11/01/2013
Gr 6 Up—In this personal account of growing up Muslim in Southern California, Ali-Karamali provides a comprehensive introduction to Islamic culture, beliefs, and religion in a straightforward and engaging manner. Divided into three parts, the work explains the fundamentals of Islam in easy-to-understand chapters that address practical subjects, such as what Muslims can eat and wear as well as more complex topics, such as the Muslim worldview, the origins of Islam, and the differences between the sects. Throughout the narrative, the author speaks with authority, yet she manages to keep the tone friendly, conversational and, at times, humorous. She talks about tolerance and acceptance and points out the similarities between the sibling religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, such as their belief in the prophet Abraham and the practice of worshipping one God, which helps to dispel many preconceived ideas listeners may have held. She also emphasizes the diversity of Muslims worldwide who, like practitioners of other religions, may interpret religious guidelines differently but, ultimately, agree on the major tenets that unify them all. While the intended audience seems to be middle school students, listeners of all ages could benefit from this enlightening, well-researched overview of one of the major world religions.—Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH

Ali-Karamali wrote this book at the behest of middle school teachers looking for age-appropriate materials about Islam. As narrator, the author has an easygoing manner, but she betrays her southern California upbringing with her intonation. Each chapter presents a topic relevant to the basic tenets of the Muslim faith and its practices, including diet, fasting, the status of women, dress, and prayer. The personal nature of her account and narration together with the light humor helps to make the content accessible to middle school students as well as to adults who are interested in basic information about Islam and Muslims. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Ali-Karamali offers plenty of anecdotes about growing up Muslim in America in a conversational tone that is undermined by poor organization. The work explores a range of questions that non-Muslims might have about followers of Islam. Ranging from a discussion of Muslim holidays or the kinds of clothes worn by Muslims to the development of Islam, the author explains these topics in a friendly, engaging manner. She provides several examples of Muslim practices around the world, going beyond her American experiences to reflect Islam's diversity. Chapters are organized into three fact-filled sections on beliefs and practices, the development of Islam and current Muslim demographics. Unfortunately, beginning with the practical questions about food, fasting and fashion delays important concepts such as how jihad is not equivalent to terrorism and whether Islam mandates women wear face veils (in a word, no). Compounding this basic conceptual flaw, this organizational choice necessitates clunky references to later chapters. Moreover, it is not until Chapter 4 that cited figures or quotes are provided references, an example of sloppy scholarship. Readers will find answers to basic questions about Muslims, yet they might not understand the bigger picture if they don't hang in until the end. (notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)