Children’s Books That Celebrate Muslim Culture
by the Brightly Editors
Whether you’re from a Muslim family looking for more representation in children’s literature, or a teacher or parent of non-Muslim children wanting to better understand and celebrate Muslim culture, there are so many wonderful storytellers in the kids’ lit community who have contributed to essential, diverse narratives that pay homage to the rich history and vibrant present of this community.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite children’s books that feature Muslim protagonists, celebrate Muslim culture, and illustrate Islamic traditions – perfect for reading during Ramadan, Eid, and all year long.
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Ramadan
Buy from:Introduce your child to the holy month of Ramadan with help from this Little Golden Book! Readers of all ages will learn what Ramadan is, why Muslim families fast during the month, and the traditional dishes people enjoy between fasts.
(Ages 2 – 5)Buy from: -
My Name Is Bilal
Buy from:On their first day at a new school where they might be the only Muslim students, Bilal sees his sister, Ayesha, being teased by bullies. Hoping to avoid the same fate, he decides to tell his classmates his name is Bill. Fortunately for Bilal and Ayesha, there is a Muslim teacher at school, Mr. Ali, who lends Bilal a book that changes how Bilal feels about his identity. An excellent read for those in Bilal and Ayesha’s shoes (and a lesson in inclusion for others), this heartening story is a valuable reminder that we should take pride in who we are.
(Ages 2 – 5)Buy from: -
The Best Eid Ever
Buy from:Though her parents are far away for the Hajj pilgrimage, Aneesa is looking forward to celebrating the three days of Eid with her Nonni, who made Aneesa three beautiful outfits for the holiday. When she meets two sisters at the prayer hall whose clothes are drab and ill-fitting and learns that they are refugees, Aneesa comes up with a wonderful plan to spread the generous spirit of Eid.
(Ages 2 – 5)Buy from: -
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift
Buy from:Hannah is too young to fast for Ramadan but wants to do her part and observe this important month. What is she to do? Throughout this story, Hannah learns about the power of good deeds and that you can help make the world a better place no matter your age. This book is perfect for little ones who want to find ways to participate during this holy time.
(Ages 3 – 7)Buy from: -
Rabia’s Eid
Buy from:After a month of fasting, Rabia is excited to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr on the last day of Ramadan. Join her family as they eat a big breakfast, dress in new clothes, and paint their hands with henna. Readers will learn about the traditions that make Eid a special day for everyone who celebrates it.
(Ages 4 – 6)Buy from: -
Ramadan Rain
Buy from:This beautiful picture book helps readers of all ages understand the true purpose of Ramadan. It follows a little girl and her grandmother as they take a bus ride through the rain to the masjid, where they spend the day helping others and spending time with family. It’s a beautiful reminder to cherish the things that matter most.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
A Golden Eid: Festivals of the World
Buy from:Hafsa can’t wait for Eid al-Fitr and spends the last day of Ramadan helping her family get ready for the festivities. But when her father starts giving away her favorite foods, Hafsa learns an important lesson about faith, family, and community.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Salat in Secret
Buy from:Muhammad receives a special prayer rug for his seventh birthday. Although he is excited to use it for his five daily prayers, he worries that his classmates at school will tease him. Thankfully, his teacher helps him find a solution. This heartfelt book is about faith, tradition, and courage to live your truth.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
The Gift of Eid
Buy from:If you are looking for a heartfelt holiday story to commemorate Eid-al-Fitr, look no further. In this retelling of The Gift of the Magi, Yasmine’s family has fallen on hard times, and she doesn’t have enough money to buy her mother an Eid gift. However, as the little family goes through the day, Yasmine comes to understand the true meaning of Eid.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
My Grandma and Me
Buy from:This exquisitely illustrated picture book captures the love between Mina, a young girl growing up in Iran, and her grandmother, whom Mina follows everywhere. Through the little joys of their everyday lives and practice of Islam, and through the love that Mina’s two grandmothers — one Muslim, one Christian — have for each other, readers are gifted a heartwarming portrait of family ties and universal love.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Big Red Lollipop
Buy from:The good news: Rubina’s going to her first birthday party! The bad news: Rubina’s mother insists that she take her little sister Sana along — even though Rubina knows that’s not how her Western classmates do birthday parties. As Rubina feared, Sana is a terror, and Rubina’s classmates aren’t pleased. But hang tight for a sweet and redemptive story arc from the author who admits to playing the role of Sana in her own childhood.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Deep in the Sahara
Buy from:Deep in the Sahara, in the country of Mauritania, young Lalla dreams of the day when she, too, will get to wear the malafa, just like her mother and older sister. But first, Lalla must understand the true meaning behind the malafa: the garment is not only a beautiful tradition but a part of her faith. When the time is right, Lalla’s mother has the loveliest malafa waiting for her.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
A Kids Book About Being Muslim
Buy from:What does it mean to be Muslim? Readers of all ages can learn the answer to this question with help from this easy-to-read book. From worship to traditions, the author shares the experiences, faith, and joy she gets from her religion.
(Ages 5 – 9)Buy from: -
Amina Banana Series
Buy from:This adorable chapter book series follows a young girl who moves from Syria to the United States and adjusts to her new life there. From making new friends to competing in the science fair, Amina tackles every challenge with courage, perseverance, and heart.
(Ages 6 – 9)Buy from: -
A Party in Ramadan
Buy from:When Leena attends a party during the holy month of Ramadan, she plans to keep her fast and then join her family for a delicious iftar, the post-sunset meal that breaks their daily fast. But at the party, all of Leena’s friends are eating and drinking treats, and Leena’s tummy starts to ache. This upbeat and realistic read follows a young girl negotiating her differences with peers and highlights what Ramadan is all about – spiritual reflection, doing charitable deeds, and spending time with loved ones.
(Ages 7 – 9)Buy from: -
We Are Big Time
Buy from:Kids will love immersing themselves in the life and family of a Muslim girl named Aliya, who has moved from Florida to Wisconsin and attends a large Islamic-based school. She joins the school's all-girl, hijab-wearing basketball team, hoping she and her teammates can learn to work together to improve their terrible record. It's an inspiring, must-read graphic novel about Muslim female athletes.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
Kareem Between
Buy from:Seventh grade is difficult for most kids, and Kareem is no different. The year has hardly begun, and he feels his world spinning out of control. But when the star quarterback promises him a shot at making the football team, Kareem faces a difficult decision: do something he knows is wrong to join the team or stand up for his beliefs — even if it means being a social pariah the rest of the year?
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
The Genius of Islam
Buy from:From orange juice to architecture, young readers can discover how the Islamic Empire changed the world. The engaging text and detailed illustrations will keep young readers poring over the pages of this informative nonfiction book.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
Buy from:The first book in a new illustrated chapter book series, Omar is the new kid at school, and he is not at all excited about it. What if the work is too hard or the kids are mean or the teacher is a zombie alien?! But despite his imaginative spirit, the reality of his Big Mean Bully is no fun to deal with — particularly the bully’s anti-Islam sentiments. Thanks to his family, Omar overcomes — asserting himself as a new middle grade literary hero.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
The Night Diary
Buy from:In this Newbery Honor Book set during the 1947 Partition of India, Veera Hiranandani tells the story of Nisha, as she reckons with her identity and losing her homeland. Twelve-year-old Nisha is half-Muslim, half-Hindu, which makes things particularly complicated when her newly independent homeland divides between Pakistan and India, Muslim and Hindu. Overnight, Nisha’s family become refugees, and through letters to her departed mother, Nisha explores her hope, heartbreak, and search for a home.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
Nayra and the Djinn
Buy from:Between bullies, family pressures, and an exhausting best friend, Nayra is having a rough time. It's also Ramadan, and while fasting is important to Nayra, her hunger makes the days drag on. When a mysterious mythical being from Islamic folklore appears looking for help, Nayra jumps at the chance. While the djinn uses their powers and wisdom to help her navigate her overwhelming life, it's also a race against the clock to help them return home before the end of Ramadan. School Library Journal calls this beautifully illustrated graphic novel a "captivating use of Islamic beliefs and culture to share with readers the importance of rebuilding relationships and standing up for oneself."
(Ages 10+)Buy from:
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2026.