Purchase to Support Our Program

“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

Moon Watchers

Written by Reza Jalali
Illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien
Published by Tilbury House Publishers

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!

Primary ISBN:
Available As: Paperback
Publication Status: Hardcover Out of Print
Picture Book, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , ,

Setting: United States (Portland ME)

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.