09 Mar / A Party in Ramadan by Asma Mobin-Udden, illustrated by Laura Jacobsen [in Bloomsbury Review]
When young Leena is invited to Julia’s pony party which happens to fall on the first Friday of Ramadan, she decides she will go anyway and just not eat or drink. During the month of Ramadan, observant Muslims fast during the day as a sign of gratitude and perform good deeds in order to feel closer to God. Leena is still too young to fast every day of the holy month, but she is looking forward to breaking the fast with a traditional iftar dinner with her aunt who will be visiting.
At the party, Leena realizes just how difficult not eating or even taking a small drink of water is. When the sun finally sets and she breaks the fast with her family, she is that much more grateful for all the blessings of her life.
Readers: Children
Published: 2009