Muslim American Books you HAVE to Have in Your Classroom

Farrah, a young Muslim girl who has come to the United States, focusing on her first day of school. The day is spent on a field trip to an orchard, where the children pick apples and make apple cider. This is a great chance to talk to your children about when they encountered something new or unfamiliar to foster a connection between them and Farrah. The melting pot analogy is turned into an apple cider one as all the children throw their apples in and work together to press it into cider, even Farrah helps.

One Green Apple by Eve Bunting 

A story about how many first generation immigrant children often have to follow the rules that their parents set out for them, even if they don’t fit the cultural norms of their new country. In this Rubina is invited to a birthday party and her mother doesn’t understand that only she is invited and forces her to take her little sister. Things do not go well, but in the end, the family adjusts to how birthday parties are celebrated in their new country, but not without some bumps.

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan

The book is a collection of three stories of children who are immigrants;  Maria from Guatemala, Jin from Korea, and Fatimah from Somalia. Readers see the struggles that the children face learning a new language, feelings of isolation, and then each child gaining confidence in their new home. 

I'm New Here by Ann Sibley O'Brien 

“People of all religions and other minority groups will appreciate and relate to Aliya’s experiences and hopefully seek to improve themselves.” –Children’s Literature “…Zia’s gentle message–that Muslims come from many cultures whose observances differ, while the long shadow of 9/11 hovers over all–is timely and beautifully conveyed.”

The Garden of my Imaan By Farhana Zia 

(Might not be Muslim American, but highly recommended by reviews) 

Amal is excited because at age 12, he is finally old enough to fast during Ramadan. Using simple vocabulary, Amal introduces preschool-age children to the daily rituals of Ramadan and the meaning of the fast.Though Amal’s parents tell him that he may not feel well during the fast, Amal is surprised when he feels so dizzy that he has to go to see the summer camp nurse. He’s embarrassed that he has to break his fast by drinking juice. But when his grandmother shares that she too had to break her very first fast, Amal realizes that he can try again tomorrow

Amals Ramadan by Amy Maranville and Josh Stevens 

Ali-Karamali subtitles Part I of her book “What It’s Like to Grow Up Muslim in California.” This guidebook is designed to introduce older children to the basic practices of Islam, major aspects of the history of the religion, and a bit about the demographics of Muslims

Because this is a more detailed book than the others on this list, the author has room to explain more. For example, in the chapter on food, she shares not only what rules about food there are in Islam, but reasons certain prohibitions may have developed. Throughout the book, she sprinkles stories of her own childhood experiences in, making the book very relatable. (Recommended for ages 10+)

Growing up Muslim: Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Islam by Sumbul Ali-Karamali 

Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won't understand why she doesn't join them in the lunchroom.

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi

Grandma's hijab clasps under her chin. Auntie pins hers up with a whimsical brooch. Jenna puts a sun hat over hers when she hikes. Iman wears a sports hijab for tae kwon do. As a young girl observes the women in her life and how each covers her hair a different way, she dreams of the possibilities in her own future and how she might express her personality through her hijab.

With cheerful rhyming text by acclaimed author Hena Khan, and charming illustrations from talented newcomer Aaliya Jaleel, Under My Hijab provides a friendly introduction to hijabs for all readers, and celebrates the many Muslim women and girls who choose to wear them

Under My Hijab byKena Khan

(not specifically set in America, but does not talk about being set in a different country) 

Seeing Ramadan and Curious George together is great fun. There are so many reasons why this book is a staple in Muslim households, and should be in non-Muslim homes too. I for one love how Curious George playfully and earnestly takes part in the different elements of Ramadan, like waking up early to eat, fasting, giving to the poor, and celebrating with loved ones

IT’S RAMADAN, CURIOUS GEORGE BY H.A. REY AND HENA KHAN 

From Far Away By Robert Munsch, Saoussan Askar Illustrated by Rebecca Green Published by Annick Press, Limited Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “A sad, challenging, and ultimately hopeful real-life story.” —Kirkus Reviews Description When Saoussan immigrated with her family from war-torn Lebanon, she was only seven years old. This picture book tells the story of how she had to adjust to her new home in Canada

From Far Away by Robert Munsch, Saoussan Askar

A Long Pitch Home By Natalie Dias Lorenzi Published by Charlesbridge Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat Description Ten-year-old Bilal liked his life back home in Pakistan. He was a star on his cricket team. But when his father suddenly sends the family to live with their aunt and uncle in America, nothing is familiar. While Bilal tries to keep up with his cousin Jalaal by joining a baseball league and practicing his English, he wonders when his father will join the family in Virginia

A Long Pitch Home by Natalie Dias Lorenzi