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Reviews tagging 'Islamophobia'
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by S.K. Ali, Aisha Saeed
14 reviews
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Once Upon an Eid was a real delight to read. It’s a collection of fifteen stories, targeted for a middle grade audience, and centred around the celebration of Eid. There are two Eids each year. Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim celebration marking the end of Ramadan and will be celebrated in just a few days time, making now an ideal time to read this book.
Like all good celebrations Eid involves food, family, friends, presents, warmth and togetherness. And joy. The joy really shone through in this book. The stories were set in several different countries and many featured challenging plot elements - life in a refugee camp, a mother battling cancer, recently divorced parents, a family newly converted to Islam and less wealthy than others in their masjid. Yet despite the challenges everyone found at least some moment of peace, hope and joy during Eid.
This book will function as a welcome mirror for Muslim readers and a valuable window for non-Muslims. Those who didn’t celebrate Eid will learn something yet still find the bulk of these stories very relatable - the disappointment when a traditional treat doesn’t turn out as planned, the agony of a long car ride with younger siblings, the joy of receiving a much wanted gift, the warmth of doing the right thing and helping others. There are obviously differences between Muslims and non-Muslims, but there are also commonalities. Books such as this will help children (and adults) recognise and value both.
I felt privileged to have read this book and to have had a little peek at the special day which is Eid.
Like all good celebrations Eid involves food, family, friends, presents, warmth and togetherness. And joy. The joy really shone through in this book. The stories were set in several different countries and many featured challenging plot elements - life in a refugee camp, a mother battling cancer, recently divorced parents, a family newly converted to Islam and less wealthy than others in their masjid. Yet despite the challenges everyone found at least some moment of peace, hope and joy during Eid.
This book will function as a welcome mirror for Muslim readers and a valuable window for non-Muslims. Those who didn’t celebrate Eid will learn something yet still find the bulk of these stories very relatable - the disappointment when a traditional treat doesn’t turn out as planned, the agony of a long car ride with younger siblings, the joy of receiving a much wanted gift, the warmth of doing the right thing and helping others. There are obviously differences between Muslims and non-Muslims, but there are also commonalities. Books such as this will help children (and adults) recognise and value both.
I felt privileged to have read this book and to have had a little peek at the special day which is Eid.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia
papercraftalex's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is a wonderful mix of middle grade stories; there's truly something for everyone. Some of the stories weren't as big a hit as others for me, but, overall, I enjoyed the collection. It's definitely middle grade and I think it would be good to share with younger kids, but adults can get a lot out of it too. As someone who isn't familiar with a lot of the cultural factors in the book, I did have to look up some things, but I think a lot of it was explained clearly enough by the authors that people from any background will understand. A lot of the stories emphasized the power of humanity and community and giving and that touched my heart very deeply. My favorites in the collection were Do'nut Break Tradition and Taste.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Grief, Islamophobia, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Xenophobia
mandkips's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia, Death of parent, and Grief
readingwithkt's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is a delightful collection of short stories - and one comic - telling tales of hope and joy, from Muslims celebrating or anticipating the celebration of Eid. I listened to the audiobook which was truly lovely (though I personally preferred Siiri Scott's narrative style to that of Neil Shah... totally personal preference). I started a story most days on my daily walk and ended up finishing the collection while cleaning the house and baking. It was a really nice companion in these bleak times, a reminder that joy is possible and it was truly a comforting read. I'm not Muslim so I did find myself also learning some things about Eid and about Islam more generally.
I would also say that if you have young people in your house: this one might really help them. A lot of the stories are from the perspective of children and young adults as they try to navigate small and big problems, which I thought was refreshing and sweet. I liked that the collection showed a real range in terms of people's backgrounds, and though it seemed largely focused on US/Canadian/so-called-Western Muslims, I felt this was important from the point of view that a lot of Muslims live in "the Western world" and experience real Islamophobia. To counter that with joy, hope, and celebration felt quietly radical and I loved it.
My favourites from the collection include:
- Yusuf and the Great Big Brownie Mistake by Aisha Saeed
- Gifts by Rukhsana Khan (the commentary on class and privilege here was brilliant)
- Not Only an Only by Huda Al-Marashi
- Maya Madinah Chooses Joy by Ayesha Mattu
I really recommend this one! Especially if you are feeling low and need something sweet, short, and comforting to get you through a tricky time. Just lovely! I'll definitely be looking out for more from all of the authors in the collection.
I would also say that if you have young people in your house: this one might really help them. A lot of the stories are from the perspective of children and young adults as they try to navigate small and big problems, which I thought was refreshing and sweet. I liked that the collection showed a real range in terms of people's backgrounds, and though it seemed largely focused on US/Canadian/so-called-Western Muslims, I felt this was important from the point of view that a lot of Muslims live in "the Western world" and experience real Islamophobia. To counter that with joy, hope, and celebration felt quietly radical and I loved it.
My favourites from the collection include:
- Yusuf and the Great Big Brownie Mistake by Aisha Saeed
- Gifts by Rukhsana Khan (the commentary on class and privilege here was brilliant)
- Not Only an Only by Huda Al-Marashi
- Maya Madinah Chooses Joy by Ayesha Mattu
I really recommend this one! Especially if you are feeling low and need something sweet, short, and comforting to get you through a tricky time. Just lovely! I'll definitely be looking out for more from all of the authors in the collection.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia
Parent relationship breakdown
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