ISLAM IN AMERICA
Writing Our Own Narrative Are Muslim Americans creating and promoting literature that echoes their real self tothe mainstream?
BY HENA KHAN
A
s both a Muslim American and a parent of two children, the negative narrative about Muslims dominating the media terrifies me. I worry about what my children are hearing and how it’s impacting them. Are they internalizing the hateful rhetoric? Do they live in fear of facing discrimination? Have they heard any disparaging comments or crude jokes? Do they feel alienated or even ashamed of who they are? As their mother, I can’t always be around to protect them from what others may say or do. But as a writer, I can work to counter Islamophobia in a small way by telling stories that reinforce the notion that Muslim Americans are an important part of society who share the core values of our fellow Americans. I first realized the need for children’s books about Muslims over a decade ago, when my older son was in pre-school and I was writing books about space, spies, and other topics. At the time, our family owned a decent collection of Islamic children’s books, most of them picked up at ISNA conventions or gifted to us. The books all shared a common quality and an important purpose — they were written by Muslims for Muslims, and taught the basic tenets of the faith, Islamic etiquette and stories from the Quran. But when the Pakistani teaching assistant at my son’s Montessori school decided to throw a Ramadan party at school, we couldn’t read any of those books to the children. And so she found a short explanation of Ramadan on the Internet. I watched as the children stared at her, their eyes glazed over, as she discussed the “revelations of the Prophet (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)” and the “gates of heaven and hell.” Ramadan didn’t sound like anything they would want to celebrate. At that moment, I wished we had books that were appropriate for use in a public school or library setting, ones that introduced our traditions in an accessible, relatable and fun way. I was grateful that my editor at a mainstream publisher agreed with me about the need to produce more books reflecting Muslim American children before the current push for diversity in children’s literature. Night of the Moon, my first picture book, is about a little girl named Yasmeen and her family observing Ramadan and Eid. It focuses on the changing shape of the moon, the 32
night of the moon celebration and the festivities of the month. I was relieved when the book came out in 2008 and got the reviews I had hoped for, including one from Publisher’s Weekly that said it portrays “Muslims as another vibrant thread in the great American tapestry, emphasizing the bonds of family, community and spirituality rather than details of a particular belief system.” My next book, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, was a non-holiday book directed toward a younger audience. Suitable for yearround use, it introduces a prayer rug, hijab, the Quran, a mosque and other common objects through the use of color. The illustrator did an incredible job drawing in Muslims and non-Muslims alike through her gorgeous art. Being cited as a “notable book” by the American Library Association helped propel it into the hands of librarians and be added to Scholastic Book Fairs. This actually led one man in Georgia to protest it, after his daughter, with his wife’s approval, purchased it at her public school and brought it home. He drummed up some media attention for himself; however, the school fair organizers’ vow to fight his attempts to block it, along with librarians who rushed to buy it, reaffirmed my faith in our country. I regularly receive photographs and notes from people whose kids spot my books at schools nationwide. Each time, I’m so thankful that these children get to see something that reflects them on the shelves. I never had this experience while growing up in America, and it is even more important today. But I’m also grateful that kids of all faiths are looking through a window into Muslim American culture. When I share my books with children during school visits, I always notice how Muslim children in the audience react as I read. They sit up taller, smile, nod, and wave their hands at me, eager to report that “I celebrate Eid,” or “My mom wears hijab,” “My brother fasts” or “My name is Hamza!” At the same time, I’m glad that non-Muslim kids also relate to elements that we all share, like parties and presents, and hope that they come away thinking, “Maybe Muslims aren’t as different from us after all.” Teachers and media specialists do a wonderful job of facilitating the conversations, appreciating the work and building excitement around a guest speaker. Last year, I was ecstatic when the publisher of the Curious George books inquired if I’d be interested in writing a book about everyone’s favorite monkey celebrating Ramadan. It was to be the latest in a series of books where George celebrates different holidays. It’s Ramadan, Curious George follows George and his friend Kareem during the month, including a trip to the mosque, breaking the fast, spotting the moon and celebrating Eid. The response to It’s Ramadan, Curious George, which was published in May, has been overwhelming. People from all backgrounds are marveling at finally being included and represented by a major brand. They express their love for Curious George and their excitement at seeing him with us, doing the things that we do, like it’s the most normal thing ever — which it should be! In the midst of ISLAMIC HORIZONS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016