• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 4 to 7

A moving picture book highlighting a young Muslim boy’s efforts to rediscover his family’s history in the World Wars.

Muhammad wants to take part in his school’s assembly to honor veterans, but no one in his community, let alone his family, has been involved in the World Wars . . . have they? After discussions with his family and elders at his mosque, Muhammad starts to piece together his family’s lost history, and realizes that you don’t need a trophy or medal to remember those you’ve lost–it can be as simple as sharing a piece of roti.

With beautiful, detailed illustrations of historical scenes and Muhammad’s mosque, this is a tender and compassionate story of the importance of passing on memories and experiences through generations, especially of those who have been largely erased from mainstream narratives. A note from the author and other backmatter provide further historical context on Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu soldiers who served in the World Wars.

MAIDAH AHMAD is an educator and author who lives by the motto of love for all, hatred for none. She is the first to author picture books for children detailing the Indian and Muslim contributions to the World Wars. Born and raised in London, UK, she now calls Barrie, Ontario her home.

Maidah Ahmad's profile page

SHRUTI PRABHU is a mixed-media illustrator from Mumbai. When she is not drawing, she is busy obsessing over her balcony garden and retro video games.

Shruti Prabhu's profile page