Ramadan, the holy ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is just getting started and Muslims around the world will observe it by doing charitable deeds, special prayers, and daily fasting from sunrise to sunset (for healthy adults, teenagers and older children).

The holiday commemorates the time when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, or The Breaking of the Fast, which is expected to be on May 13 this year.

To help our patrons with their Ramadan celebrations at home or physically and socially distant gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, here is a selection of fifteen fiction and nonfiction print books, e-books, and electronic audiobooks by #OwnVoices Muslim authors. The list includes colorful picture books and short novels for younger children and a collection of short stories, guidebooks on Islam, and cookbooks for older children and teens.  

Have a blessed Ramadan and a blessed Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan Mubarek, Eid Mubarek.

Tween and Teen Books

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed; illustrated by Sara Alfageeh

We could all use a little bit of joy these days. This collection of short stories for middle grade and younger teens celebrates the many ways families across the country and overseas prepare for and observe Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (the end of Ramadan and the Feast of the Sacrifice). Some of the more poignant stories follow a young girl who wears a hijab in public for the first time; a Malaysian girl who does the holiday cooking while her mother is in the hospital; and a Syrian teen as he tries to organize an Eid meal at a Greek refugee camp.

 

 

Growing Up Muslim: Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Islam, by Sumbul Ali-Karamali

This informative guidebook helps middle and high school students understand Islam and various faith practices. There are chapters focused on donating to charity, the significance of fasting and Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr traditions from around the world, along with other holidays. There are recipes for traditional sweets like Ramadan cookies, lassi, and bean pie.

 

 

 

The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook For Muslims and Non-Muslims Alike, by Dilara Hafiz, Yasmine Hafiz and Imran Hafiz

Got questions about Islam and Muslim food, clothing, and customs? This teen-friendly handbook has plenty of answers along with chapters focused on zakat (charity) and tips on how to have a successful Ramadan and Eid.

 

 

 

Feast: Food of the Islamic World, by Anissa Helou

Travel and taste the world through your kitchen with this cookbook featuring various halal recipes from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Festive dishes readers can consider preparing for iftar include various styles of bread, biryanis, curries, kebabs, salads, and tagine stews or sweets like date cookies and rice puddings.

 

 

Sweet Middle East: Classic Recipes from Baklava to Fig Ice Cream, by Anissa Helou

Bring a little sweetness to your Ramadan suhoor or iftar meals with this recipe book featuring various types of havlas, puddings, baked goods, fritters, frozen desserts, jams, and drinks.

 

 

Children's Picture Books, Fiction and Nonfiction

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard, illustrated by Laura K. Horton

Sophia is too young to fast all day, read the Quran, or offer money for charity, but the little girl contributes to her family's Ramadan celebration in her own way by helping Grandma make iftar dinner in this warm, pastel-hued picture book.

 

 

 

Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

It's show and tell time in kindergarten and little Musa enthusiastically talks about his favorite holiday, Eid al-Fitr, while learning about other holidays from around the world from his classmates, such as Rosh Hashanah, Las Posadas and Pi Day.

 

 

 

Zara's New Eid Dress, by Nafisah Abdul-Rahim

Ramadan is Zara's favorite holiday of the year, and in this picture book, the little girl hopes to wear a dress that shows her African American Muslim heritage and her own fashion style. 

 

 

 

 

The White Nights of Ramadan by  Maha Addasi, illustrated by Ned Gannon

Follow Noor, her little brothers, and the rest of the Kuwaiti family as they make preparations for and celebrate Girgian, the festivities during the middle of Ramadan with the full moon. The author's note and glossary provides more context about Ramadan traditions in the Middle East. 

 

 

 

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan, illustrated by Julie Paschkis

Yasmeen, seven, learns all about the various Ramandan traditions and the phases of the moon with her family in this bright, cheerful picture book. The back includes a brief author's note about the holiday and a glossary of terms.

 

 

 

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Lea Lyons 

Lailah's excited that her mother is finally letting her fast for Ramadan, but she's a bit nervous about explaining the tradition and the holiday to the people at her new Atlanta school. Will her new teacher and classmates understand why she's skipping lunch, and will they be supportive? 

 

 

Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle by Reza Jalali, illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien

Ramadan is about good deeds. As Shirin, nine, learns more about the holiday, she decides to put aside arguing with her brother during this special time. 

 

 

Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuurali, illustrated by Anjan Sakar

Sadiq, a Somali American boy from Minnesota, and his friends decide to host a community iftar to raise donations for a schoolhouse in Somalia. Sadiq learns a valuable lesson when his friend, Zaza, suggest supporting a  local charitable cause, too. This short novel for early readers includes a glossary of vocabulary words along with writing and book conversation prompts.

 

 

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik

Bubbly, imaginative Omar, ten, adjusts to living in a new home and going to a new school outside London. The funny, full-of-energy kid enjoys sharing information about his faith, Ramadan, and holiday traditions with his new friend and neighbor while deflecting rude comments from the school bully.

 

 

 

Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Learn all about the basics of Islam and Ramadan and how it is celebrated around the globe with this festive fact-filled and picture-filled book. 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES:

"Celebrating Ramadan" by National Geographic for Kids
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/ramadan

"The Festival of Eid: A Virtual Celebration" by the Asia Society at Home and Asia Society Texas Center
https://asiasociety.org/texas/festival-eid-virtual-celebration

"Learn About Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha" by the New York City Department of Education
https://www.weteachnyc.org/resources/resource/learning-about-eid-al-fitr-eid-al-adha/