Under the Sana'a Sky by Salwa Mawari

📚 Under the Sana'a Skyline 📚

Author: Salwa Mawari

Illustrator: Mary Charara

Publisher: Book Power Publishing

Age: 4-11

Islamic Content: Muslim setting and characters

Concerns: None

Summary:

Bilquis has a class assignment, to write an inspirational story about Yemen. She loves to write stories but inspirational? So she goes hunting for inspiration to different special sites in the city of Sana'a and she learns that inspiration was under her nose all along.

Review:

This is another story that brings to light a culture that is not commonly highlighted in Muslim kids literature. Yemen. The story is rich with cultural references and life in Yemen, specifically in the city of Sana'a. There is mention of war but it is not a central theme of the story. The book is text heavy, it is quite long for a picture book. I personally love the inclusivity of niqabi side characters throughout the book. The book is about the empathy and the power of a united community amid hardship. So glad I had the opportunity to read this book and have it on our shelf. Books like these highlight the rich diversity of our Muslim ummah and it shows our kids that Muslims are not a monolith. Definitely add this to your bookshelf.

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