Customer Reviews

My Name Is Bilal

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

 

 

Portrays a familiar school situation with depth and sensitivity. Other kids at Bilal's new school tear off his sister's head scarf and make anti-Muslim remarks. Bilal feels he needs to hide his Muslim identity, and we (the readers) understand why. We all understand what it's like to be singled-out and afraid, even if our specific situation is not the same as Bilal's. Some concerned adults help Bilal feel comfortable about embracing his identity as a Muslim, but Bilal finds a way to make peace with the bully all on his own. Bilal's solution has to do with teamwork and sportsmanship, and it gives us insight into Bilal's developing character. Spirituality is built into the story in a subtle and satisfying way. This multi-layered story will appeal people of many faiths. Bilal's story transcends categories of religion or nationality.

It was so nice to see a book that showed how difference can be overcome by simply standing up for yourself. I think every third grade classroom should have this book. It is also nice to see Muslims portrayed in a postive light for a change.

A sensitive and thoughtful book that each of us can relate to. Most of us have all been "picked on" at sometime during our school days. Regardless of where we come from, what religion we belong to or what the color of our skin is, we can all relate to feeling alienated and like we just don't fit in. Learning to stand up for yourself and developing confidence in who you are some of the most defining moments in our lives. This book gives courage to children shows them that they are not alone.

Ho hum! Another dealing-with-bullies books like we had in the 70's where all you had to do was tell the bully to respect you and he did.

Except this one is about being Muslim, and written by a Muslim, a woman yet. I suppose this gives the story authenticity. It's still as hollow as a ping-pong ball.

Of course it is a bad thing to pick on people for their ethnic and/or religious background. I agree completely with the implied message. But this book won't help. "Standing up for oneself" is not a believable answer. In my considerable experience both as a former child and now a professional in children's services, I can say that impulsive "standing up for yourself" usually only makes the situation worse.

On top of which the author totally stacks the deck in favor of the protaganist. His teacher turns out to be Muslim. And his teacher is not only Muslim, but a very nice person. And this very nice coincidentally Muslim teacher just happens to have a book about the hero our protaganist is named after. And there's another Muslim boy (or two) in the school in need of somebody with whom to pray.

This has all the force and depth of those old books where the one who doesn't make the glee club is delighted to be able to pass out programs at the concert. It's contrived, unrealistic, and likely to give either false hope or a feeling of hopelessness to any child in the situation.

I can't understand why the professional reviewers listed didn't say, "We've seen this plot, and it didn't work last time, either."

The few things this book has in its favor are that at least it __is__ a book about Muslims for kids --there are not very many--the illustrations are pretty, and although the plot is a waste the structure of the writing itself is clear and soothing.