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4.53 AVERAGE
4.53 AVERAGE
Muhammad has just turned seven and is gifted a salat rug now that he will be participating in the five daily prayers of the Islam faith. He is excited to conduct himself more seriously and practice the prayers like his father does. However, once he gets to school, he becomes nervous that the teacher and the other students will tease him, so he nervously hides and rushes through prayer. Later, while driving around in his father's ice cream truck and witnessing his father pray in public with pride, Muhammad resolves to have courage and ask his teacher if he may partake in these prayers during the school day even though he is still a little nervous, and the teacher is very friendly about it.
First, I have to praise the book's hardback and endpaper designs; they're gorgeous. This is a great children's book, and the story is told very well. The author also includes a note in the back about salat and a glossary with pronunciations.
First, I have to praise the book's hardback and endpaper designs; they're gorgeous. This is a great children's book, and the story is told very well. The author also includes a note in the back about salat and a glossary with pronunciations.
This book was a bit heartbreaking for me to read because Muhammad didn't feel comfortable asking anyone at his school for a safe place to pray. But then I felt proud because I am a school librarian who provides a safe, quiet place every day for 5 of my students to say their mid-day prayer. I learned some information from this book, such as the different types of prayers and that most people use a special rug. Picture books like this make other people's beliefs accessible and easy for others to understand, and for that, I am so grateful.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Age: 1st-3rd grade
TW: Religious misunderstanding (nosiness, mean stares, laughing at difference)
The picture book world is given another Muslim banger by the incredible Thompkins-Bigelow. At the age of 7, Muhammed is gifted a salat rug for praying five times a day, including finding time at school. Seeing his father's dedication and bravery, Muhammed finally finds the courage to ask his teacher who gladly helps him find a space of his choosing.
TW: Religious misunderstanding (nosiness, mean stares, laughing at difference)
The picture book world is given another Muslim banger by the incredible Thompkins-Bigelow. At the age of 7, Muhammed is gifted a salat rug for praying five times a day, including finding time at school. Seeing his father's dedication and bravery, Muhammed finally finds the courage to ask his teacher who gladly helps him find a space of his choosing.
Such an important book -- definitely one of those window/mirror (thank you Rudine Simms Bishop) books that every classroom needs.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a great book as a mirror for kids who might be starting to pray during the school day and aren't sure how to feel brave and safe when they might be the only ones in their class observing salat. It is also a great windows book for kids who don't practice Islam to see what the practice is about and how to respond with kindness and understanding rather than judgement. Highly recommend!
Lovely book that illustrates the complexity of being part of a non-dominant faith in a context that doesn't always understand or accept your needs.
This picture book represents a Muslim boy's nervousness about doing prayer rituals in public. The story feels very honest to a child's experiences without being preachy from an adult standpoint, and the resolution is satisfying. This book will be a blessing to Muslim people who identify with the situations represented here, and it will also be relatable for people of other religions who have felt hesitant to pray in public. This is also a great teaching tool for helping kids grow in awareness and sensitivity towards people who are different from then.