I think I wanted to love this one so much more! It wasn't a bad book, but I expected a little more from both these authors. CW: racism, Islamophobia, I think I wanted to love this one so much more! It wasn't a bad book, but I expected a little more from both these authors. CW: racism, Islamophobia, death of a child, grief
Four Eids and a Funeral at it's core is a love story about two young adults who have lost their connection for an unknown reason. Tiwa and Said were close growing up and spent a great deal of time together at their local Islamic Center; however, when Said goes to boarding school the two lose a connection. It's only through the death of their hometown librarian that the two are forced to reconnect with each other and work to save the Islamic Center after it burns down.
What Worked: I'm not Muslim so I can't speak to how other members of the Muslim community feel about the representation in the book; however, I appreciated that YA is getting another book that focuses on celebrations and religions outside of the Judeo-Christian sphere. Overall, we're starting to see a lot more representation regarding Eid in children's literature and I love that. There were a few conversations that Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar had throughout the course of the novel that I appreciated including Tiwa's experience as a Black Muslim, the grief that the family experiences after the death of her brother, the importance of the Islamic Community Center, as well as navigating familial relationships. Although the topics could have been discussed at greater length, it was nice to see them included in the text.
What Didn't Work: The pacing of this one felt a little off in some areas. There are flashbacks of Tiwa and Said during their childhood including previous Eid's that were celebrated together, but they felt surface level especially the one that should have connected Said to Tiwa's experience of familial loss and grief. It prevented me from being able to connect to their relationship as friends and their blooming relationships as something that is more than friends. The reveal was probably the biggest disappointment of the book. There is a very specific reason why Tiwa and Said stop communicating when he's off at boarding school. Eventually readers are clued into that reason and it just didn't work well. It was outside forces at play and the justification for why there was any interference wasn't plotted well. It didn't make me root for Tiwa and Said or become more invested in their relationship. Unfortunately, I was more invested in them as individuals than as companions.
Overall, this was a solid read. It was slightly disappointing, but there were specific elements that I did enjoy and I would be interested in seeing these two pair up again for another novel....more
Another solid read from Saadia Faruqi. Saving Sunshine follows a set of twins that can seem to get along. Tired of their antics and arguments, their pAnother solid read from Saadia Faruqi. Saving Sunshine follows a set of twins that can seem to get along. Tired of their antics and arguments, their parents decide to take their phones from them while on vacation to force the two to spend some time with each other. Although it was rough at first, the twins eventually learn to see things from the perspective of the other and work towards building a better relationship. This was a fast paced and interesting graphic novel that takes a look at the dynamics between siblings. It also interweaves discussions of immigration, Islamophobia, and conservation, racism, and bullying. I enjoyed the artwork which has a softer and more neutral tone to it. Overall, this was a good read and I'm happy to so see more Muslim representation in graphic novels....more
This cover!! And the story on the inside matches the outside. CW: gaslighting, bullying
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts toThis cover!! And the story on the inside matches the outside. CW: gaslighting, bullying
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts to keep up with 2024 middle grade releases. Although it wasn't high on my radar, I'm glad that I decided to pick it up. The story follows main character Sammy as she attempts to move on from a friendship break up. When she meets a new girl in the neighborhood (after an unfortunate TP incident), Sammy thinks that she has the chance to start over. Unfortunately, her ex best-friend comes back into the picture with the intention to steal Sammy's new friend away and Sammy must find the courage to stand up for herself and her new friend.
What Worked:I'm familiar with Nin Hamza through Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year; however, this is the first book that I've read from her. It was beautifully done and wonderfully written. Not only did Hamza do a great job with the character development, but she also perfectly captured what it's like to go through a friendship break during middle school. Kiera is HORRIBLE. This wasn't a friendship break up that just happened because they grew apart. Kiera was intentionally horrible to Sammy and gaslight her to the high heavens. Some people may feel like this is too much for a middle grade book, but I think it's a great way for this age group to begin to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships. Sammy knew that a lot of things Kiera was doing was wrong, but she had to build up the courage to defend herself and Alice. Additionally, if you're looking for a middle grade book that does a wonderful job developing secondary characters, look no further than this book. The side characters were AMAZING. I absolutely loved Imran. He's Sammy's brother and helps Sammy (whether intentional or not) learn a lot about herself and the way that she treats/interacts with people. He's on the spectrum and I think that Hamza handled his character development with grace and care. And there's Umma. She has got to be the closest thing that I've read to a perfect grandmother. She's caring, fun, charming and such a great support system for Sammy.
Overall, this was a fun read. It definitely is the definition of love, friendship, and community. Now that I've read this one, I definitely need to go back and read more from Hamza....more
Another wonderful title to add to your collection for Ramadan. I LOVED this. This is the epitome of children being able to see themselves and childrenAnother wonderful title to add to your collection for Ramadan. I LOVED this. This is the epitome of children being able to see themselves and children being able to see other experiences. Ramadan is such an important part of Islam and I’m happy to see publishing add more titles showcasing this for younger readers and their caregivers. ...more
Ahhh I didn’t know that Zahra was inspired by Ice Princess!
This was a great informational picture book about Zahra’s determination to become a figure Ahhh I didn’t know that Zahra was inspired by Ice Princess!
This was a great informational picture book about Zahra’s determination to become a figure skater while also breaking the mold on who can/cannot become skaters. I had no idea that they deducted points from her performance for wearing a hijab because they thought it was a dangerous prop. The pure ignorance of this thought process blows my mind, but I’m happy that she fought for her right to skate and that rules preventing her from wearing a hijab were officially removed. This had bright and fun illustrations and definitely gives a more diverse perspective of the figure skating community....more
Such a beautiful love letter to Muslim children. With all of the anti-Muslim sentiments occurring in the West, it’s nice to have a book that captures Such a beautiful love letter to Muslim children. With all of the anti-Muslim sentiments occurring in the West, it’s nice to have a book that captures the love that all Muslim children deserve to feel. It’s a reminder that Islam is rooted in peace regardless of what others may say. The pictures showcase the diversity that exists in rhetoric Muslim community and I really appreciated that. Overall, a wonderful and beautiful book. ...more
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this title, but it was AMAZING. Halal Hot Dogs focuses on a family that has a tradition of having treats after JummaI wasn’t sure what to expect with this title, but it was AMAZING. Halal Hot Dogs focuses on a family that has a tradition of having treats after Jummah Prayer and everyone in the family gets to take turns providing that treat. As a reader, you get the opportunity to learn about what every family member choices. When it’s Musa’s turn he decides to choose, he goes with Halal hot dogs. Honestly, reading the description of them made my stomach ache in hunger. What follows us a fun and funny adventure of how the lengths Musa goes through to get his family his favorite treat. This is definitely what I look for in a picture book. It’s the opportunity for kids to see something outside of their own experience or the chance for kids to be able to see themselves, but in a positive way that doesn’t reinforce trauma. Even as an adult, I learned so much about Halal law and Halal hot dogs which I knew nothing about until I read this story. The artwork was fun and colorful and really captured the excitement that Musa feels throughout the story. I also loved that this story captured the feeling of “food can bring us together.” There was food representation from other cultures in here as well which was fun. Overall, this was a great read and one worth checking out! ...more
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