About this item
Highlights
- A heartwarming celebration of Ramadan, food, and community Ramadan is coming, and as Abba and Ammi prepare for their month-long fast, Aliya hugs a secret to her chest: she's going to fast too!
- 4-7 Years
- 10.1" x 9.3" Hardcover
- 36 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Holidays & Celebrations
Description
About the Book
"It looks like someone took a big bite out of the moon--and that marks the beginning of Ramadan! As her Abba and Ammi prepare for their month-long fast, Aliya has a secret: she's going to fast, too! Even though Ammi told her she's not allowed to until she turns thirteen. At school, Aliya starts her secret fast full of determination. She skips lunch, despite her rumbling tummy, and doesn't give in even when she's offered a birthday cupcake with sprinkles! But, later in the day, while baking baklava with Amma, the temptation proves too hard to resist and she takes a big bite. At first, Aliya is terribly disappointment in herself for giving in to her hunger, but she soon learns that there are other ways that she can celebrate Ramadan. She and her parents spend the month preparing and delivering meals to people in need. And after celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, Aliya looks forward to doing her own month-long fast in a few years--but no more secrets for her!"--Book Synopsis
A heartwarming celebration of Ramadan, food, and community
Ramadan is coming, and as Abba and Ammi prepare for their month-long fast, Aliya hugs a secret to her chest: she's going to fast too! Ammi says she's still too young to fast, but Aliya is determined. At school, she refuses her snack, her lunch--even the cupcakes Sanjay's mom drops off for his birthday. But when she gets home, she can't resist Ammi's sweet, syrupy baklava. Before Aliya can stop herself, she reaches out and takes a big bite.
Aliya is disappointed in herself, but Ammi explains that there are many other ways to celebrate Ramadan besides fasting, like performing acts of kindness! Together, Aliya and her parents spend the month preparing and delivering meals to people in need.
This joyful look at Ramadan is based on the author's own childhood experiences and is rich with facts and details about the holiday. Readers familiar and unfamiliar with the holiest month in the Islamic calendar will get swept up in the festivities, and perhaps be inspired to share a meal with their community.
Review Quotes
"Aliya's Secret is a delight."
-- "Friends Journal""A wonderful book for young children to understand this beautiful holiday ... Great for any young children's library!"
-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database""A wonderful selection for Ramadan displays or as part of a story time or presentation on world holidays and religions."
-- "School Library Journal""Colorful illustrations fold in details, both charming and cultural, that bring Aliya's point of view and activities to life ... A wonderful story to celebrate or learn about Ramadan."
-- "Booklist - STARRED REVIEW""Drawing from her own experiences, Zaman provides a helpful look into the basic practices of Ramadan ... A cheerful and relatable tale of a young girl finding the perfect way to celebrate Ramadan."
-- "Kirkus Reviews""Telling, colorful artwork, an author's note and a glossary help young readers with learning about this yearly Muslim celebration."-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"