Salat in Secret
Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrated by Hatem Aly
Published by Random House Children's Books
In this beautiful story of community, family, and acceptance, a boy named Muhammad receives a special salat rug on his seventh birthday. Seven is the age when Muslim children are encouraged to pray, and Muhammad is determined to do all five daily prayers on time. But one salat occurs during the school day—and he’s worried about being seen praying at school. His father parks his truck to worship in public places, and people stare at and mock him. Will the same thing happen to Muhammad?
In the end, with help from his teacher, he finds the perfect place to pray. Salat in Secret, by two highly acclaimed Muslim creators, is a poignant and empowering look at an important facet of Islam that many observant children cherish but might be scared to share.
Primary ISBN: 9781984848093
Publication Date: June 2023
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Muslim/Muslim American
Themes: Coming of Age, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Family Relationship: Parents, Multilingual Character, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Muslim, Starred Review, Welcoming by Individual, Welcoming by School
Setting: Unspecified
Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Unknown
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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