Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Ramadan is Zain's favorite time of year, but his South Asian-cued family has moved to a new neighborhood with no nearby mosque, he isn't attending Islamic school, and his parents have been too busy to unpack the Ramadan decorations. "For the first time, Zain's Ramadan glow isn't so bright," Ali writes. After the family builds a makeshift mosque from cardboard boxes left over from their move, neighbors portrayed with various skin tones ask questions, prompting Zain to teach them about Ramadan. And when the family prays outside, another Muslim boy drops by and joins in the preparations. Through the duo's growing bond, this heartwarming title stresses the importance of community, while Awatiff's vibrant spreads convey a sense of happiness and contentment. Back matter includes a "Make Your Own Ramadan Treat Bags" activity. Ages 5--9. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Zain usually loves the Ramadan holiday, but everything feels different this year. He and his parents recently moved to a new neighborhood, and there is no local mosque, nor other families nearby who celebrate like Zain does. Though he feels disappointed, Zain takes matters into his own hands and creates a Ramadan celebration his own way, which provides him with opportunities to engage with his neighbors and even make a new friend. This lovely picture book shares the specifics of the Ramadan holiday with readers of all backgrounds, while illustrating the very real emotions of one boy who feels alienated from his peers. Zain's tenacity and his ability to make the most of a challenging situation are exemplified in the story, and readers will empathize with Zain and be able to use his choices as a model for their own behavior. The text is best suited to elementary school readers due to its complexity, though the vibrant and colorful illustrations will appeal to a wide range of ages. Muslim traditions and Arabic words are found throughout, and a glossary at the end helps to clarify any meaning that may be lost in the narrative. Additionally, the back matter includes a craft activity for readers to create as an extension of the book. VERDICT This addition to the "Holidays in Our Home" series is a heartfelt and detailed book to share with all children, whether or not they celebrate Ramadan themselves.--Mary Lanni
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A child longs to find a friend with whom to observe Ramadan. Zain and his family have moved, and the boy is downhearted. With no mosque nearby and no Islamic school to attend, he worries that Ramadan won't feel the same. Zain explores his neighborhood and searches for signs of other Muslims but returns home disappointed. A few days later, he and his parents build a mosque using the empty cardboard boxes from their move. Soon neighborhood children are attracted to Zain's creation, and he teaches them about Ramadan--fasting, showing gratitude, and giving to those in need. After Zain and his parents pray outside, much to Zain's surprise, another Muslim boy, Ahmed, joins in! Jubilant, Zain realizes his Ramadan will be more special than ever. Ali successfully weaves a heartwarming tale of teachable moments around the traditions of Ramadan while sensitively navigating Zain's loss of his prior community and his resilience as he forges new bonds, all with the support of his loving family. Awatiff's vivid, jewel-toned illustrations make clear that Ramadan is a special time for Muslims. Cues in the text suggest that Zain and his family are South Asian. Zain's new community is diverse; Ahmed is brown-skinned. Backmatter includes information on how Ramadan is observed around the world, a glossary, Zain's Ramadan essentials, and a "Make Your Own Ramadan Treat Bags" activity, which invites readers to join in the fun. An uplifting tale about recapturing the spirit of Ramadan. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
