Sunday, April 12, 2020

Once Upon an Eid edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed - ESSENTIAL

Once Upon an Eid : Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed, 257 pages. Abrams/Amulet, 2020, $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

15 Muslim authors have contributed to this anthology celebrating Eid, a celebration for Muslims. Authors include the editors as well as Hena Khan, Randa Abdel-Fattah, Candice Montgomery, and even includes a graphic story by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Sara Alfageeh. The stories tell about the food - brownies and donuts and even special cookies made for the children when there was literally nothing else, delicious traditional meals prepared with love, the beautiful clothes - purchased, or found in a thrift store, the family time - spent with extended family or maybe just a few because circumstances change. Blessings from giving, connecting with family, and making the best of things when times are tough.

I want to thank the authors and editors for such a brilliant anthology - I felt honored to have been given a glimpse through this window into your celebrations. Written for the Muslim readers, "Once upon a Eid" is about nostalgia, memories made at Eid, sharing a common experience and celebrating. A brief description is part of the editor's introduction, but I am glad that no other concessions were made for me - it was fine that I didn't understand all the greetings, foods and other cultural references. I was just so happy to be there. I hope this can be included in every school library, it is a wonderful collection.

Lisa Librarian

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