This year, I have made a conscious decision of picking more books written by Muslim Authors, and books that have Muslim Characters, and hopefully books that address the Islamophobic issues in general. I feel it’s the need of the hour especially with so much hate spread in my home country and the global rise of Islamophobia. I want to educate myself more and pick such books on auto pilot without feeling the need to distinguish it from other books I love.
Only if I could make everybody read more diversely, maybe just maybe people would normalize the fact that people that follow the same religion are not terrorists too.
Until that happens, I am here to review another book that highlights Muslim Women and their achievements.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Discover the true stories of nineteen unstoppable Muslim women of the twenty-first century who have risen above challenges, doubts, and sometimes outright hostility to blaze trails in a wide range of fields. Whether it was the culinary arts, fashion, sports, government, science, entertainment, education, or activism, these women never took “no” for an answer or allowed themselves to be silenced. Instead, they worked to rise above and not only achieve their dreams, but become influential leaders.
THOUGHTS
The fact that it caters to Juvenile Readers is an extremely important and positive approach to drive the spotlight to Muslim Community that paints them in good light. After all, these are the future and if we can manage to build unity and support for other communities in them, we win. We win from Bigots and their fascist politics.
If we can make a Muslim kid feel the world is a safer place for them and they won’t be called a terrorist just because of what religion they practice. We win right? Don’t we? Well, at least there is hope.
People may tell you that you can’t do something because of the way you look, dress, or pray. Your name may sound different. Never forget that you are extraordinary. You are powerful, brave, and clever. Great things come from people like you.
—Saira Mir
I love the mix of backgrounds in this book. While some may have lived in a country that is fairly liberal, some girls in this book have been brave enough to break the patriarchal norms in their country and pursue their dreams.
Another good thing about this book, is that these women/girls are alive and it’s the present and we aren’t getting some added history lessons. Even though, it is not exactly bad to learn about the past. I feel it does reiterate the positive vibe this book sends.
The book highlights women in many different fields, including scientists, sportswomen, and political leaders. It also builds a platform for young kids to embrace their future with confidence. This short biography is then perfectly paired with illustrations by Aaliya Jaleel which makes it more engaging and interesting to pick up. Definitely recommend this book to kids and adults as well.
RATING: ★★★★★
Overall, You will love this book if you have read and loved Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls. Through short, information-rich biographies and vibrant illustrations, Muslim Girl Rise introduces young readers to the diverse and important contributions Muslim women have made, and role models they may never have heard of before, but whose stories they will never forget.
DETAILS
Published: October 29th 2019
Genre: Non Fiction | Children’s
Pages: 48
Publisher: Salaam Reads / Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
I was already planning to read this, but your review has convinced me to bump it up my TBR! I’ve also noticed I haven’t read from many Muslim authors either, will definitely seek out more to read this year! Loved this review!✨
Yayy! Hope you love it as much as I did.. I know right… I have not read a lot either… Definitely changing that this year
I would love to read this book
It is a beautiful read indeed. Hope you like it 🙂