Customer Reviews

Celebrating Ramadan

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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

"Celebrating Ramadan" by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (2001), 32 pgs, large hardback, English. This is a politically correct Muslim book: its Middle East map lists the names of the Arab states but ignores listing "Israel" as the non-green area [Dar al-Harb] in that region (oops, I mean the Zionist state that occupies Palestine). The author acknowledges the pro-`separate but equal' doctrine that men and women pray in segregated rooms because Islam "follows a centuries old tradition of separating the sexes" (p. 7). The author presents the very basic, and very brief history of Muhammad's teachings and activities. Contains many large colorful pictures, notes that a "Mulsim woman, covers her head and wears modest, body-concealing clothing" (p.11) - but that the STYLE of head-coverings vary in Muslim countries. Portrays how a Muslim performs prayer rakahs, briefly mentions the rites for Ramadan and Iftar fasting. Nice recipe for Ghorayyibah cookies (but I'd add some nutmeg and cinnamon to `kick it up a bit'). A basic `teen's' book, along with "Islam: this is my faith" by Holly Wallace.

This book stresses a conservative Muslim viewpoint and tends to overgeneralize Islam. It paints the picture that all Muslim females cover (not true) and that all Muslims pray five times a day (not true). Islam, as a lived religion, is globally diverse and people practice their faith in various ways. I really disliked the preachy tone of this book and the underlying assumption that there is only one "correct" version of Islam.