Children’s Books That Celebrate Muslim Culture
by the Brightly Editors
Whether you’re from a Muslim family looking for more representation in children’s literature, or a teacher or parent of non-Muslim children wanting to better understand and celebrate Muslim culture, there are so many wonderful storytellers in the kids’ lit community who have contributed to essential, diverse narratives that pay homage to the rich history and vibrant present of this community.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite children’s books that feature Muslim protagonists, celebrate Muslim culture, and illustrate Islamic traditions – perfect for reading during Ramadan, Eid, and all year long.
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The Best Eid Ever
Available from:Though her parents are far away for the Hajj pilgrimage, Aneesa is looking forward to celebrating the three days of Eid with her Nonni, who made Aneesa three beautiful outfits for the holiday. When she meets two sisters at the prayer hall whose clothes are drab and ill-fitting and learns that they are refugees, Aneesa comes up with a wonderful plan to spread the generous spirit of Eid.
(Ages 2 – 5)Also available from: -
My Name Is Bilal
Available from:On their first day at a new school where they might be the only Muslim students, Bilal sees his sister, Ayesha, being teased by bullies. Hoping to avoid the same fate, he decides to tell his classmates his name is Bill. Fortunately for Bilal and Ayesha, there is a Muslim teacher at school, Mr. Ali, who lends Bilal a book that changes how Bilal feels about his identity. An excellent read for those in Bilal and Ayesha’s shoes (and a lesson in inclusion for others), this heartening story is a valuable reminder that we should take pride in who we are.
(Ages 2 – 5)Also available from: -
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift
Available from:Hannah is too young to fast for Ramadan but wants to do her part and observe this important month. What is she to do? Throughout this story, Hannah learns about the power of good deeds and that you can help make the world a better place no matter your age. This book is perfect for little ones who want to find ways to participate during this holy time.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
My Grandma and Me
Available from:This exquisitely illustrated picture book captures the love between Mina, a young girl growing up in Iran, and her grandmother, whom Mina follows everywhere. Through the little joys of their everyday lives and practice of Islam, and through the love that Mina’s two grandmothers — one Muslim, one Christian — have for each other, readers are gifted a heartwarming portrait of family ties and universal love.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Big Red Lollipop
Available from:The good news: Rubina’s going to her first birthday party! The bad news: Rubina’s mother insists that she take her little sister Sana along — even though Rubina knows that’s not how her Western classmates do birthday parties. As Rubina feared, Sana is a terror, and Rubina’s classmates aren’t pleased. But hang tight for a sweet and redemptive story arc from the author who admits to playing the role of Sana in her own childhood.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Deep in the Sahara
Available from:Deep in the Sahara, in the country of Mauritania, young Lalla dreams of the day when she, too, will get to wear the malafa, just like her mother and older sister. But first, Lalla must understand the true meaning behind the malafa: the garment is not only a beautiful tradition but a part of her faith. When the time is right, Lalla’s mother has the loveliest malafa waiting for her.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
A Party in Ramadan
Available from:When Leena attends a party during the holy month of Ramadan, she plans to keep her fast and then join her family for a delicious iftar, the post-sunset meal that breaks their daily fast. But at the party, all of Leena’s friends are eating and drinking treats, and Leena’s tummy starts to ache. This upbeat and realistic read follows a young girl negotiating her differences with peers and highlights what Ramadan is all about – spiritual reflection, doing charitable deeds, and spending time with loved ones.
(Ages 7 – 9)Also available from: -
The White Nights of Ramadan
Available from:During the month of Ramadan in the Arabian Gulf, Muslim families celebrate Girgian, or Mid-Ramadan: the three days surrounding the full moon. Children dress in traditional garb and go from house to house, collecting treats. Noor narrates this story, which gives a fun peek into holiday traditions and remains focused on the family and charity aspects of Ramadan. For more by author Maha Addasi, look to Time to Pray, an endearing picture book about the call to prayer.
(Ages 7 – 9)Also available from: -
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
Available from:The first book in a new illustrated chapter book series, Omar is the new kid at school, and he is not at all excited about it. What if the work is too hard or the kids are mean or the teacher is a zombie alien?! But despite his imaginative spirit, the reality of his Big Mean Bully is no fun to deal with — particularly the bully’s anti-Islam sentiments. Thanks to his family, Omar overcomes — asserting himself as a new middle grade literary hero.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
The Night Diary
Available from:In this Newbery Honor Book set during the 1947 Partition of India, Veera Hiranandani tells the story of Nisha, as she reckons with her identity and losing her homeland. Twelve-year-old Nisha is half-Muslim, half-Hindu, which makes things particularly complicated when her newly independent homeland divides between Pakistan and India, Muslim and Hindu. Overnight, Nisha’s family become refugees, and through letters to her departed mother, Nisha explores her hope, heartbreak, and search for a home.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
Amal Unbound
Available from:In this richly crafted, bestselling novel, readers follow the ambitious and artistic 12-year-old Amal, who dreams of one day being a teacher but finds herself forced into indentured servitude for the Khan family, who controls her Pakistani village. In an act of resistance, Amal works with her fellow servants to win back their freedom. Suspenseful and emotional, this powerful middle grade novel underscores the importance of family, literacy, and community.
(Ages 10+)Also available from: -
Nayra and the Djinn
Between bullies, family pressures, and an exhausting best friend, Nayra is having a rough time. It's also Ramadan, and while fasting is important to Nayra, her hunger makes the days drag on. When a mysterious mythical being from Islamic folklore appears looking for help, Nayra jumps at the chance. While the djinn uses their powers and wisdom to help her navigate her overwhelming life, it's also a race against the clock to help them return home before the end of Ramadan. School Library Journal calls this beautifully illustrated graphic novel a "captivating use of Islamic beliefs and culture to share with readers the importance of rebuilding relationships and standing up for oneself."
(Ages 10+)Preorder from: -
The Green Bicycle
The mischievous and headstrong Wadjda has a plan: if she can sell enough handmade bracelets and banned-music mixtapes to her peers, she can finally buy a bicycle and race her friend Abdullah. There’s just one problem – in Wadjda’s Saudi Arabia, constrictive gender norms forbid girls from riding bikes. But feisty and optimistic Wadjda won’t quit so easily to change minds and hearts.
(Ages 10+)Preorder from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2023.