|
|
|
Ramadan: A Muslim Holy Day According to The Eid website (http://theeid.dgreetings.com/calendar/index.html) 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) is expected to begin on September 24, 2006, but it could be earlier on the 23rd whenever the new moon is sighted. Therefore, Ramadan will end on either the 23rd or 24th of October with Eid-al-Fitr (1st Shawwal).
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit with friends and family. It is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen family and community ties. (Taken from www.holidays.net/ramadan.) Below are some children's books that describe the celebration of Ramadam as well as some that celebrate and describe the religion of Islam and the Muslim world. Ramadan
Bangladesh Celebrate! In South Asia Joseph F. Viesti and Diane Hall Photographed by Joe Viesti Joe Viesti's striking photographs capture the heightened atmosphere and emotional fervor of people who Celebrate! in South Asia, Southeast Asia and Central America. Mr. Viesti and coauthor Diane Hall annotate the mostly full-page pictures with brief introductions to the special occasions, which include a Thai elephant roundup, Indian camel fair, and many new-year celebrations. 1996, Lothrop, $16.00 and $15.93. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin ISBN: 0688137741 ISBN: 068813775X 
Celebrating Ramadan = Ramadan Al-Mu'azzam Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith Photographs by Lawrence Migdale The month of Ramadan is one of the most important Islamic celebrations. During Ramadan, devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Children are not required to fast but parents are encouraged to have them try. Through text and photographs, Hoyt-Goldsmith and Migdale introduce the reader to Ibraheem, a fourth grade student and his New Jersey family as they participate in Ramadan. The book provides historical background of Islam, its founder, Muhammad, its holy days and many of the rituals of Islam. The glossary, index, maps and pronunciation add to the usefulness of this well-done, timely book. It is one that should be included in world-religion collections in elementary schools and public library children's collections. 2001, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: J. B. Petty ISBN: 0823415813 The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is a time of fasting and reflection. It begins with the sighting of the new moon, and because of the Islamic lunar calendar, gradually rotates through all of the seasons. It concludes with a three-day feast called Eid al Fitr, a welcome celebration after a month of total fasting from sunrise to sunset everyday. Muslims fast "to show obedience to God's commands...and share the experience of those who are poor." Even a young boy like Ibraheem, a fourth grader in Princeton, New Jersey, knows what it is like to fast. His family's celebration of Ramadan and Eid is beautifully photographed and explained in this book. Many of the scenes look strikingly American—boys playing basketball, children making holiday cookies and wrapping presents, youngsters escaping to their computer games during family celebrations. Other photos are not yet as familiar to most of us—women wearing the traditional hijab or head covering, Ibraheem at prayer facing Mecca or kneeling on the floor, and verses in Arabic from the Koran. "Ibraheem and his family have challenged themselves to live according to God's command. However, since they live in the United States, they are in a minority. Sometimes their ways are misunderstood by others." Celebrating Ramadan is an excellent bridge to begin understanding this fastest growing religion in the United States. 2001, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0823415813 Best Books: Celebrations and Festivals Peter Chrisp All over the world, people celebrate special occasions. Whether it is an anniversary, calendar, seasonal, or sporting event, certain traditions apply. In this relatively short book, the author presents a wide sampling of these celebrations in a highly stimulating format. Fortunately, the first page of text tells the reader how to use the book. The contents section lets the reader know what occasions are covered. Each topic is given a two-page spread that includes text, brilliant photographs with captions, illustrations, cross-references and a quiz. Some pages include a suggested project, while others have a blue highlighted box with related, interesting facts. Words considered difficult are in bold type and can be found in the glossary at the end of the book. While most of the text is aimed at delivering facts, it is interesting to note that all over the world, people celebrate many occasions in similar ways, exchanging presents, decorating their homes and sharing traditional foods. In Australia, the traditional Christmas meal is turkey with cranberry sauce, just like in America. Because December 25 falls in the middle of the summer, many Aussies eat that meal on the beach! Part of the "Two-Can Discovery Guides" series. 2001 (orig. 1998), Two-Can Publishing, $11.95 and $6.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Barbara Kennedy ISBN: 1-58728-235-6 ISBN: 1-58728-229-1 Children of Israel Laurie M.Grossman This attractive title in the Carolrhoda series "The World's Children" describes Israel from the perspective of different cultural groups. The lifestyle of Ori, who lives in Holon outside of Tel Aviv and wears a key to his apartment around his neck, can be compared to Tadela, an Ethiopian Jew, who lives in a caravanim, a trailer park for new immigrants. Rawan, an Arab Israeli girl celebrates the holiday of Ramadan with her family in Tsur Bahar, while Abba, an Orthodox boy, poses proudly in front of his family's Torah library in Jerusalem. Ethnic foods, such as "hom-homs," the Sephardic dish of fried dough dipped in honey, are described in mouth-watering detail. Each double-page spread is accompanied by large full-color, captioned photographs. The text flows in a smooth narrative, beginning with four pages of historical background that acknowledges Israel as an ancient homeland of the Jews. Holocaust survivors are mentioned as a large group who found refuge in Israel after World War II. While there are no bold subheadings for quick reference, an index leads readers to specific information. Students should enjoy this book as both an informative read and a rich resource for assignments. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, $23.93. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf ISBN: 1575054485 Best Books: Israel Shirley W. Gray While some may choose this book as a good elementary introduction to the country of Israel, this reviewer has problems recommending it because of numerous inaccuracies and omissions that mar its impartiality. For instance, on page 17--"In spring, Muslims celebrate Ramadan." Anyone living through events of 2001 knows that Ramadan makes its appearance in the late fall. Also on page 17, Yom Kippur is described as a fast day, "...means they do not eat or drink until after the sun sets" which is the same description given on page 18 for Ramadan, "They eat and drink only after the sun sets." However, the Yom Kippur fast begins at sunset the night before and lasts 25 hours; it is not the same thing. Again, on page 23, Jerusalem is "...a holy city. Christians believe Jesus Christ spent his last days on Earth in Jerusalem. Muslims believe it is where the prophet Muhammad was taken into heaven." It is not until the bottom of page 24 that Jewish beliefs and claims to the holy city are mentioned, and then only in reference to the Western or Wailing Wall. This bias against the historical realities of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judaea is unacceptable. The author doesn't even credit the United Nations with creating the modern country of Israel, except in the "Important Dates" section at the end, but says merely (page 8) that "It was formed in 1948 after World War II." For these reasons the book must be passed over by this reviewer. Part of the "First Reports" series. 2002, Compass Point, $21.26. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Judy Chernak ISBN: 0756501296 
Light the Candle! Bang the Drum! A book of Holidays Around the WorldAnn Morris Pictures by Peter Linenthal As the title indicates, this book offers descriptions of a plethora of holidays from around the world. Unfortunately, the information given is so slight that it is nearly useless. The bulk of the book features bright, bold illustrations and short descriptions of the various holidays, many of which fail to even mention the countries in which those holidays are celebrated! A list of "Notes" at the end of the book offers more information for teachers and parents, such as when and where each holiday in the book is celebrated; however, there are several glaring errors, such as the description of Easter as the "day Jesus ascended into heaven." A nonfiction book of holidays geared toward very young children is a wonderful idea, but Morris and Linenthal's attempt leaves much to be desired. 1997, Dutton, $15.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Kathleen Kelly With energetic pictures and a capsule text, toddlers get a quick view of twenty-four holidays from New Year to Kwanzaa, from Carnival to Diwali, from Martin Luther King to Russian Winter Festival. Linenthal's images are joyous and rhythmical. Morris includes more information about each holiday in "Notes" at the end of the book. 1997, Dutton, $15.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman Peter Linenthal's playful painted-paper collages capture kids' lively celebrations of 24 holidays--from New Year's Day to Kwanzaa, by way of Eid al-Fitr, Diwali and St. Lucia's Day--in Ann Morris's light-hearted Light the Candle! Bang the Drum! Ms. Morris's sentence-or-two comments on each holiday are for little ones; her concluding specifics on the why, when, and where of each occasion, for their read-alouders. 1997, Dutton, $14.99. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin ISBN: 0525456392 Best Books: Ramadan Suhaib Hamid Ghazi Illustrated by Omar Rayyan Holiday This is a kid's level account of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Beginning with an explanation of the lunar calendar, it describes historical and current Islam in terms of Christianity and Judaism, then follows a small boy through a day of fasting, prayers, and fellowship with his family and mosque. The borders and panels in traditional Islamic style are both handsome and evocative. 1996, Holiday House, $15.95 and $6.95. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr On Eif al-Fitr, Muslims celebrate their success at fasting during Ramadan the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Suhaid Hamid Ghazi describes how a boy and his family observe the month of fasting and the holiday that acknowledges its end. Traditional Islamic designs border Omar Rayyan's warm images of a contemporary American family. 1996, Holiday, $15.95 and $6.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin ISBN: 0823412547 ISBN: 082341275X Best Books: Ramadan Kieran Walsh This book provides a straightforward description of the Islamic celebration of Ramadan. Balanced pictures from both the United States and the Middle East show Muslims in various acts of celebrating Ramadan. Key words appear in bold and also in a glossary and index at the back of the book. Well-captioned color photos help illustrate the text's descriptions of new concepts and bring a personal face to the traditions. Additional reading is provided at the back along with two Web sites. Unfortunately, the first of the two appears to no longer be on the Web and the second is from the rather generic About.com site. Part of the "Holiday Celebrations" series, this simple book provides the facts young children wonder about without getting into complex theology. However, even the shortest nonfiction book for young children can benefit from an expert consultant, which this book apparently did not have. It is not the case that "Ramadan usually takes place in the fall or winter". Islam follows a lunar calendar in which each month is slightly shorter than the months on a western calendar, so Ramadan gradually rotates through the entire year. Even young readers could discuss the interesting differences brought by a major holiday that is celebrated sometimes in the winter and sometimes in the summer, especially when the exact starting date of the holiday isn't even known until the moment the new moon is sighted. 2003, Rourke Publishing, Ages 6 to 9, $19.27. Reviewers: Sarah Seage and Karen Leggett ISBN: 1-58952-223-0
Remember That Islam
19 Varieties Of Gazelle: Poems Of The Middle East
Muhammad of Mecca: Prophet of Islam Ella Marston Now that Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, library shelves need books that introduce students to this faith and its prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 A.D. He was a trader with a wife and family when God (Allah in Arabic) revealed to him the words of the Islamic holy book, the Koran, changing his life forever. Persecuted by the existing authorities in Mecca, Muhammad fled to the town now called Medina, where he built the first Islamic community. The Muslim calendar is timed from this flight, or hijirah. The pilgrimage that is a duty for each devout Muslim includes a re-creation of this flight between Mecca and Medina. Ella Marston discusses the difference between fact and legend about historical and religious figures like Muhammad. Islam specifically forbids worshipping any human, including Muhammad. It was Muhammad's mission, in fact, to bring people back to the worship of one God and away from paganism. Muhammad built on both Arab and Jewish traditions to make Islam more familiar and appealing to potential followers. This biography also includes many pages of battle strategy, as Muhammad fought to keep and expand Islamic territory. Marston concludes with a brief look at the leadership disputes that followed Muhammad's death, resulting in the split between Shi'ite and Sunni sects of Islam. Part of a "Book Report Biography" series that focuses on people who have changed their own cultures and the world, including Jesus, Michelangelo, Confucius and W.E.B. DuBois. 2001, Grolier Publishing, $22.00 and $3.99. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0531203867 ISBN: 0531155544 Muslim Child: Understanding Islam Through Stories and Poems Rukhsana Khan Illustrated by Patty Gallinger Sidebars by Irfan Alli Many young children can identify with the trauma of being lost from their parents at a shopping mall or in a park and that is the point of empathy for Rukhsana Khan's story about the Muslim pilgrimage, or hajj, to Mecca. Mecca is crowded with hundreds of thousands of people. A little American boy tells the story of being lost in the midst of the throng and the kindly old man who helps him find his parents. Along the way, young readers learn about this important obligation of the Muslim faith. Congenial, touching, and even humorous stories describe Islamic beliefs as they are practiced by children in America, accompanied by definitions or explanations in the margins. There are several poems, a few short readings from the Quran, a craft and a recipe, as well as a guide to Arabic pronunciation and a timeline for the life of Mohammed. Soft black and white sketches illustrate the text. The stories are very accessible for Muslim and non-Muslim children, read aloud or independently. Several of the stories would be appropriate for school use as an introduction to cultural and ethnic diversity, including one about the difficulty of avoiding pork products as a Muslim in America and another about a Muslim child and his non-Muslim friend who come to understand and accept a mother who dresses head-to-toe in a flowing black robe. "A big black ghost!" said Danny; until the "big black ghost" climbed a tree to rescue Danny when he had climbed too high and pulled a lollipop from the pocket of her black dress. 2002 (orig. 1999), Albert Whitman, $14.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett A window opens on the Muslim world through a child's eyes as one reads the varied stories and poems comprising this book. We learn that, more than a religion, Islam is a way of life for Muslims, who gain peace and status among their people by observing strict rules and rituals in their daily lives. Yet these very processes leave them open to misunderstanding by others who are unaware of their significance. Is that really a black ghost, or could it be simply a child's mother who dresses in black cape and head covering? Is it okay to pretend to complete the complicated washing before prayers five times a day, or may one pray even if not quite perfect in washing? Might one be excused for eating something containing forbidden pork products if one has already bought it and is really hungry? The book presents a sympathetic picture of children stretching to embrace the ways of their religion while fitting into modern life in many countries. This reviewer found the constant refrain of "peace be upon him" following every mention of any of the prophets (including Moses, Abraham, Jesus and Mohammed, among others) rather disconcerting, however, since this book is intended for general audiences rather than Muslim religious instruction. But the sidebars on nearly page, as well as materials following chapters and at the back of the book, provide excellent information while stressing the ties between Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their universal desire for peace. Includes appealing black-and-white illustrations throughout and a pronunciation and script guide. Sidebars by Irfan Alli 2002 (orig. 1999), Whitman, $14.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Chernak ISBN: 0807553077 Religion in Twentieth Century America Randall Herbert Balmer In 1910, two California oilmen published a series of booklets about conservative Christian theology called The Fundamentals. The term "fundamentalist" was born and is widely used to this day, and not just for Christians. Although the book's title refers to "religion" in general, it concentrates overwhelmingly on Christianity and particularly on conservative, or fundamentalist, Christianity. There is only fleeting mention of Eastern religions or Islam, now the fastest growing religion in the United States. Jews are highlighted for their role in the civil rights movement, and there is an interesting discussion of the notion of a common "Judeo-Christian tradition," suggesting "a kind of moral consensus between Christians and Jews that has never really existed...but functioned as a code for exclusion." The book is very heavy on text and the few photos are all black-and-white and usually small. This makes for a book that is not immediately appealing, but there are fascinating bits of history and trivia for the student willing to work at finding them. There is a timeline for twentieth century American religious history, a lengthy reading list and a thorough index. 2001, Oxford University Press, $22.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0195112954 Best Books: Sacred Places Philemon Sturges Illustrated by Giles Laroche 
In a prefatory note, the reader is introduced to five religious traditions (Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, and Muslims) so as to be grounded in what follows. And what follows is a beautifully illustrated selection of places that are inspired by faith. The author and illustrator depict buildings such as temples, cathedrals, mosques and abbeys, and places such as the Ganges River, Ghats and Jerusalem. But they end with a moving evocation of the nighttime sky and the statement that "some sacred places aren't made by people at all." The text is two-tiered with a bold, ongoing and simple explanation of how people use sacred places. Near each illustration of a place is a paragraph of nine or ten lines about what goes on there and interesting facts about the building's construction, symbolism and significant events that the place marks. What sets this book apart from other religious overview books are the stunning, collage illustrations, intricately composed to capture shadow, light, perspective and detail in a manner unusual for the medium. Laroche is especially adept at rendering the human face in collage, but the many, tiny architectural and landscape features speak to the care and time it must have taken to produce this work. It is the kind of book a reader pores over rather than uses as research, but with a little patience, an alert reader will find much to add to a report. All in all, a beautiful, peaceful, informative and contemplative book. 2000, G. P. Putnam's Sons, $16.99. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0399233172 Best Books:
Updated 8/24/06 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
|
Ramadan: Islamic Holy Month
Islam 
Salaam: A Muslim American Boy's Story 
