Reviewed by Lana Hassan
Review Source: Reading Is Resistance
Book Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is an inspiring and intimate story that delves into an experience many Muslims face in America. The story follows newly turned 7-year-old Muhammad, who has just started praying in earnest. He plans on taking his salat rug to school and praying there. But because Muhammad has observed his father getting laughed at while he was praying in public, Muhammed is anxious about asking his teacher for a private place to pray and instead hides his rug from everyone. Continue reading on Reading is Resistance.
Find more recommended books on this topic on our Muslim booklist.
Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Published by Random House Children's Books on June 6, 2023
Genres: Muslim
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9781984848116
Review Source: Reading Is Resistance
Also by this author: Mommy's Khimar, Abdul's Story
Publisher's Synopsis: From the critically acclaimed author of Your Name Is a Song and the bestselling illustrator of The Proudest Blue comes a story about a Muslim boy who receives a salat (prayer) rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith.
In this beautiful story of community, family, and acceptance, a boy named Muhammad receives a special salat rug on his seventh birthday. Seven is the age when Muslim children are encouraged to pray, and Muhammad is determined to do all five daily prayers on time. But one salat occurs during the school day, and he's worried about being seen praying at school. His father parks his truck to worship in public places, and people stare at and mock him. Will the same thing happen to Muhammad?
In the end, with help from his teacher, he finds the perfect place to pray. Salat in Secret, by two highly acclaimed Muslim creators, is a poignant and empowering look at an important facet of Islam that many observant children cherish but might be scared to share.
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