Celebrating Ramadan [Paperback]

Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (Author), Lawrence Migdale (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2002 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Ramadan

An Islamic family observes a month of prayer and fasting, which is followed by celebration.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-7-In this very fine photo-essay, text and photographs combine to present information about Islam and the special month of Ramadan, as well as a picture of the family life of an American fourth grader, Ibraheem. Topics include a general introduction to Islam's beginning, basic beliefs and practices, the revelations received by Muhammad, the Qur'an, the Islamic forms for praying, and more. Ibraheem and his family are shown as they celebrate Ramadan, the month of daylight fasting. The boy's Islamic school, his mosque, his extended family, and the centrality of religion in his life are conveyed in warm, full-color photographs and sympathetic text. Sidebars spotlight a cookie recipe, the Islamic lunar calendar, and a map of that portion of the world where Islam is the predominant religion. Emphasis on the variety of Islamic peoples is provided within Ibraheem's own family, of Bosnian and Egyptian backgrounds. Teachers and librarians might pair Celebrating Ramadan with Mary Matthews' short novel Magid Fasts for Ramadan (Clarion, 1996), set in Egypt, for a child-centered look at one of the world's major religions.

Coop Renner, Moreno Elementary School, El Paso, TX

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-5, younger for reading aloud. This picture book for older readers follows devout Muslim Ibraheem, a fourth-grader living in New Jersey, through the holy month of Ramadan. A brief but surprisingly comprehensive introduction to Islamic faith and practice begins the book. Then each of the five pillars of Islam are introduced in text and pictures, including a series of six photographs in which Ibraheem demonstrates the postures involved in his five daily prayers. Ramadan, one of the five pillars, is the month in which Muslims celebrate God's revelation of the Koran to Muhammad, showing their gratitude and devotion with a month-long fast. Children and the sick aren't required to fast. Still, Ibraheem attempts it. The joy of Ramadan, which is often depicted as a solemn holiday, is captured well here as Ibraheem prays and plays with friends; and it's easy to celebrate with the boy as he successfully completes the fast. This is a sensitive introduction to Ramadan; the quality of the photographs and the eloquent text make the book the one of the best introductions in recent memory. John Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082341762X
• ISBN-13: 978-0823417629
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,552,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Islam

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good to Promote Understanding, November 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Celebrating Ramadan (Hardcover)

I have this book for my kids, and I donated a copy to my son's school. They loved it. It's about real people in the United States and how they celebrate Ramadan and Eid (the holiday that follows). They even have a recipe for traditional cookies! The only problem is that one gets the impression that Muslim children are supposed to fast during Ramadan, and that's not the case - fasting is only required for healthy adults (that's defined as past puberty or when you've stopped growing). Otherwise, it's a beautiful book, with lots of basic information about Islam, as well. Highly recommend!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Celebrating Rmadan by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, Lawrence Migdale, November 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Celebrating Ramadan (Hardcover)

This is a thoughtful book which presents the month of Ramadan as an important part of the religious practice of Muslims. The language was kid-to-kid, and the photos showed the family and how their religion fit in with their everyday life. I plan on using it in a 4th to 5th grade classroom as a part of a unit studying world religions and celebrations.

4.0 out of 5 stars An AWAIR Pick, April 21, 2011

By 

AWAIR Reviews (Berkeley, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celebrating Ramadan (Paperback)

Follows young Ibraheem, an American Muslim, who, along with his family, is fasting Ramadan and celebrating its completion with 'Eid al-Fitr, the feast marking its end. Students can enjoy the same special cookies that Ibraheem and his younger brother Ismail prepare for the feast. With glossary and index. Winner of MEOC (Middle East Outreach Council) 2002 Award.

Teachers/Librarians: resource for 4th to 7th grade - Social Studies/Humanities