10 Children’s Books Featuring Muslim Characters
Positive Muslim representation in popular culture is more important than ever. For Muslim children, seeing themselves represented in books can provide a sense of validation and pride in their identity. It can also help non-Muslim children learn about and appreciate different cultures and traditions, teaching them about empathising with those who may appear different. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing children’s books with Muslim characters that are both entertaining and informative. From picture books to middle-grade novels, these stories celebrate the diversity of Muslim experiences and offer a glimpse into the lives of Muslim children around the world.
Contents
- 1. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad
- 2. The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
- 3. Sitti’s Secrets by Naomi Shihab Nye
- 4. The Three Lucys by Hayan Charara
- 5. Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
- 6. The Garden of My Imam by Farhana Zia
- 7. The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter
- 8. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan
- 9. The Carpet Boy’s Gift by Pegi Deitz Shea
- 10. Yasmin the Explorer by Saadia Faruqi
1. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ages 3-8. This beautifully illustrated picture book follows a young Muslim girl named Faizah on her sister’s first day of wearing a hijab to school. Faizah must find new ways to be strong when she discovered not everyone at her school thinks a hijab is beautiful. An inspiring book with a positive message, by Olympic medallist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
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2. The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
Ages 9-12. In the award-winning first book in Ellis’ riveting Breadwinner series, Parvana, a young Afghan girl, must disguise herself as a boy to support her family under Taliban rule. Exploring themes like loyalty, survival, families and friendship under extraordinary circumstances, this is a must-read book for children from any background.
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3. Sitti’s Secrets by Naomi Shihab Nye
Ages 5-8. This beautiful picture book follows a young girl named Mona who travels with her mother to visit her grandmother in Palestine. A wonderful story about family and love across distance.
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4. The Three Lucys by Hayan Charara
Ages 6-9. A young Lebanese boy named Luli is forced to flee his home during the Lebanese Civil War, while his beloved cats are left behind. With a bittersweet but inspiring message of healing and rebuilding after loss and grief, this award-winning book is a tribute to the sustaining love of family, and to the power of the human spirit to hope for a peaceful future.
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5. Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Ages 6-8. This picture book follows a young Muslim girl named Lailah as she navigates the challenges of fasting during Ramadan at a new school in a new country. With vibrant illustrations, this gentle, moving story has an uplifting message. Lailah is supported by her teacher and the school’s librarian, and finds new friends who respect her beliefs.
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6. The Garden of My Imam by Farhana Zia
Ages 9-12. Aliya, a young Muslim girl grapples with trying to balance her faith and culture with the pressures of middle school. In a series of letters to Allah, Aliya explores her dreams and fears, hoping that with hard work and faith, something beautiful will emerge. An award-winning novel with a fresh, new voice.
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7. The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter
Ages 4-7. An empowering picture book with a strong feminist message, telling the true story of a librarian named Alia Muhammad Baker who saved books from destruction during the Iraq War.
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8. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan
Ages 2-4. A picture book that explores colours through the lens of Muslim culture and traditions. Perfect for reading aloud to children of any background, and will inspire questions and observations about world religions.
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9. The Carpet Boy’s Gift by Pegi Deitz Shea
Ages 8-10. A moving story about a young Pakistani boy who works as a carpet boy but dreams of attending school. While it highlights negative aspects of life in Pakistan and covers dark themes such as child labour, the book’s message is positive. It honours real life carpet boy, Iqbal Masih, who helped thousands of boys escape forced labour, before being shot and killed at the age of 12.
10. Yasmin the Explorer by Saadia Faruqi
Ages 5-8. One of many excellent books in the Yasmin series. It follows a young Pakistani American girl named Yasmin as she embarks on adventures and learns about her culture and faith. Set against the backdrop of multi-generational family life, these brightly illustrated books are incredibly inspiring for little girls, and see Yasmin come up with a clever solution to any problem she encounters.
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Know of any other great children’s books featuring Muslim characters? Let us know in the comment!
