Hi everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I’m happy to say that I have now completed most of the huge deadlines I had over the summer!! To end this month off, this next post has a trio of reads that have a collection of short stories for those readers who enjoy quick reads. Why not press the button below to find out more…
Well, to begin with I need to comment on something. During this journey of blogging I’ve been on, I’ve come across quite a large selection of books for younger readers that catch my eye and ones I go actively searching for. Whenever I need to research a subject or topic that is slightly complex, although the adult non-fiction books are varied and readily available, the ones I prefer to read are the non-fiction for younger readers. So when I was thinking of featuring tween Muslim characters, I was wondering about the actual heroes that are out there, like Malala Yousafzai or Ibtihaj Muhammed. The selection I have for you in this post includes both a non-fiction anthology and short story collection. I hope you enjoy these three!!
Title: Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time
Edited by Saira Mir and Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Publication details: Salaam Reads; NY, 2019
Discover the true stories of nineteen unstoppable Muslim women of the 21st century who have risen above challenges, doubts, and sometimes outright hostility to blaze trails in a wide range of fields. Whether it was the culinary arts, fashion, sports, government, science, entertainment, education, or activism, these women never took “no” for an answer or allowed themselves to be silenced. Instead, they worked to rise above and not only achieved their dreams, but became international leaders.
My review: What an engaging and inspiring anthology this was!! Rich in colour and information, we’re introduced to nineteen of the most influential Muslim women of our time. I loved the gorgeous illustrations and accompanying short story on each woman listed in this book!! Young girls will surely enjoy this large picture book!!
Title: The Wonders We Seek: 30 incredible Muslims who helped shape the world
Authors: Saadia Faruqi & Aneesa Mumtaz
Illustrator: Saffa Khan
Publication details: Quill Tree Books; NY, 2022
Discover the lives, stories, and accomplishments of many great Muslims throughout history. Many of the inventions and discoveries that we use in our lives today were created centuries ago – during the golden age of the Muslim empires and beyond. Art, music, astronomy, physics, mathematics, medicine, and so many other fields of knowledge were shared and created and discussed in Arabia, Persia, Iraq and India a very, very long time ago. This tradition of Muslims learning, dedication, and progress continues all across our world up to today.
My review: I loved this book so much!! Although it has a combination of men and women throughout history, it gives an amazing snapshot of the brilliance that Muslims all share!! Each story is really well researched and the illustrations are gorgeous. I ended up learning quite a lot from this. I knew of a few of the people this book featured and found myself enjoying each account immensely. I didn’t realise that Razia Sultan became the ruler of her father’s kingdom – the fifth sultan of the Mamluk dynasty in India – came to power through the will of ordinary citizens to become a female Islamic leader. Then there’s Fazlur Rahman Khan, the Muslim architect, who was the father of the modern skyscraper and Farouk El-Baz, whose work in geology helped train NASA astronauts on how best to collect data from the lunar surface. My knowledge has expanded science reading this amazing piece of writing!!
Title: Once upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices
Editors: S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed
Publication details: Amulet Books; 2020 (ebook)
Once upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid. Eid: the short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations. Contributors: G. Willow Wilson, Henna Khan, N.H. Senzai, Hanna Alkaf, Rukshana Khan, Randa Abdel-Fattah, Ashley Franklin, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Candice Montgomery, Huda Al-Marash, Ayesha Mattu, Asura Hussein & Sam Alfageeh.
My review: Wow, what a lovely collection of stories this was!! I learned so much about the different ways Eid is celebrated by Muslims around the world and what it means to the young children growing up in this modern world. Each story took me deep within myself and I found myself thinking about the way we also celebrate in my culture. A truly remarkable celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr!! You could almost see the bright and vibrant clothes, taste the yummy food and smell the aromas!! A great read!!
My rating for all three of these is: 5 ⭐
Stay safe and keep reading
Miss Mahee
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 