Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story by Shirin Shamsi
About:
Title: Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story
Author: Shirin Shamsi
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Reading Age/Grade Level: 4-9 years
Awards and Reviews:
Best Muslim Holiday Book, Muslim Bookstagram Award, 2022
Featured in The Chicago Tribune, March 2022
“A young Muslim girl, cued as Pakistani American, prays for a blessing and ends up being one . . . A sweet story about the importance of sharing and caring that’s embedded in Islamic traditions” – Kirkus Reviews
“Colorful illustrations are perfectly framed to show the goings-on of the family during the holy month of Ramadan as they open their fast during their Iftar meal, pray, and read the Quran” – School Library Journal
“Zahra and her caring family exemplify a spirit of generous harmony as they follow the traditions of Ramadan” – Children’s Literature
Summary:
Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing.
What Our Vetting Team Has To Say:
“It explains importance of Ramadan fasting and family tradition.”
