Celebrating Ramadan: 10 Books to Add to Your Classroom

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, March/April 2024 Issue

Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It provides an opportunity to strengthen family and community ties while gaining self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual awareness. In line with this, we have compiled a list of new and upcoming books featuring Muslim characters who embody these values, and with the month of Ramadan already underway, now is a great time to add these to your classroom or library! We hope you and your students find them helpful and inspiring.

Aliya’s Secret: A Story of Ramadan
By Farida Zaman
Owlkids (October 2023)
Grade Level: K–2

Aliya’s parents are planning for their month-long fast during Ramadan and she wants to join them, but she’s too young. So Aliya takes it upon herself to fast in secret… which doesn’t last long! This heartwarming book is rich with facts about Ramadan festivities and reflects upon other ways to celebrate besides fasting, like performing acts of kindness.

Call Me Al
By Wali Shah and Eric Walters
Orca Book Publishers (March 2024)
Grade Level: 4–7

Ali, a Pakistani immigrant, is an eighth-grader struggling to find his place in the world. As a way of dealing with expectations from his parents, social pressures, casual racism, and personal challenges, he turns to poetry to express his thoughts and emotions. In this poignant and socially relevant tale, readers will follow Ali’s growth throughout the Ramadan period as he learns to embrace his identity and find his true voice.

Four Eids and a Funeral
By Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar
Feiwel & Friends (forthcoming: June 4, 2024)
Grade Level: 9–12

Tensions still linger between Said Hossain and his ex-best friend Tiwa Olatunji, but when their beloved Islamic Center catches fire just before the upcoming Eid celebration, Tiwa is forced to reach out to Said for help. Together, they must navigate their complicated past to rally the community and save what’s left of the centre from complete demolition. Will their efforts be enough to bring about a happy Eid celebration and rekindle their friendship—or maybe even turn it into something more?

Noura’s Crescent Moon
By Zainab Khan
Illustrated by Nabila Adani
Candlewick Press (April 2024)
Grade Level: K–3

In this charming picture book, Noura is eager to head out on a moonsighting picnic with her family after dusk. The month of Ramadan is almost over and once the new moon is spotted Eid al-Fitr will begin, but if it stays hidden, Noura will have to wait one more day to wear her sparkly new dress. Will she get lucky and be able to find the moon? Noura’s Crescent Moon makes for a magical introduction to the joys and wonders of Ramadan and Eid. The end of the book also includes a glossary explaining relevant terms, including various types of foods as well as the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Partition Project
By Saadia Faruqi
Quill Tree Books (February 2024)
Grade Level: 3–7

This intriguing novel follows the journey of contemporary Muslim American girl Mahnoor as she captures an unforgettable tale of loss, hope, and resilience. Her Dadi (grandmother) has recently moved from Pakistan to live with Mahnoor’s family, but Mahnoor doesn’t have time to help her get settled; she’s in the middle of working on a documentary for her journalism class. The only problem? She doesn’t have a subject. But the more she talks with Dadi, the more she realizes her grandmother has an important story to tell.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
By Sara Khan
Illustrated by Nadiyah Suyatna
words & pictures (February 2024)
Grade Level: K–2

Young readers can join Raya and her family as they celebrate Ramadan by baking cookies, doing good deeds in their community, playing games, and visiting the mosque. In this book, author Sara Khan draws on her experiences of celebrating Ramadan with her own daughter, also named Raya! Back matter includes fun activities like card-making, along with a quiz to help students learn even more about this important month.

Ramadan: A Holy Month
By Malik Amin
Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
Golden Books (February 2024)
Grade Level: K

Ramadan Mubarak! This beautifully illustrated golden book helps young readers learn why Muslim families celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. Simple yet informative text showcases the celebrations, food, and traditions followed by modern families during this festival.

Ramadan Kareem
By M. O. Yuksel
Illustrated by Hatem Aly
HarperCollins (February 2024)
Grade Level: K–3

Ramadan Kareem showcases the diversity of Ramadan celebrations around the world. Through a combination of lyrical text and bright, energetic illustrations, readers will gain insight into many of the culturally specific practices that take place during the holy month, such as waking up early for suhoor (the meal eaten before dawn) and waiting to share iftar (the fast-breaking meal) with family at sunset.

A Ramadan to Remember
By Marzieh A. Ali
Illustrated by Najwa Awatiff
Soaring Kite Books (January 2024)
Grade Level: K–3

Zain’s favourite festival, Ramadan, has arrived. However, his family has moved to a new neighbourhood without a mosque or an Islamic school. As readers follow along with Zain, who is determined to find a friend to celebrate the holiday with, they will learn the true essence of Ramadan and the joy of sharing it with others.

When a Brown Girl Flees
By Aamna Qureshi
Tu Books (September 2023)
Grade Level: 8–12

Zahra Paracha, a Muslim teen at odds with her beliefs, runs away from home to New York. Anxious and guilty, she finds solace in visiting a local masjid, where she is welcomed by the loving Muslim community. In this empowering story, Zahra embarks on a journey of spiritual healing, self-love, and hope. But can she create a new home for herself with secrets from her past still haunting her?

Avatar photo

Nupur Bagoria is a writer/editor who brings both precision and creativity to every project she takes on. When she’s not wrangling words or getting lost in books, you’ll find her deep in her latest DIY project or tending to her growing plant collection.

Education News

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Nupur Bagoria
Nupur Bagoria
Nupur Bagoria is a writer/editor who brings both precision and creativity to every project she takes on. When she’s not wrangling words or getting lost in books, you’ll find her deep in her latest DIY project or tending to her growing plant collection.

Advertisement

Read More

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.
tên kí tự liên quân | caro casino | thong ke 2 so cuoi giai db | sandinh pro | zalo chat | xsmb t5 ht | pai gow casino | vuacuopbien | e 08 | venetian rose slot | captain jack casino mobile | how to go to the casino | yêu nhầm chị dâu tập 29 | nightrush casino online | link slot online | genting casinos uk ltd | xổ số an giang ngày 9 tháng 6 | mega casino login | tên pubg | slot hu | avatar câu cá | dg casino | xs thu 4 hang tuan | tỷ số trực tuyến 7m cn | casino back room | 7 viên ngọc rồng mới nhất | 101tv bóng đá | singapore casino | khu rừng nhỏ của hai người tập 30 | robin slot | wonky wabbits slot | 2bong com | irish casino sites | ku vip slot | đăng nhập tobet88 | casino fun online | game lậu mobile việt hóa | du doan xsbd | nhà cái casino uy tín | trade casino | gday casino mobile | aco stainless steel slot drain | 2 số cuối giải đặc biệt miền bắc | casino grande monde | genting casino liverpool | tv hay org hoat hinh | dàn đề 36 số nuôi 3 ngày | samsung galaxy watch sim card slot | jack king casino | fruit slots online | bang tong sap huy chuong 32 | casino mộc bài tây ninh | cách xóa trang trống trong word | m88 sảnh casino | ignition casino promo codes | deposit 3 casino | casino đà nẵng | play together miễn phí không cần tải |