Alexis York Lumbard

As Ramadan draws near, young Sophia decides that she would like to participate in the fast with her parents and grandmother. Getting up early and having sahoor - the pre-dawn, pre-fast breakfast - she approaches her first day with enthusiasm, only to find it harder than she thought it would be to maintain her fast. When her little brother wanders by with delicious cookies, all bets are off. Has Sophia ruined everything, or is Ramadan about more than just fasting...?

I appreciated author show more Rabiah York Lumbard's message about helping others in The Gift of Ramadan, which pairs an engaging family story with appealing illustrations depicting a biracial family. Sophia's realization that she can still get that "sparkling" feeling by stepping in to make iftar - the communal dinner that Muslims eat to break their fast during Ramadan, once the sun sets - when her grandmother is too tired, illustrates the "gift" of the title here. Recommended to anyone looking for new, lighthearted picture-books for Ramadan. show less

This book had me hooked from the beginning. Hackers? Check. Edge of your seatness? Check. Didn’t want it to end? Check. An amazing story of one who fights for her rights and fights back to save her family. Salma’s detective skills were amazingly written. The scenes at school, when Salma was being bullied, not just by students but by educators and administrators had me squirming and wanting to slap these people for treating her so badly, just because of her religion. To point fingers show more without understanding and knowing the facts angered me. The love story between Salma and Amir was one of true love, not a typical teenager romance. Definitely a solid read for YA. show less

When is a Muslim child ready to fast during Ramadan? When Sophia's Grandma says the heart of a person who fasts is sparkly, Sophia decides to fast because she loves sparkles. But this being her first try at fasting, it doesn't go well; she ends up breaking into a box of cookies. Grandma says there are other ways to celebrate Ramadan besides fasting. Sophia helps prepare food for iftar and sets the table for the family, taking pride in being helpful during Ramadan.

In a world where difference is all too often seen as threat, Everyone Prays, by Alexis York Lumbard, pulls aside the veil and reveals an important way in which we might all be the same. With bright illustrations to capture a small child’s attention, an astonishing level of authenticity and detail to intrigue older siblings too, and well-written explanations for the adults, this simple book has much more to offer than the average picture book. The text is rhythmic and clear. Together with show more images it invites questions and uncomplicated understanding, and welcomes readers to a wider world of shared spirituality where, indeed, everyone prays in their different ways.

From cathedral to mosque, from African plain to Temple in Myanmar, from baptism to coming of age, and fasting to washing, the illustrations are firmly anchored in honest depictions of faith around the world. Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Dome of the Rock bring Jews, Christians and Muslims together in one two-page spread, while Buddhists and Hindus pray by the Ganges River.

A lovely appendix offers symbols and brief explanations of different faiths, together with detailed and fascinating descriptions of the illustrations. The bright pictures will make this a favorite book for small children. The text offers a valuable reading experience. And the combination is a pleasing book to share with family and friends, crossing cultural boundaries, inviting thought, and, calling us all to recognize the beauty of prayer.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and I offer my honest review. It’s beautiful! show less