Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story is a warm, informative, gorgeously illustrated story that explains the traditions surrounding Ramadan in a way that's relatable to young readers of any -- or no -- faith background. Zahra's family donates clothes and makes special meals, celebrating the Muslim holiday that brings together their family and their community. In addition to the details woven throughout the story, the last page of the book has information about Ramadan, fasting, Eid-al-Fitr, displacement, shelters, and foster care.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Young Zahra loses her precious teddy bear while her family is getting donations ready for a shelter in ZAHRA'S BLESSING: A RAMADAN STORY. During the month of daytime fasting and evening gatherings, she's still sad about her teddy bear but her perspective changes as she becomes friends with one of the girls in the refugee shelter where her family is volunteering. By the end of Ramadan Zahra gets a blessing that surprises her.
Is It Any Good?
In a book not to be missed, author Shirin Shamsi weaves a loving family's story celebrating Ramadan around Manal Mirza's beautiful, brightly colored images, exuding warmth and sharing information. Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story has a lovely way of using a lost teddy bear to explore traditions, generosity, and community along with lots of facts about this monthlong Muslim holiday. The short explanations of fasting and Eid-al-Fitr are great, and the notes about displacement, shelters, and foster care use straightforward, compassionate language to help young readers understand these complex situations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the fasting and celebrating Ramadan in their own lives might be different from what Zahra did in Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story. Does your family celebrate Ramadan? If so, what do you do? If you don't, what do you think your family would do to celebrate?
What actions can you take in your community that are similar to the generosity and inclusion shown by Zahra's family?
How do you think Zahra would explain Ramadan to kids at her school who don't know what it is? How would you explain it?
Book Details
- Author: Shirin Shamsi
- Illustrator: Manal Mirza
- Genre: Holiday
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models, Holidays
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Barefoot Books
- Publication date: March 29, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 5 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices
Lots of great life lessons as families celebrate holiday.
-
Magid Fasts for Ramadan
Gentle story of Ramadan and doing what's right.
-
Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time
Lively bios of remarkable Muslim women inspire, entertain.
For kids who love stories with Muslim characters
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate