I wanted to make a list of Ramadan books to learn more about this holiday. Here’s what I learned after reading a dozen books:
- Ramandan is the ninth month in the calendar used for Muslim holidays. When it is near, they watch for a new crescent moon. (Now I understand why many Ramadan books reference the moon in the title!)
- The calendar for Muslim holidays follows the moon which means Ramadan starts on a different day every year, and can happen in any season. This year Ramadan falls during summer which is the most challenging season to fast during. The days are very long and hot.
- Caring for the poor is important to Muslims which is one reason why they fast. Fasting helps them understand how people feel when they go hungry.
- The festival of Girgian which comes in the middle of Ramadan reminds me of Halloween. Kids get dressed in traditional costumes and collect treats from their neighbors.
- The new crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan and that day is called Eid al-Fitr. Muslims clean and decorate their homes and they have a big feast.
Ramadan has some similarities to Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement for Jewish people. Both holidays involve fasting, forgiveness, multiple prayer times, and is based on a lunar calendar.
16 Wonderful Ramadan Books for Kids of All Ages
I’ve organized these wonderful Ramadan books by:
- Ramadan Picture Books Set in Present Day United States
- Ramadan Picture Books Set in Present Day Middle East
- Books to Introduce Ramadan to Very Young Readers
- An Eid Folktale
- Two Lovely Picture Books About the Muslim Faith
If you need Ramadan books by genre, this collection has picture books, advanced picture books, easy reader, board book, and early chapter book. I hope you find what you need to learn about Ramadan.
Please hop over to PragmaticMom for my list of Ramadan books.
For more multicultural, diverse, and inclusive book lists and book reviews, please check out our Multicultural Books for Kids collaborative Pinterest board: