I'm Your Neighbor Books

Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle
By Reza Jalali
Illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien
Published by Tilbury House

“Non-Muslim readers will walk away with a more developed global perspective, [and] Muslims will relate the tale to their own Ramadan experiences” –ForeWord Reviews

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Description
Looking through the tall trees in their backyard in Maine, Shirin and her dad search for a glimpse of the new moon, the sign that the month of Ramadan has begun. Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world pray, fast, and pay special attention to doing good deeds. Shirin is nine and thinks she should be able to fast like her older brother Ali, but her parents feel she is still too young to go without food and water all day. When Shirin catches Ali sneaking food after school, she wonders: Should she tattle or is this an opportunity for a good deed? Shirin feels left out when the others break their fasts to have their own meals after dark and in the early morning, before it is light again. But then her grandmother tells a story that shows her a way she can feel more a part of Ramadan and the traditions and closeness her family enjoys during this special month of the year. Her good deeds result in a surprise for everyone!

Reviews & Accolades
Skipping Stones Honor Book, 2011
Maine Literary Award Finalist, Children’s Books, 2011

“This moving picture book for older readers about a young Muslim girl and her family at Ramadan weaves together the traditional observance and its meaning with a lively drama of sibling rivalry…The unframed, intricately detailed, mixed-media illustrations show the siblings’ ugly standoffs (Shirin’s jealousy, Ali’s smugness), as well as the family at prayer, at the dinner table, and in warm close-ups. Along with the information about the holiday, there is a real story here: when Shirin helps Ali, it changes their relationship and reveals the meaning of the holiday.” –Hazel Rochman, Booklist

“…This book is perhaps most valuable as a lesson on Islam. Each practice and tradition is explained, but without disrupting the pace of the story. Non-Muslim readers will walk away with a more developed global perspective, Muslims will relate the tale to their own Ramadan experiences, and every young reader will identify with hearing that terrible phrase: ‘you’re too young.’” –ForeWord Reviews

Groups Represented
Muslim
Muslim American

Themes
Celebration, family, tradition

Setting
Maine

Author Research
TBA 

Engagement Projects
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