated cookbook titled The Energy of Sprinkles, Amirah is aware of it’s the proper cookbook for her upcoming birthday cake. However when she makes use of it, she’s transported to the Magical Land of Birthdays, the place she meets youngsters with the very same birthdate. Collectively, they’ve an thrilling, magical journey that features discovering a lacking B-Bud lady, events, unicorns, and, after all, cake. (Good 4th Grade Book Series)
Center Grade Books for Muslim Characters
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Written in evocative verse, comply with a younger lady from her house in Syria as she strikes along with her mom to america. Jude’s journey is one in all rising up, being courageous, and discovery. Children will see how Jude navigates her new scenario as she pertains to different ESL college students of their protected classroom area, finds new mates, and performs within the faculty play. Her insights on life in America assist readers perceive her immigrant expertise.
More to the Story by Hena Khan
Jameela is one in all 4 ladies in a Pakistani-American household, and he or she’s keen about journalism. Sadly, in her enthusiasm, she hurts a brand new pal when she writes one thing he isn’t comfy sharing with the world. Whereas she digests these hard-earned classes, she learns that her beloved little sister has lymphoma. Khan skillfully weaves a narrative of household, tradition, neighborhood, and social justice.
Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Raúf
Ahmed is a refugee boy from Syria who arrives at Alexa’s London faculty. Alexa and her mates hear that England goes to close the borders to refugees, they resolve to ask the Queen for assist to reunite him along with his household. Exhibiting the facility of people to make a distinction, this shifting gem of a novel in the end is about human kindness and friendship.
Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza
Ahmed’s household strikes from Hawaii to Minnesota to assist his dad get remedy for his uncommon liver illness. At his new center faculty, he’s bullied endlessly by his neighbor, Jack. Plus, although he hates to learn, his group wants Ahmed to do his half by studying the three assigned books. He ultimately does and learns to consider books in a deeper approach. Issues get much more sophisticated when his dad goes into ICU, and somebody makes a risk towards the college pretending to be Ahmed. However, Ahmed learns to face up for himself and focuses on what issues — his Muslim American household.
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
Written in a diary as letters to her Mama, Nisha shares how her life is turned the other way up when the British rule of India ends in 1947, splitting the nation into two — the Muslim north the place she lives turns into Pakistan, and the Hindu south stays India. Despite the fact that Nisha’s mother was Muslim, Nisha, her brother, her physician Papa, and her grandmother are compelled to go away their house within the north as a result of they’re Hindu. There’s violence all over the place; nowhere is protected, not even the trains. It’s a harrowing journey and complicated time.
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
Amina’s struggling when her pal, Soojin, needs to alter her identify to be extra American and be mates with different youngsters. Her troubles are put into perspective although when Amina’s mosque is attacked, dimming her worries about center faculty drama. In a heartening flip of occasions, the neighborhood, together with her pal Soojin, helps the mosque by offering a spot for everybody to assemble and helps them rebuild.
It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas
Though it might sound like a heavy e-book, this can be a humorous, lifelike story about rising up and residing in a tradition that’s not your individual. It’s the late Seventies and Zomorod (Cindy) and her household are again within the U.S. from Iran –once more. Nonetheless, she’s determined to slot in with the opposite youngsters regardless of going through each household pressures and anti-Iranian prejudice.
Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh
Marsh writes a surprising novel about two younger boys from very totally different backgrounds — one is a refugee from Syria, whereas the opposite is an American who has simply moved to Belgium. Interwoven on this well timed, poignant story are the large problems with refugees, prejudice, concern, friendship, and kindness. To keep away from the overcrowded refugee facilities, Ahmed hides within the basement of the home of Max’s home. When he’s found by Max, the boys develop a friendship and so they enroll Ahmed in Max’s faculty. However it might’t final ceaselessly…
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
Amal’s life is turned the other way up when she offends a regional Pakistani overlord and is compelled to go away her house and faculty to work in his house as a servant — indefinitely. She finds her interior power and fights again, liberating herself and the opposite family slaves. The writer deftly units the scene of rural Pakistan. Readers will really feel transported, really feel the injustice personally, and cheer for Amal’s bravery.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
Magnus is a great, snarky child who’s thrust right into a loopy scenario — the mythological Norse world as a result of his dad is the god Frey. When Magnus dies, he’s taken to Valhalla, one of many Norse afterlife areas. There, he learns he should discover a sword to stop the top of the world (Ragnarok).Fortunate for Magnus, he has mates who may also help– an ex-Valkyrie Islamic lady named Samirah Al-abbas, an elf named Hearthstone, and a dwarf named Blitzen who’re well-developed, fascinating side-kick characters.
The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Expertise Amira’s life in Sudan earlier than and after her village is attacked. After the assault, she should stroll for days to get to the protection of a refugee camp. In her grief, she additionally finds hope within the type of a treasured pencil as she sees its prospects.
Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed
Unbelievable writing about one (scholarship) boy’s battle to remain in a prestigious personal faculty, this can be a very good e-book of dedication, resiliency, and neighborhood set in Pakistan. Omar will get a scholarship to attend a prestigious Pakistani boarding faculty, a step in fulfilling his dream of turning into an astronomer and shopping for his mother a home. Regardless of his efforts, his grades aren’t sufficient and he will get kicked out. Till his classmates help him with a walk-out and the headmaster will get the board to alter the board’s resolution and the principles.
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