The Best Islamic Books in Public School Libraries for Young Readers

 

As diversity and inclusion become increasingly prioritized in education, many public school libraries are expanding their collections to include books that reflect the experiences of Muslim students. From grade school to high school, there are many excellent books that highlight Islamic culture, Muslim protagonists, and important historical figures. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or student looking for meaningful reads, this list features some of the best Islamic books available in public school libraries.

Elementary School (Grades K-5)

1. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family – Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali

A beautifully illustrated picture book that follows a young girl as she watches her older sister wear a hijab for the first time. It’s a heartwarming story about confidence, pride, and family love.

2. Mashallah Cat - The Little Pink Hijab

This is a beautifully illustrated children's book about a girl named Laylah and her magical cat Buffy. The first book of many features Laylah and Buffy navigating her decision to wear her hijab or if she just wants to fit in with the rest of her friends and classmates. 

3. Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter – Mark Gonzales

A poetic and empowering book that encourages children to embrace their faith, identity, and heritage with pride.

4. Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story – Reem Faruqi

This touching story follows a young girl who is excited to fast for Ramadan but struggles with explaining it to her classmates. A great book for fostering understanding among non-Muslim peers.

5. Under My Hijab – Hena Khan

This book showcases a young girl’s admiration for the women in her life who wear hijab in different ways, offering a relatable and positive portrayal of Muslim women.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

6. Amina’s Voice – Hena Khan

A relatable coming-of-age novel about a Pakistani-American girl balancing her cultural identity, friendships, and family expectations.

7. Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices – Edited by S.K. Ali & Aisha Saeed

A wonderful collection of short stories celebrating Eid, written by a diverse group of Muslim authors, each offering a unique perspective on this special holiday.

8. Other Words for Home – Jasmine Warga

A powerful novel-in-verse about a young Syrian girl adjusting to life in America, navigating identity, belonging, and family separation.

9. Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet – Zanib Mian

A humorous and engaging chapter book following Omar, a Muslim boy with a big imagination who faces new experiences and challenges in a fun, relatable way.

10. The Night Diary – Veera Hiranandani

Though not exclusively an Islamic book, this historical fiction novel provides an insightful look at the Partition of India from a young girl’s perspective, highlighting religious and cultural struggles.

High School (Grades 9-12)

11. Love from A to Z – S.K. Ali

A heartfelt YA romance featuring two Muslim teens who meet while traveling and share a deep connection through their faith and struggles.

12. Saints and Misfits – S.K. Ali

A bold and thought-provoking novel tackling faith, identity, and personal trauma, following Janna, a Muslim teen dealing with life’s complexities.

13. Does My Head Look Big in This? – Randa Abdel-Fattah

A humorous and insightful novel about a teenage girl who decides to wear hijab full-time and navigates high school life while staying true to her faith.

14. Internment – Samira Ahmed

A gripping dystopian novel set in a near-future America where Muslim citizens are forced into internment camps. A powerful story about resistance, activism, and standing up for justice.

15. The Lines We Cross – Randa Abdel-Fattah

A timely and engaging novel that explores Islamophobia, immigration, and activism through the lens of two teenagers from different backgrounds.

Encouraging Inclusive Reading in Public Schools

Including these books in public school libraries helps foster empathy, understanding, and representation for Muslim students. These stories provide an opportunity for all students to learn about diverse cultures, break stereotypes, and celebrate different traditions. If your local school library doesn’t carry these books, consider recommending them to librarians and educators to ensure a more inclusive literary experience for all students.

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