Muslim representation is something that needs to be addressed year-round. With Ramadan quickly approaching, why not take a look at your bookshelf today to see where you can make improvements in both Muslim voices and representation?

When you’re searching for Muslim representation it’s important to seek out stories that showcase positive situations and acts of joy (you can read more about why #OwnVoices stories are so important here). Don’t reach solely for the stories of stereotypical oppression and repeated victim narratives – this is already overrepresented in our media. Let’s raise our kids to both respect and admire being Muslim!

We’ve curated our favorite books featuring the Muslim faith and culture for you, both new titles and recent classics.

Combating Islamophobia starts at home, and it can start at storytime. Integrate these books in your family to normalize happy Muslim stories that may look a little different than yours, but are just as special.

Here are 12 Little Feminist-approved books that help celebrate Muslim culture and representation:

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan (age 2-4)

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns celebrate aspects of the world of Islam. We love that this book highlights beautiful colors while inspiring questions about religion, culture, and the world around us. This is a great book to spark colorful conversations and adventures about the power of celebrating our unique identities.

Things to know:

The illustrator, Mehrdokht Amini, used a combination of gouache, acrylic, and ink to create the vibrant and colorful images, which were then scanned and digitally edited to enhance the details and textures.

Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan (age 3-5)

In this moving picture book, author Hena Khan shares her wishes for her children: “Inshallah you find wonder in birds as they fly. Inshallah, you are loved like the moon loves the sky.” With vibrant illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran, this charming picture book is a heartfelt and universal celebration of a parent’s unconditional love. We love that the illustrations allude to prayers and what they mean. Add this book to your shelf to cherish the unique relationship between a parent and a child.

Things to know:

The phrase “Inshallah” is translated as “If God Wills”. While the saying is mostly associated with Muslims in the US, it is been used widely by Christians, Jews, and secular people in Arab-speaking countries. 

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales (age 3-6) 

This is a magical book that celebrates identity, specifically being Muslim and Latinx. This heartfelt ode from a father to his daughter tears us up every time. We featured “Yo Soy Muslim” in our book club last year, and one parent emailed us complaining that their daughter couldn’t relate to the book. Please know this is exactly what we’re after — kiddos having books that represent all cultures on their bookshelves (not just their own culture!).

Things to know:

While many people associate Islam with Arab and South Asian cultures, Muslims can be found in virtually every country and culture on the planet. Muslim communities also exist in places as diverse as, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, and Iran. This book celebrates Muslims in Latinx culture.

Mommy’s Khimar By Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow (age 3-6)

We love how our book consultant Ashia Ray (BooksforLittles.com) summarizes this book, “Countering the Islamaphobic nonsense that a khimar is a tool of oppression against women, Mommy’s Khimar celebrates them as a symbol of joy, faith, warmth, and comfort. Wearing a khimar is a choice, an honor, and a celebration.”

Things to know:

Khimar is a headscarf that some Muslim women wear to cover their hair, neck, and chest. It is a way for them to show their religion and be modest. Not all Muslim women wear it, and it is a personal choice.

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard (age 4 – adults, honestly!)

This is our all-time favorite book about Ramadan, which is why we featured it in our monthly book club subscription earlier this year. There are many ways to participate in Ramadan, especially for children, and this book shows how! The Gift of Ramadan showcases celebration, a multigenerational family, and how to pick ourselves up after a failure. The story follows a little girl who doesn’t manage to make it through the whole day of fasting but learns the different ways to participate in Ramadan with the help of her family. This is a wonderful book that teaches the values of Ramadan and explains what the holiday is about, for young and old audiences alike.

Things to know:

The book emphasizes the importance of community and family in celebrating Ramadan, and it encourages children to find their own unique ways to participate.

In My Mosque by M. O. Yuksel (age 4-7)

In My Mosque takes you and your child on a tour of real and fictional mosques around the world. We love how the poetic narration is from the viewpoint of various kids; this makes the book accessible and relatable for readers of all ages because it’s like they’re experiencing being in the mosque with a friend who’s showing them around. Whether you are Muslim or not, this book will make you see many similarities between the experience inside a mosque and other places of worship: a strong sense of joy, community, connection, and tradition that is warm and inviting.

Things to know:
For anyone who has never stepped foot in a mosque, the diverse characters and images demystify the experience.

Amira’s Picture Day by Reem Faruqi (age 4-7)

We love how in this book, the characters come to life through colorful, playful imagery. We especially love the variety of traditional clothing featured throughout Amira’s Picture Day. 

The book itself provides a relatable and empowering story for children who are navigating the complexities of identity and self-expression in a diverse society. Amira is a Muslim girl who is excited for picture day at school, but also anxious about wearing her mother’s beautiful hijab in front of her classmates. The story emphasizes the importance of family support, courage, and self-acceptance, as Amira learns to embrace her unique identity and express herself confidently.

Things to know:

The book incorporates elements of Islamic culture and practices, such as hijab and prayer, providing an opportunity for children of all backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the diversity within the Muslim community.

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan (age 4-8)

This is a sweet tale about seven-year-old, Pakistani-American Yasmeen who watches the moon grow and change throughout the month of Ramadan, as Eid approaches. The illustrations are unrivaled and evocative, celebrating the holiday with beautiful colors. The story ties in with older cultural traditions and includes a glossary which is great for explaining to younger kids.

Things to know:

This book showcases the significant role the moon has in the Muslim calendar.

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan (age 4-8)

Big Red Lollipop is a fast favorite in so many households. We love that this book isn’t about being Muslim but simply features Muslim sisters. It’s a true gem! It is incredibly hard to find books that normalize diversity, rather than point it out as different. Little Feminist is working tirelessly to feature and help publish children’s books that showcase differences as natural!

Things to know:

The illustrations by Sophie Blackall are whimsical, and expressive and capture the emotional depth and humor of the story

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi (age 5-8)

Lailah’s Lunchbox is based on the author’s own experience when she immigrated to the US. This book is a heartwarming and empowering story that celebrates the importance of family support, community, and self-expression. We love how it highlights the courage and resilience of children who navigate their unique cultural backgrounds in a diverse society and encourages readers to embrace their own identities and share their stories with others.

Things to know:

This book is a great starting point to discuss what it’s like to be surrounded by people who don’t understand your culture.

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian (age 7-9)

We love how the strong and thoughtful Pakistani American main character in this book model humor, kindness, and self-reflection – essential components to strengthening

relationships. The book showcase how Omar’s family uses their faith and positivity to move forward in kindness when bullied, inspiring us to do the same.

Things to know: 

Planet Omar includes charming illustrations and is written in a way that reflects the voice and perspective of a young boy.

Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuurali (age 7-9)

We love that Siman Nuurali, author of the Sadiq series, doesn’t assume that readers know anything about Islam or Somalia, nor does she assume that readers don’t. She provides the information needed if you are curious but allows the characters to take center stage. We also love the incorporation of the Somali language in the book and the navigation of friendships and gender dynamics.

Things to know:

This book has activities and questions at the end of the book. It also includes a glossary of religious, cultural, and English vocabulary words.

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You can learn more about diversifying your bookshelf and expanding your family’s horizons by visiting LittleFeminist.com, the monthly children’s book club subscription that teaches intersectional feminism and promotes underrepresented voices in storytelling.