• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

The month of Ramadan offers the opportunity to improve one's personal and spiritual behavior. By focusing on positive thoughts and actions, Muslims build a closer connection with God and come away from the month feeling spiritually renewed. Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting explores the richness and diversity of the Islamic tradition by focusing on an event of great spiritual significance and beauty in the lives of Muslims. Rich with personal stories and stunning photographs, Ramadan demystifies the traditions and emphasizes the importance of diversity in a world where Islamophobia is on the rise.

Ausma Zehanat Khan holds a PhD in international human rights law. She is the author of the Blackwater Falls crime series, the award-winning Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty mystery series and the critically acclaimed Khorasan Archives fantasy quartet. A long-time community activist and writer, Ausma is the former editor in chief of Muslim Girl magazine and the founder of the Muslim Writers Index. A British-born Canadian and former law professor, Khan now lives in the Washington, DC, area with her husband.

 

 

Ausma Zehanat Khan's profile page

• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
• Nominated, Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable Information Book Award - Honour Book
• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year

"I highly recommend it for every school, library, and Muslim and non-Muslim home."

Muslim Reads blog

"The book is sprinkled with many colourful photos of people praying and celebrating around the world, mosques, food and more which illustrate the joy that this holiday brings to Muslims…I would recommend Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting to children learning about Ramadan and the Muslim faith as well as to children who do celebrate this holiday as they will see a reflection of their lives in its pages. Recommended."

CM Magazine

&quotThis is an excellent introduction to the holiday of Ramadan and will work well in both school and public libraries.&quot

School Library Connection

"The handsomely designed book, full of interesting photographs, explains the significance of Ramadan within the context of Islam…The stories of several children are told, while the wide coverage of Ramadan in a number of parts of the world is a welcome addition. Throughout, Khan's personable tone brings the holiday close…This will serve both those who know little about Ramadan and those who celebrate it."

Booklist

"This is a comprehensive book of facts and experiences for any child who is learning about what it means to follow Islam. A solid choice for children seeking to learn more about the faith for assignments or to satisfy their own intellectual curiosity."

School Library Journal

"The personal perspectives elevate this volume above an average informational book; readers, both non-Muslims and Muslims, can step into the shoes of someone from another background. Wide in scope and personal in presentation, this book is a good choice for learning about Muslims' traditions as expressed in various cultures."

Kirkus Reviews

“A chatty, down-to-earth narrative voice; and an attractive, photo-heavy design make the volume both informative and engaging.”

The Horn Book Online

"Ramadan provides a clear, accessible introduction to Ramadan and Islamic beliefs generally…This series has been insightfully planned and carried out: books like Khan's Ramadan make intercultural discovery and understanding fascinating and fun. I particularly like how prominent girls and women are in this text. And while the book is intended for kids, there are many adults who would benefit from reading it to dispel their misunderstandings. I emphatically recommend Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting to any class or community interested in reading for multicultural understanding."

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