Muslim Literature: First Look

Muslim Child: Understanding Islam through Stories and Poems
by Rukhsana Khan

Khan, Rukhsana . Muslim Child: Understanding Islam through Stories and Poems. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 2002.

This collection of short stories and poems is a wonderful way to become better educated about Islam. The writings intended for children prove to be educational for adults as well with sidebars explaining Islamic terms and traditions, as well as a recipe for Samosas and directions for making an Eid card. The first four stories give the reader a better understanding of one of the five pillars of Islam (belief, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) through the point of view of a Muslim child. Other aspects of the religion such as the history of Islam, dress, celebrations and diet are incorporated into the last four stories of the book. A pronunciation guide at the end of the book adds to the informational pieces throughout the book, aiding the reader in truly understanding the Islam faith.

All in all, Khan, an insider to the Islam religion, has created an informational book about Islam that will be sure to resonate with children from all religions. Themes of faith and everyday struggles are apparent throughout the text that readers of all ages will be able to relate to while reading this book. This book is a good example of diverse children's literature. The stories and poems offer a point of view on a religion and culture that is not represented enough within schools, libraries or bookstores. Khan's writing gives the reader a close look at the religion of Islam without sounding boring or repetitive. This work is a must have for a classroom of any grade level.