Kids in North America and Europe are exposed to so many stereotypes and misinformation about Islam. Great stories starring Muslim characters provide crucial mirrors for Muslim children. They also counter false information and prejudice among non-Muslim kids.

After all, it’s stories that help us to understand another person’s journey (as well helping us understand our own life experiences.)

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Picture books starring Muslim characters

Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan. Illustrated by Saffa Khan.

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Using poetic text, a Muslim mother shares her prayers and hopes for her young child, introducing each one with “inshallah” (“if God wills it” in Arabic.) Some are wishes for how she hopes her child will be treated by others, while some are prayers for the kind of person the child will become. Each wish is inspired by words from the Quran. Young readers will enjoy studying the detailed illustrations for clues to the text’s meaning. (Recommended for ages 2 – 5. Pakistani-American Muslim author.)

Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz. Illustrated by Parwinder Singh.

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Musa’s family has a tradition after participating in Jummah Prayer at the masjid. They take turns choosing a special treat to eat together. Lately, the treats other family members have chosen do not meet Musa’s standards, and he’s excited that it will soon be his turn to pick.

When the day comes, one thing after another seems like it might get between him and the halal hot dogs he’s been dreaming of. The laugh-out-loud cartoon illustrations of food mishaps and spot on text describing a kid obsessed with their favorite food will have wide appeal to children and adults alike. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Palestinian-American Muslim author.)

Related post: 17 children’s books for Arab American Heritage Month

My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin. Illustrated by Barbara Kiwak.

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On the first day of school in a new community, Bilal doesn’t see any other students who appear to be Muslim. His sister Aisha is the only one wearing a headscarf, and a bully tugs on it and makes fun of her while Bilal is across the schoolyard.

Bilal becomes afraid of anyone finding out that he’s Muslim, especially the bully, who’s in his class. So when his teacher asks the class to welcome Bilal, he says that “Al” is his middle name and his first name is “Bill.” Bilal’s teacher is an old family friend who is also Muslim, and Bilal begs him not to let anyone know the truth about his name and faith. Mr. Ali agrees, but only if Bilal will read a book about another famous man named Bilal from history. Will the story help Bilal become more confident in sharing who he is? (Recommended for ages 6 – 10. Pakistani-American Muslim author.)

My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin. Illustrated by Lindsey Yankey.

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This endearing autobiographical tale invites readers into Javaherbin’s Iranian childhood, where her grandmother’s love and care were ever-present. Even when young Mina would climb onto Grandma’s back while she said her namaz prayers, Grandma didn’t fuss.

The story is filled with small but intriguing details of their daily life (like using baskets to purchase bread from a third floor apartment without leaving the building.) The detailed artwork is full of beautiful Islamic geometric patterns, adding more rich detail to the story. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. Iranian-American Muslim author.)

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. 

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Rubina is thrilled when she’s invited to a friend’s birthday party for the first time. Her mother thinks that a birthday party sounds a bit odd, but says Rubina can go if she takes her little sister. Rubina tries to explain that that’s not how birthday parties are done.

Her little sister Sana’s behavior at the party is just what you’d expect. What’s even worse is what she does after the party to Rubina’s giant red lollipop that she received as a party favor. Plus, because Rubina’s friends know they will have to invite Sana to their birthday parties, Rubina stops getting party invitations for a long time.

Any child who has ever experienced sibling rivalry will appreciate this lively story. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Pakistani-Canadian Muslim author.)

King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan. Illustrated by Christiane Kromer.

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Malik, a boy who lives in Lahore, Pakistan, looks forward to the spring festival of Basant all year. People all over the city will be testing their kite flying skills, and Malik knows he will be king of the festival. His brother and sister are surprised at the small size of his kite Falcon.

Yet with Malik’s skill, Falcon is swift enough the capture the huge, expensive flag of the bully who has called his sister bad names. Soon his expertise provides him with another opportunity to show compassion to a young child on the street below. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. Pakistani-Canadian Muslim author.)

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Yo Soy Muslim by Mark Gonzales. Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini.

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In this letter to his daughter, Mark Gonzales shares the beauty of being Latine and Muslim, embracing both identities deeply. He wonders at the questions we ask ourselves about what it means to be human, like “who invented my hands? Why wasn’t I born with wings?” He also warns of the questions that others will ask, like “what are you? and where are you from?”

On that day, he urges his daughter to tell the questioners “Yo soy Muslim. I am from Allah, angels, and a place as old as time.I speak Spanish, Arabic, and dreams.” (Recommended for ages 3 – 8. Latino Muslim author.)

The Grand Mosque of Paris by Karen Gray Ruelle. Illustrated by Deborah Durland DeSaix.

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This little known true story of how a group of Muslims protected Jews during the Holocaust is one that children and adults alike should know about. During the Nazi occupation of Paris, few Parisians were ready to risk their lives by harboring Jewish people. Many Jews and escaped prisoners of war found refuge in the Grand Mosque of Paris, a place of worship and a community center that made an ideal temporary hiding place.

The rector of the mosque went to great lengths to protect Salim Halali, an Algerian Jew, even making a false certificate of conversion to make the Nazis believe Halali had converted to Islam. A stonecarver went so far to inscribe the family name on an unmarked tombstone to show further “proof” that Halali was Muslim. Halali was just one of the many people who survived the war because of the Grand Mosque. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12).

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The Proudest Blue by Ibtijah Muhammad and S.K. Ali. Illustrated by Hatem Aly.

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The first day of school is exciting for any child, but for Faizah this day is extra special. It’s her big sister Asiya’s first day of hijab. She’s chosen a beautiful ocean-blue fabric, and Faizah feels like she’s walking with a princess on the way to school.

But Faizah becomes nervous when she sees some of the other children pointing and whispering about Asiya. But their mother has told them some won’t understand the hijab, that it’s a sign of strength. What is important is for Asiya to understand herself. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. African-American Muslim author.)

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan. Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. 

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The simple rhyming text and stunning illustrations of this book introduce children to some of the basic concepts of Islam, as well as key vocabulary. Children who are not Muslim will likely find ideas they can relate to, such as giving to those in need (zakat) and receiving special gifts on holidays.

I recommend reading each page out loud, and then flipping to the glossary in the back to explain any terms to your child that she is not familiar with. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Pakistani-American Muslim author.)

Chapter books starring Muslim characters

Yasmin the Doctor by Saadia Faruqi. Illustrated by Hatem Aly.

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I adore the easy reader Yasmin series! Yasmin’s curious mind and determined spirit are always up for any adventure.

After a late night of working on a 1,000 piece puzzle, Yasmin’s Baba isn’t feeling well. Last week at school, Ali’s father (a doctor) shared all about his work, so Yasmin knows just what to do. Will all her questions get to the bottom of Baba’s problem, or will they just irritate him? (Recommended for ages 5 – 7. Pakistani-American Muslim author.)

Related post: Diverse series for new readers

Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman Nuurali. Illustrated by Amjan Sarkar.

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The Sadiq series is another set of great reads starring a Muslim character, and it’s at a bit higher reading level than the Yasmin books.

Sadiq’s father is getting ready to go on a business trip, which makes Sadiq sad. But when Baba tells him the story of the desert star from Baba’s childhood in Somalia, Sadiq learns that as long as he can see the desert star, Baba is safe. Sadiq is sure his new space club will be able to spot the desert star, but he soon learns that it’s much harder to see when he’s so far from Somalia. Can he and his friends meet this challenge with a creative solution? (Recommended for ages 6 – 9. Somali-American Muslim author.)

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian. Illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik.

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When Omar’s scientist mom gets a new job, the family has to move. Omar, who has a fantastic imagination, is all nerves about starting at a new school. Pretending he has a dragon named H2O with him helps, as does his new friend Charlie. But when his classmate Daniel turns out to be a big bully who tells him Muslims are going to be kicked out of Britain, he doesn’t know who to talk to about it.

While anti-Islamic bias is a theme of the story, Omar’s inquisitive mind and Mafaridik’s hilarious pencil illustrations give the story plenty of light-hearted moments. For children who love this story, there are many more Omar books that come after it! (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Pakistani-British Muslim author.)

More to the Story by Hena Khan.

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This story of four very different sisters living in Atlanta is inspired by Hena Khan’s childhood love of Little Women. Jameela is obsessed with becoming a journalist someday like her brave grandfather was in Pakistan. To propel her dream forward, she needs to win an award this year, but the editor of the school paper thinks her story ideas are too risky.

Jameela’s Baba has always encouraged her plans. When he has to go to the United Arab Emirates to work for six months, Jameela and her sisters are heartbroken. At the same time, their new friendship with family friend Ali shows them how much harder it is to lose your father for a lifetime. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Pakistani-American Muslim author.)

Amina’s Song by Hena Khan.

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In this followup to Amina’s Voice, Amina has a life-changing trip to visit her uncle, aunt, and cousins in Pakistan. When it’s time to return to Wisconsin, Thaya Jaan asks Amina to share the beauty of his country with her American friends.

Amina returns home determined to practice her Urdu and is eager to share about her travels with her friends. A history assignment gives her the chance to talk about her hero Malala Yousafzai, but her friends and classmates only seem to focus on the hardships of Pakistan. Will she be able to fulfill the promise she made to her uncle, and be understood by her friends? (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Pakistani-American Muslim author.)

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza.

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Ahmed’s father can only get experimental treatment for his liver disease in three places in the world, and Ahmed can’t believe his parents chose Minnesota. Despite his father’s stories of growing up there, Ahmed is not happy about having to leave their home in Hawaii.

Ahmed’s always been the kind of student who tries to stay invisible, and teachers often talk about how he doesn’t live up to his potential. Somehow his caring, demanding, and charismatic English teacher (a childhood friend of his father) tricks him into actually caring about the books he has to read for her advanced class.

She also helps him get to know the uncle he never had the chance to meet, but who everyone says Ahmed is just like. Will what he learns help him cope with his father’s illness and the bullying of his terrible neighbor Jack? (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. South Asian Muslim author.)

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi.

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Unlike some of his classmates, Yusuf is actually looking forward to middle school, especially the opportunity it brings for him to compete in the Texas Robotics Competition. When hateful anonymous notes show up in his locker, at first he’s sure it must be some mistake. But as his small town gets ready for a parade in observance of the 20^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Yusuf isn’t the only one facing hostility. A relative newcomer to town has founded a group he calls the Patriot Sons, and is whipping up hatred against Muslim families and the small mosque they are constructing.

Yusuf’s family has never really wanted to talk about 9/11, but his uncle lends him his high school journal that he wrote in 2001. As he learns about how quickly his uncle’s life changed after the attacks, Yusuf reflects on how similar it is to what’s happening in his town today. He goes back and forth between moments of speaking up and staying silent in the hopes of not making the anti-Muslim bullying worse, all while trying to lead his team to their first robotics competition.

This complex yet highly readable book challenges anti-Muslim stereotypes while offering a realistic view of the pushback that often comes with speaking up for what is right. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Pakistani-American Muslim author.)

Shop the entire list of children’s books starring Muslim characters on Bookshop.org!