April 4 is National School Librarian Day and April 11 is National Library Day. Every year Muslim Space delivers book bundles to the public schools in the Austin area as a way to enhance an understanding of Islam, Muslims, and other non-dominant cultures.
The goal of this annual project is to promote authentic narratives of Muslims and/or other marginalized groups and identities. The result is two-fold, it places a familiar image and identity for Muslim youth to relate to and it normalizes the Muslim experience for non-Muslims.
Since 2017 we have delivered over 1,250 books to local area schools representing Ramadan, Islam, Muslim and non-Muslim heroes and superheroes, and diversity in cultures, abilities, and history.
This year we plan on delivering two books showcasing resilience and generosity - “Eleven Words for Love” by Randa Al-Fattah and “The Blessed Pomegranates” by A. Helwa.
Each school sponsorship costs $20 and we plan on delivering to 140+ local schools.
You can sponsor a school by donating here: www.paypal.me/muslimspace or Venmo (@MuslimSpace)
Book Descriptions:
“Eleven Words for Love” by Randa Al-Fattah
A family has fled their homeland in search of safety in another country, carrying a single suitcase. As their journey unfolds, the oldest child reflects on the special contents of that photo albums that evoke eleven of many names for love in Arabic. From sunshine-warm friendship to the love that dissolves all tears; from the love that makes you swoon to the love that leaves you yearning for the heart’s homeland—her family has experienced it all. Illustrated in vibrant watercolor pencil and collage on textured card stock, this moving scrapbook shows a family embracing an unknown future even as they honor the past, casting immigration and the refugee experience in the light of universal human connection.
“The Blessed Pomegranates” by A. Helwa
The leaves whisper it. The birds sing it. It is Ramadan, the holy season of giving! But Adam and Alyha can't help what is the real meaning of Ramadan? Fortunately, wise Grandma Essi knows just what to do. With ruby pomegranates picked from Grandma Essi's magnificent tree, the two grandchildren set off to visit their friends and neighbors, share their blessings, and discover, as Grandma Essi no doubt intended all along, to feel the spirit of the holiest month of the year. Written by internationally bestselling author of Secrets of Divine Love, A. Helwa, and illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi, The Blessed Pomegranates is a timeless story to teach kids gratitude, generosity, and the real meaning behind Ramadan.