Muslims in Story: Expanding Multicultural Understanding Through Children's and Young Adult Literature
Islamophobia, a long standing, deeply entrenched global issue, disrupts civil society at many levels, from anti-Muslim policies to heightened tensions and hate crimes, including the increased bullying of Muslim children. One of the root causes of Islamophobia is ignorance, often fueled by stereotyped and negative portrayals of Muslims in media and popular culture.
Muslims in Story, written by KitaabWorld co-founders Gauri Manglik and Sadaf Siddique and published by ALA Editions is a timely and proactive approach to tackling this issue, by engendering friendships and empathy through quality children's and young adult literature. Exposing children in their formative years to positive stories about Muslims can go a long way to creating a multicultural understanding by cementing ideas of tolerance, respect, and acceptance. As a follow up from our Counter Islamophobia Through Stories campaign, this resource
- recommends books that will act as windows and mirrors for PreK–12 readers by showcasing diverse foods, dress, and traditions;
- spotlights curated titles that feature Muslim kids as heroes, Islamic contributions throughout history, inspiring Muslim leaders, and folktales from Islamic traditions;
- includes a foreword by Marina Budhos, and author interviews with Emma Apple, Fatima Sharafeddine, Hena Khan, Jeanette Winter, Michael Hamilton Morgan, Naheed Senzai, Randa Abdel-Fatteh, Reem Faruqi, Rukhsana Khan, Shahrukh Hussain, Sally Malaam, SA Chakraborty and Sumbul Ali-Karamali that lend insights into the stories;
- provides helpful information such as an overview of Muslims in America and hands-on programming activities and discussion tools; and
- provides a list of additional resources for gaining a better understanding of Islam.
This book will equip public and school library staff, including educators and collection development librarians, to make real change in their communities by validating lived experiences of Muslim kids and building a stronger sense of empathy, respect, and understanding towards Muslims.
Read a sample of the book here.
"This timely and essential purchase for public and school libraries humanizes Muslims and gives Muslim children authentic mirrors while creating important windows for non-Muslim readers."
— Starred Review from School Library Journal
" Muslims in Story serves as a pedagogical tool, providing activities and discussion guides that will inspire a proactive approach to teaching these books, therefore aiding educators in engaging students with the characters and themes more effectively."
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