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A review by khairun_atika
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by S.K. Ali, Aisha Saeed
4.0
"Always look beyond what your eyes initially recognise and find out what is real, what is possible, and what is the truth." - Searching for Blue by N.H. Senzai, from Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed.
This book feels like Eid for Muslim writers and readers alike. Growing up, it was not easy to find books written by Muslim women, and for Muslim women. This book is like a godsend. Not only is it edited by two Muslim women authors, it is a compilation of stories about Eid, a festivity celebrated by Muslims, written by 15 different Muslim women authors.
This gem is written mainly for young readers, or middle-graders, but there is so much depth, wisdom and compassion in each story that would reach out to any and all Muslims. I loved the different voices of the different protagonists - the generous giver, the first-time hijabi, the baker, the refugee and the only Muslim in class - these are characters that would resonate with other Muslim readers. There is a certain vulnerability in each of these protagonists, all of whom are young children eager to bring hope and joy in their lives - and the lives of their loved ones in Eid.
This collection of stories is more than just an erudite, enjoyable and heartwarming representation of Muslims around the world. It showcases the innocence, faith and hope of these striving young Muslims who put their hearts and souls into Ramadan and Eid, and it is such a positive and beautiful portrayal of not just the beauty of Eid, but the beauty of Islam as well. What an enlightening, beautiful way to honour our religion.
This book feels like Eid for Muslim writers and readers alike. Growing up, it was not easy to find books written by Muslim women, and for Muslim women. This book is like a godsend. Not only is it edited by two Muslim women authors, it is a compilation of stories about Eid, a festivity celebrated by Muslims, written by 15 different Muslim women authors.
This gem is written mainly for young readers, or middle-graders, but there is so much depth, wisdom and compassion in each story that would reach out to any and all Muslims. I loved the different voices of the different protagonists - the generous giver, the first-time hijabi, the baker, the refugee and the only Muslim in class - these are characters that would resonate with other Muslim readers. There is a certain vulnerability in each of these protagonists, all of whom are young children eager to bring hope and joy in their lives - and the lives of their loved ones in Eid.
This collection of stories is more than just an erudite, enjoyable and heartwarming representation of Muslims around the world. It showcases the innocence, faith and hope of these striving young Muslims who put their hearts and souls into Ramadan and Eid, and it is such a positive and beautiful portrayal of not just the beauty of Eid, but the beauty of Islam as well. What an enlightening, beautiful way to honour our religion.