10 Books by Muslim Authors to Read This Ramadan

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Huda Al-Marashi, author of the upcoming middle grade novel 'Hail Mariam,' shares her list of must-read books with PEOPLE

The covers of 'Love from Mecca to Medina' by S.K. Ali, 'We Are Big Time' by Hena Khan and 'Tagging Freedom' by Rhonda Roumani Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Knopf Books for Young Readers; Union Square Kids — The covers of 'Love from Mecca to Medina' by S.K. Ali, 'We Are Big Time' by Hena Khan and 'Tagging Freedom' by Rhonda Roumani

Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Knopf Books for Young Readers; Union Square Kids

NEED TO KNOW

• A new wave of children’s books by Muslim authors highlights Ramadan and diverse Muslim experiences
• Stories explore themes like cultural identity, family traditions and social justice, offering representation for Muslim and non-Muslim readers
• These books span genres, from picture books to young adult novels, and tackle topics like grief, activism and systemic racism

When I was growing up in California in the 80s and 90s, Ramadan was the time when I felt the most invisible at school. At lunch, I’d watch my classmates eat, unsure of how much to say about why I wasn’t joining them. Back then, there was such little cultural awareness of Muslims in the United States, never mind our holidays, that as a child, I struggled to know where to begin these conversations. Thankfully, we now have so many Muslim voices, writing across all genres of children’s literature, that are providing much-needed context for not just this important holiday but also our lived experiences.

From picture books to young adult novels, the below stories feature intersectional identities and are a gift of representation for both Muslim and non-Muslim children alike. They offer the opportunity to feel seen rather than just feeling different.

01 of 10

'Bela and Lily' by Natasha Khan Kazi

Bela and Lily evokes fond memories of striking up fast friendships in the park and finding ways to play with relatives who hadn’t learned English yet. With one simple line, “Where I’m from, words are different,” Kazi makes plain just how easy it can be to transcend language barriers.

02 of 10

'Ramadan Rain' by Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow and illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

With endearing illustrations and lyrical prose, this sweet picture book is destined to become a Ramadan classic. Both parents and children alike will be inspired by adorable Haneen’s discovery that what matters most during Ramadan is service to others.

03 of 10

'Zuni and the Memory Jar' by Aisha Saeed and illustrated by Neha Rawat

Throughout the year, Zuni’s family stores tokens of their favorite memories in a memory jar. After reading this book, I’m inspired to do the same. “Big or small, each moment matters,” Saeed says in her author’s note, a welcome reminder to slow down and take note of the day-to-day experiences that shape us.

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04 of 10

'Hilwa’s Gifts' by Safa Suleiman and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

Visiting a grandparent abroad, taking a token from your visit back home and trying to stay in touch after via video chat are all experiences any child of immigrants will relate to, but all children will enjoy the backdrop of the olive harvest and seeing the many things made from Hilwa, the olive tree.

05 of 10

'Tagging Freedom' by Rhonda Roumani

At a time when many of us feel helpless to change the world, Kareem and Samira remind us just how important it is to stand together and how comforting it can be to be surrounded by people who care. This story, steeped in art, activism and social justice will inspire the change-maker in any family.

06 of 10

'The Unbeatable Lily Hong' by Diana Ma

Lily Hong’s rivalry with Max Zhang will ring true for any child of immigrants — the kid that speaks your family’s language flawlessly, who all the elders love and who is a star at their cultural dance. It’s the kind of conflict that defined my childhood. Hui Muslim Lily on her quest to save her community center had my whole heart.

07 of 10

'Huda F Wants to Know?' by Huda Fahmy

Being called “Who-duh” in school had to be my least favorite mispronunciation of my name, but finding a protagonist and an author who shared the same name surely would have healed my angst. While I may have picked up this book for my younger self, I loved it for the way it tackles grief and mental health challenges with humor and grace.

Related: What Is 'Good' Muslim Representation in Fiction? And Who Gets to Decide? (Exclusive)

08 of 10

'We Are Big Time' by Hena Khan and illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

A classic underdog story featuring Muslim teens on their high school basketball team is something I never would have dreamed of finding as a young reader, and the fact that this incredible story is based on real events makes it even better. But this graphic novel is about more than just a sports team. It speaks to the serious issue of tokenization, how even positive media representation can try to force a group to fit a particular narrative.

09 of 10

'Love from Mecca to Medina' by S.K. Ali

As a young adult, I would have given anything to see my community’s courtship practices reflected in a novel. Added bonus to see the ritual of traveling to Mecca and Medina for Umrah represented through the eyes of a young newlywed couple.

10 of 10

'All You Have to Do' by Autumn Allen

The brilliant title of this dual POV novel comes from a line where one of the main character’s mothers tells her son, “All you have to do is take advantage of the opportunities right in front of you,” perfectly capturing the bind of systemic racism. So much opportunity is supposedly in front of you only for there to be so much more holding you back. With one storyline set during the student protests at Columbia University in 1968, this book is an especially timely read for adults and young-adults alike.

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Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi will be released Tuesday, Feb. 24, by Penguin Random House and is available for preorder now wherever books are sold.

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