Books for Ages 9-12
It Ain't So Awful, Falafel, Written by Firoozeh Dumas
Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh is the new kid on the block...for the fourth time. California’s Newport Beach is her family’s latest perch, and she’s determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name—Cindy. It’s the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes U.S. headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even puka shell necklaces, pool parties, and flying fish can't distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home.
Published by Harper Collins
Saving Sunshine, Written by Saadia Faruqi and Illustrated by Shazleen Khan
It's hard enough being a kid without being teased for a funny sounding name or wearing a hijab. It's even harder when you're constantly fighting your sibling―and Zara and Zeeshan really can't stand each other. During a family trip to Florida, when the bickering, shoving, and insults reach new heights of chaos, their parents sentence them to the worst possible fate― each other’s company! But when the twins find an ailing turtle, it presents a rare opportunity for teamwork―if the two can put their differences aside at last.
Published by First Second
Hana's Hundreds of Hijabs, Written by Razeena Omar Gutta and Illustrated by Manal Mirza
Hana has a humongous collection of hijabs and accessories – and her hijab is always styled superbly. But when her overflowing collection gets a little out of hand, Hana knows something needs to be done . . . and comes up with a clever plan for sharing her talents and possessions with her community!
Published by Barefoot Books, Inc.
Ganesha Goes Green, Written by Lakshmi Thamizhmani and Illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta
During her town's Ganesha Chaturthi festival, young Prema comes up with an innovative plan to save the river from pollution. Persevering through multiple obstacles, she convinces her friends to help her create natural clay Ganesha statues to replace the plaster ones that harm the river when they dissolve.
Published by Barefoot Books, Inc.
Joy to the World! Christmas Around the Globe, Written by Kate DePalma and Illustrated by Sophie Fatus
Explore Christmas traditions from 13 different countries! Rhyming text and detailed illustrations make the book accessible to younger readers, while educational endnotes about the 13 celebrations add interest for older children. Features Christmas traditions from India, Egypt, and Lebanon.
Published by Barefoot Books, Inc.
Kid Trailblazers: True Tales of Childhood from Changemakers and Leaders, Written by Robin Stevenson and Illustrated by Allison Steinfield
Featuring kid-friendly text and full-color illustrations, Kid Trailblazers highlights contemporary figures who have led the way in government, social activism, environmental justice, and the arts. Features biographies about Benazir Bhutto and Kamala Harris.
Published by Quirk Books
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change, Written by Robin Stevenson and Illustrated by Allison Steinfield
Every activist started out as a kid—and in some cases they were kids when their activism began! But even the world’s greatest champions of civil liberties had relatable interests and problems–often in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. Kid Activists tells the childhood stories of these activists and more through kid-friendly texts and full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. Features biographies about Iqbal Masih and Malala Yousafzai.
Published by Quirk Books
The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World, Written by Saadia Faruqi and Aneesa Mumtaz, and Illustrated by Saffa Khan
Throughout history—from the golden age of the empires of Arabia, Iraq, Persia, and India, up to modern day—Muslims have shaped our world in essential ways, with achievements in music, medicine, politics, human rights, literature, sports, technology, and more. Give this book to readers who are excited to learn about the great figures and thinkers in history!
Published by Harper Collins Publishers
Mehndi Boy, Written by Zain Bandali and Illustrated by Jani Balakumar
The first time Tehzeeb tries mehndi, his passion for the art form blossoms. Soon, he’s creating designs for all his friends and family, and dreams of becoming the most in-demand mehndi artist in town. So Tez is hurt and confused when his favorite uncle tells him mehndi isn’t for boys. His art brings people joy. How could it be wrong? Tehzeeb doesn’t want to disappoint his uncle. But when a crisis before his cousin’s wedding puts his talents to the test, Tehzeeb must find the courage to be his true creative self.
Published by Annick Press
The Garden of my Imaan, Written by Farhana Zia
Aliya already struggles with trying to fit in, feeling confident enough to talk to the cute boy or brave enough to stand up to mean kids—the fact that she's Muslim is just another part of her life. But then Marwa, a Moroccan girl who shares Aliya's faith if not her culture, moves to town. Marwa's quiet confidence leads Aliya to wonder even more about who she is, what she believes, and where she fits in. In a series of letters to Allah she writes for a Sunday school project, Aliya explores her dreams and fears, hoping that with hard work and faith, something beautiful will grow in the garden of Imaann—the small quiet place inside where belief unfolds, one petal at a time.
Published by Peachtree Publishers
Nina Somi, Master of the Garden, Written by Kashmira Sheth and Illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky
Indian-American girl Nina Soni has big plans for her garden, but they don’t include bugs, slugs, and rabbits. It’s Take Your Child to Work Day, and Nina, Kavita, and Jay are all going to work with Mom, a landscape architect, to learn how to start a garden. Naturally that’s not enough for Nina, who quickly develops big plans for a business selling the vegetables she plans to grow. But her plans don’t include managing the problems that inevitably arise, including rabbits, slugs, mosquitos, and more!
Published by Peachtree Publishers
Nina Somi, Perfect Hostess, Written by Kashmira Sheth and Illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky
Nina’s grandmother is coming to visit, all the way from India. It’s hard, only getting to see her grandparents on carefully timed video calls, scheduled to manage that ten-and-a-half hour time difference. But now Dadi is going to stay for several weeks! Nina can’t wait to see Dadi—but then it turns out that Montu, her annoying cousin, will also be coming. It’s challenging enough to manage her little sister, but Nina has gotten used to that, and even come to appreciate many of Kavita’s eccentricities. Still, it will be fun to introduce her extended family to life and friends in Madison, Wisconsin, and Nina is determined to become the perfect hostess. Surely, she can manage to plan a lovely visit, with the help of the lists she makes in her journal.
Published by Peachtree Publishers
Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time, Written by Saira Mir and Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Discover the true stories of nineteen unstoppable Muslim women of the twenty-first century who have risen above challenges, doubts, and sometimes outright hostility to blaze trails in a wide range of fields. Whether it was the culinary arts, fashion, sports, government, science, entertainment, education, or activism, these women never took “no” for an answer or allowed themselves to be silenced. Instead, they worked to rise above and not only achieve their dreams, but become influential leaders.
Published by Salaam Reads
Amina's Voice, Written by Hena Khan
Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she’s in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the “cool” girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more “American.” Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized.
Published by Salaam Reads
Amina's Song, Written by Hena Khan
It’s the last few days of an amazing trip to Pakistan, and Amina finds it hard to leave the sights, the shops, and, most of all, her family. As she heads back to Greendale to start seventh grade, the experience has changed her, and she’s eager to share it with her friends. At home, though, Amina discovers her friends don’t seem interested in hearing about her trip. With everyone growing in different directions, Amina wonders where she belongs—especially after her school presentation on Malala goes sideways, leaving her feeling like nobody understands both her worlds. When Amina turns to songwriting, a boy named Nico who shares Amina’s love for music becomes a welcome new friend. Will Amina find a way to remain true to herself, and to honor everyone and everything that make her who she is?
Published by Salaam Reads
American as Paneer Pie, Written by Supriya Kelkar
As the only Indian American kid in her small town, Lekha Divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: Home Lekha, who loves watching Bollywood movies and eating Indian food, and School Lekha, who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation at all costs, especially when someone teases her for being Indian. When a girl Lekha’s age moves in across the street, Lekha is excited to hear that her name is Avantika and she’s Desi, too! Finally, there will be someone else around who gets it. But as soon as Avantika speaks, Lekha realizes she has an accent. She’s new to this country, and not at all like Lekha. To Lekha’s surprise, Avantika does not feel the same way as Lekha about having two separate lives or about the bullying at school. Avantika doesn’t take the bullying quietly. And she proudly displays her culture no matter where she is: at home or at school. When a racist incident rocks Lekha’s community, Lekha realizes she must make a choice: continue to remain silent or find her voice before it’s too late.
Published by Simon and Schuster
Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea: How a Science Project Helps One Family and the Planet, Written by Elizabeth Suneby and Illustrated by Rebecca Green
It's monsoon season in Bangladesh, which means Iqbal's mother must cook the family's meals indoors, over an open fire. The smoke from the fire makes breathing difficult for his mother and baby sister, and it's even making them sick. Hearing them coughing at night worries Iqbal. So when he learns that his school's upcoming science fair has the theme of sustainability, Iqbal comes up with the perfect idea for his entry: he'll design a stove that doesn't produce smoke! With help from his teacher, Iqbal learns all about solar energy cooking, which uses heat from the sun to cook --- ingenious! Has Iqbal found a way to win first prize in the science fair while providing cleaner air and better health for his family at the same time?
Published by Kids Can Press
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh, Written by Uma Krishnaswami
Nine-year-old Maria Singh longs to play softball in the first-ever girls’ team forming in Yuba City, California. It’s the spring of 1945, and World War II is dragging on. Miss Newman, Maria’s teacher, is inspired by Babe Ruth and the All-American Girls’ League to start a girls’ softball team at their school. Meanwhile, Maria’s parents—Papi from India and Mamá from Mexico—can no longer protect their children from prejudice and from the discriminatory laws of the land. When the family is on the brink of losing their farm, Maria must decide if she has what it takes to step up and find her voice in an unfair world.
Published by Lee & Low
Behind My Doors: The Story of the World's Oldest Library, Written by Hena Khan and Illustrated by Nabila Adani
Merhaba! Welcome! Meet Al-Qarawiyyin Library--the oldest library in the world. Do you want to see what magical treasures are behind its doors? You'll find special reading rooms where young and old gathered to discuss, debate, and discover the world. And, most important, the collection of books that hold knowledge more valuable than any jewels! Open its doors, unlock its story, and discover an adventure that only a library can share.
Published by Lee & Low
Every Month is a New Year, Written by Marilyn Singer and Illustrated by Susan L. Roth
In many places around the globe, the new year starts on January 1. But not everywhere! Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February. Iranians observe Nowruz in March. For Thai people, Songkran occurs in April. Ethiopians greet the new year at Enkutatash in September. All these celebrations, and many others, have deep-rooted traditions and treasured customs.
Published by Lee & Low
Divya Far from Home, Written by Sita Jit and Illustrated by Abhilasha Khatri
Nine-year-old Divya's life is turned upside down when her family moves from Delhi, India, to a new city halfway across the world. Divya goes from living as an only child with her own quiet bedroom to sharing a room with her cousin in a crowded home with extended family. Plus, everything is different at her new school too. Everyone keeps saying change is good--but not if you didn't want to leave home in the first place!
Published by Capstone
A Place at the Table, Written by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan and Illustrated by Laura Shovan
Sixth graders Sara and Elizabeth could not be more different. Sara is at a new school that is completely unlike the small Islamic school she used to attend. Elizabeth has her own problems: her British mum has been struggling with depression. The girls meet in an after-school South Asian cooking class, which Elizabeth takes because her mom has stopped cooking, and which Sara, who hates to cook, is forced to attend because her mother is the teacher. The girls form a shaky alliance that gradually deepens, and they make plans to create the most amazing, mouth-watering cross-cultural dish together and win a spot on a local food show.
Published by Clarion Books
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