8 Books that Celebrate Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is exceedingly holy for the world’s roughly 1.8 billion Muslims, who spend the month fasting from dawn to dusk. The practice is designed to bring Muslims closer to God, to remind us of the suffering of those less fortunate, and to spiritually purify, focusing on what’s really important and letting the noise fall away.
However, while fasting is popularly what Ramadan is most known for among non-Muslims, it’s but one aspect of the beautiful, blessed month, which also finds Muslims reflecting, connecting, reading the Qur’an and doing charity. Although the uninitiated often associate it with hardship — and, to be clear, fasting can be extremely difficult for some — it’s not uncommon to hear a Muslim say it’s their favorite time of the entire year and look forward to it eagerly.
As a Muslim and a mother, I know firsthand how magical the month can be, and wrote about its challenges and joys in my YA novel All-American Muslim Girl. The Ramadan scenes in my book mirrored my own struggles (and triumphs!) the first time I fasted, and made me excited to share the practice with my family.
Although my 5-year-old daughter is too young to read my own book, she’s old enough to enjoy the bounty of children’s and picture book literature celebrating Ramadan, making young Muslims feel seen, validated and proud. And while she’s also too young to fast, I’ve loved sharing some of these books with her to introduce her to one aspect of the religion I’m proud to practice.
Here are eight Muslim-authored books for children celebrating and highlighting Ramadan.
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story(opens in new window)
An uplifting and heartfelt story about 10-year-old Lailah, who is excited to fast for the first time (just like her friends and family back in Abu Dhabi), but nervous about what her new classmates in suburban Atlanta will think. After she gives her teacher a note asking to be excused from lunch, she goes to the library, where the librarian gently encourages Lailah to write down her story and share her culture.
The Gift of Ramadan(opens in new window)
Young Sophia decides to fast for her first Ramadan, encouraged by her mother, father and grandmother. She has her first suhoor — the pre-sunrise breakfast to fuel her body for the day — and tries to pray, but she falls asleep. Later, she tries to keep her mind off food by drawing, organizing her closet and keeping busy. But when her little brother eating delicious cookies is too tempting, she breaks her fast. Will she still be able to partake in the meaning of Ramadan? This comforting book assures kids that, sometimes, trying is just as important as succeeding.
It’s Ramadan, Curious George(opens in new window)
A treat for fans of the curious little monkey and his friend in the yellow hat, this book follows George on the first day of Ramadan as he celebrates with his friend Kareem. After fasting for the first time and keeping Kareem busy, George, along with the Man in the Yellow Hat, help Kareem and his family cook, bake, put up decorations and make baskets for the needy to celebrate Eid and Ramadan’s end.
Tell Me More About Ramadan(opens in new window)
With beautiful illustrations, this book gently educates young Muslims and non-Muslims alike about the concept of Ramadan. Through the eyes of young Laila, who finds her family downstairs eating a meal before the sun has come up, readers learn about the five pillars of Islam and Qur’anic concepts in an encouraging way.
Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan(opens in new window)
On the night before Ramadan, young Hassan and Aneesa are excited for the holy month to start. This sweet book follows them on the first day of Ramadan as they learn about reading the Qur’an, giving charity, sharing treats with neighbors and the post-sunset iftar meal. Fans of the Hassan and Aneesa series, as well as those looking for a standalone book, will enjoy.
Night of the Moon, a Muslim Holiday Story(opens in new window)
Designed for younger readers, this lushly illustrated book is another wonderful entry from celebrated Muslim author Hena Khan. The story follows seven-year-old Yasmeen, a Pakistani-American girl, as she sights the Ramadan moon and celebrates the holiday Eid-al-Fitr. The book particularly highlights a specific South Asian cultural tradition, the Night of the Moon (also known as Chaand Raat), quietly reminding readers that Islam is not a monolith.
Raihanna’s First Time Fasting(opens in new window)
With adorable illustrations, this book is good for older readers with a longer attention span, explaining Ramadan through the eyes of Raihanna. The book has a particular focus on the charitable aspects of the month, following Raihanna to a soup kitchen where, despite her tummy rumbles, she helps serve food to the homeless and realizes how fortunate she truly is.
Muslim Child(opens in new window)
With eight collected stories and poems focusing on Muslim children from different countries, this text-heavy compilation is a wonderful way for slightly older children to comprehensively learn about and celebrate Islam, including a story about Ramadan in the US: “Azeeza’s First Fast.” Stories include writings from the Qur’an or sayings of the prophet Muhammad, as well as sidebars with Arabic words and Islamic explanations, making for an educational read.
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