This list of middle grade books for ages 8-13 features diverse Muslim protagonists. These books will open the hearts and minds of young readers to the lives of others and well acting as mirrors reflecting their own experiences.
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Books set in Western Countries with Muslim Protagonists
The following books with Muslim characters are set primarily in western countries, although some of them begin in the family's country of origin.
Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi. Twelve-year-old, Pakistani-American, Yusuf, lives in a small town Texas. He's excited about sixth grade and the upcoming robotics competition. However, it's the 20th anniversary of 9/11, racist bullies are leaving notes in his locker, and some in the community are protesting against a local mosque. When Yusuf's teacher assigns the students to write about 9/11, Yusuf turns to his uncle's diary from that time. A thoughtful portrayal of the ways communities deal with prejudice, anger and identity.
MORE: Books to remember 9/11
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices, ed. by S. K. Ali and Aisha Saeed. This marvelous anthology includes short stories, poems and comics featuring a wide range of diverse voices, experiences and traditions. The variety of writing styles is a delightful surprise!
Amina's Voice (series) by Hena Khan. A thoughtful story about a Pakistani-American middle schooler, Amina, who must balance her cultural identity with her anxieties about fitting in with her peers. An attack on the local mosque puts the community on edge and Amina, her family and friends struggle with their feelings. No matter what their cultural or religious identity, all readers will relate to Amina’s coming of age story.
Khan has another book, More to the Story, about a Muslim-American family living in Georgia. It was inspired by Little Women.
It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas. In 1970s California, a young Iranian immigrant tries to figure out how to be American without rejecting her heritage. Zomorod Yousefzadeh's (who now wants to be called "Cindy") attempts to fit in with her peers. Her father works for the oil industry and the Iranian revolution features prominently in her family's life. I loved this moving and funny book and I think all kids will relate to Cindy.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. This free-verse novel begins in Syria around the start of the Arab Spring. Jude and her pregnant mother decide to emigrate to live with her uncle in America. Her older brother, caught up in the protests against the government, stays behind with their father. In America, Jude meets new friends and discovers an interest in theater. With unflinching honesty and a keen perception, Jude describes the transition from Syria to her experiences adjusting to living in America. A splendid book.
MORE: Verse novels for middle grade readers
The Garden of My Imaan by Farhana Zia. Aliya’s family is Muslim and Indian-American. Aliya wonders about how to navigate being old enough to fast during Ramadan, if she wants to wear a headscarf and what it might mean to draw attention to her identity as Muslim. A new acquaintance from Morocco seems so secure in her choices to display the outward symbols of her faith. This is a great book to discuss the different ways families may practice the same religion.
A Long Pitch Home by Natalie Dias Lorenzi. Bilal and his family move from Pakistan to Virginia. His father, however, stays in Pakistan. Back in Pakistan, Bilal was an excellent cricket player; in Virginia he joins a summer baseball team, but of course he must figure out the differences and adjust to the new game. This is a wonderful story about adjusting to a new culture.
MORE: Middle Grade Sports Novels
Shooting Kabul (series) by N. H. Senza. After Fadi's father is pressured by the Taliban, the family claims asylum and moves to San Francisco. Horrifyingly, on the way over the border to Pakistan, Fadi's six year old sister is lost in the chaos. Fadi feels responsible and enters a photography contest in the hopes of winning a trip to India, where he thinks he can cross into Pakistan to search for her. A few months after moving, September 11 happens and Fadi feels the changes in the dynamic of the community and his school. Although Fadi doesn't win the contest, his photography efforts lead to a reunion with his lost sister.
MORE: Books with South East Asian Characters
Boy, Everywhere by A. M. Dassu. After Sami's mother and sister are injured in an explosion at the mall, his family decides to flee Syria and travel to England. The journey is difficult and dangerous and once they reach England, his father requests asylum at the border. The family is then separated and detained by the authorities while they work to present their case. Moving, eye-opening and hopeful.
Freestyle by Gale Galligan. In New York City, eighth grader, Cory, loves being a part of the Eight Bitz dance crew, but he also wants to find time to indulge his love of yo-yo. And then there are his parents who have hired his classmate, Sunna, as his tutor because he needs help him to bring up his downward spiraling grades. How will he juggle everything? This is a great graphic novel for kids who like funny, realistic, contemporary stories and for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
MORE: Middle school graphic novels
Books Set in Muslim-Majority Countries
Our children can't become compassionate global citizens if they don't learn about the experiences of others all around the world. Here are a few of my favorite books with Muslim characters set in the Arab and Asian-Islamic world.
Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf. Set in Malaysia during pandemic lockdown, Alkaf's engaging story follows the fortunes of 13-year-old Hamra. Hamra is at home, looking after her grandparents while her father works for an aid organization. Her grandmother has been starting to wander and have trouble with her memory and Hamra hopes a special fruit from the Langkawi jungle will help. When she picks the fruit, she angers the weretiger and must enter into a bargain that takes her on a difficult physical and emotional journey.
MORE: Read around the world with these middle grade novels
The Turtle of Oman (series) by Naomi Shihab Nye. Aref Al-Amri is getting ready to leave his home in Oman. He is not looking forward to moving to Michigan and leaving behind all the things, places and people he loves. Instead of packing his suitcase as his mom requests, he and his grandfather, Siddi, visit a number of special places and along the way his grandfather helps him acquire mementos of home, while helping him learn to appreciate the adventure that is about to begin.
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed. I could not put this book down! It is an important book remind our children that there are still boys and girls around the world who are denied an education and the freedom that comes with living in a developed country. In her Pakistani village, Amal dreams of becoming a teacher one day but an unfortunate event leads to her going to live as an indentured servant in the household of the village's corrupt landlord. Amal is a strong protagonist who takes matters into her own hands, determined to achieve her goals, despite her circumstances.
MORE: Historical fiction with strong female protagonists
The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney. The Red Pencil contains some tough subject matter, but it is a marvelous book. 12-year-old Amira lives in the Darfur region of Sudan on her family's farm. It is 2003, just as war is breaking out in the area. She loves her family and dreams of going to school. When the Janjaweed arrive in her village, the survivors make the long walk to the refugee camp, where conditions are hard. Amira receives the gift of a red pencil and yellow notepad which becomes a catalyst of sorts, both for her spirit and for her mind. The most difficult scene in the book is when the Janjaweed terrorize the village and Amira sees the death of her father. The ending of the book leaves a lot of questions unanswered but curious and thoughtful children will want to learn more.
The Breadwinner (series) by Deborah Ellis. Every page of this novel was packed with suspense. In Kabul, Afghanistan, 11-year-old Parvana's father, a former teacher, is arrested for having a "foreign education." Parvana disguises herself as a boy and takes over her father's space in the market to try and earn money for the family.
The Breadwinner was made into an Academy Award nominated animated film. I haven't seen it, but it looks great.
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