I Am Muslim

by Jessica Chalfonte, J. Chalfonta

Introduces the fundamentals of Islam through the eyes of a Muslim child living in Detroit

Genres: Religion

24 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ladyphase]

Solid, expository children's book.

I don't think the audience would notice, but the end felt abrupt. It sort of had a child narrative voice, that could be taken just a tiny bit further. Maybe some positive message for the reader that serves as a goodbye? Or maybe... It starts, "My name is Ahmet," and ends talking about zakat (alms, charity). Maybe open with teaching an Arabic greeting (I know some save the "Assalamu alaikum"s for Muslims only, but there are other polite greetings), then, "My name is," and end with a picture of Ahmet smiling and say there are other kinds of charity, and that includes greeting your brother [literal brother or fellow human] with a cheerful face? And end by teaching a simple ritual leave taking phrase. Something along those lines.

[Lisa Smith]

Its interesting how they have different names for the different things in religion like their bible is the Quran. I like how the book explained the words in an easy to understand format.

[Teri]

Typical of this series (dry) but it was a good way for us to review the five pillars of Islam, and it was good for my girls to realize that many people in our country are Muslim (the boy in the story is from Detroit.)

[Mina Saeed]

This book shows the fundamentals of Islam through a childs eyes.
Very good to learn and read from...

[Leen Turki]

I am Muslim is a book that I think would be interesting to kids to read and It will give them information on a religion they might not know a lot about. I think it is age appropriate because it is very simple and to the point. This is more of an informative text, so there is no problem solution in the book. This book utilizes the Arabic language, while defining and explaining the term. The illustrations are not drawings, they are real life people and actions, this helps the children further understand what is being explained in the text. The children are being exposed to a Muslims life, beliefs, and celebrations. There is no information on the authors religion, but there are no negative stereotypes in this book. There is diversity represented within these books, shows Muslims from all around the world.