Praise
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Hena Khan is a storyteller, first and foremost.
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Kirkus Reviews
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For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can’t get better than this book.
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R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder (on Amina’s Voice)
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A middle grade author that can charm readers a leg up over the competition
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Besty Bird
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A writer who understands children, family, and culture
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Kirkus Reviews
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Positive narratives that counter the negatives in the media
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Washington Post
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One of the first American authors to bring Muslim characters to the fore in children’s books
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Anadolou Agency
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Ms. Khan…started writing children’s books more than a decade ago at a time when depictions of authentic Muslim characters were few
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Christian Science Monitor
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Her most recent book comes at a critical time, when many American Muslim kids are struggling with social stigma, fear and rejection.
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Huffington Post
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It’s Ramadan, Curious George by H.A. Rey and Hena Khan in 2016 [was] a turning point of sorts. ‘Not only did it sell well but retailers saw the potential of drawing new customers and are now more receptive to children’s books on Islam.’
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Publisher’s Weekly
National Awards
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South Asian Book Award Honorable Mention
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Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Children’s Book
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Good Housekeeping Best Kids’ Book Award Winner
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Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the 21st Century
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Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature
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NPR Books We Love Selection
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Book Concierge List, NPR
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Rise: A Feminist Book Project List
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Junior Library Guild Selection
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NCTE Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction Honor Title
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Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Fiction
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NCTE Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction Recommended Title
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Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year
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American Library Association (ALA) Notable Children’s Books
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Goodreads Choice Award Finalist
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Kirkus Reviews Best Book
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NPR Best Book
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Washington Post Best Book
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CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children’s Book Council)
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CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
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Parents’ Choice Approved Book
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Middle East Book Award Honorable Mention
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Booklist Top 10 Religion and Spirituality for Youth
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PubWest 2013 Book Design Awards Gold
Starred Reviews
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A universal story of self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. A welcome addition to any middle grade collection.
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Amina’s middle school woes and the universal themes running through the book transcend culture, race, and religion. A perfect first book for this new Muslim imprint.
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This compassionate, timely novel is highly recommended for all libraries.
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A monumental achievement and exquisite testament to the power of collaboration and community, this novel moves beyond the reality of diversity into the necessity of it.
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The Muslim holiday of Ramadan gets a vibrant, visually exciting treatment here…the upbeat tone of the writing is matched by Paschkis’ lively, jewel-like art.
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This is a book that offers great representation and inspires readers to accept everyone just the way they are.
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[Like the Moon Loves the Sky is] a peaceful incantation. A view of a childhood focused not just on well-being, but on hope-to ‘count all your blessings’ and ‘find wonder’-as well.
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Khan nimbly incorporates details of modern life and allusions to Alcott’s classic—including financial troubles and a health scare—into a tale that is, fittingly, strongest in the moments when family dynamics are on display.
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A nuanced and quietly powerful story.
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A lovely sequel that does not require familiarity with the first book, this is an uplifting story about relationships, especially those that strengthen us and help us grow.
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A lighthearted slam dunk.
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Cheerful, rhyming verses complement a parade of confident women athletes, doctors, artists, and students, each donning a hijab as colorful and unique as the women themselves.
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Middle-school-aged readers will find the challenges Jam faces at school and with family realistic and eminently understandable.
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An uplifting graphic novel that celebrates female Muslim athletes and highlights how the teens’ faith, sport, and relationships intersect.
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Khan excellently weaves together complex issues of feeling torn between two parts of one’s identity, illness in the family, helping others, and finding out that growing up does not have to mean growing apart. Highly recommended for all collections
Regional and State Lists
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Beehive Kids Graphic Novel Nominee
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Maine North Star YA nominee
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The Massachusetts Children’s Book Awards (MCBA)
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Wisconsin library association (WEMTA) Middle School & High School Battle of the Books lists
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Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee (NH) (sponsored by the Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire (CHILIS))
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Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee (MD)
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A Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Selection
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Chicago Public Library Best Book
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New York Public Library Best Book
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South Carolina Children’s Book Award Nominee
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Just One More Page Recommendation List
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Lectio Book Award Finalist (TX)
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Magnolia Book Award Nominee (MS)
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Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Intermediate Title
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Star of the North Award Nominee (MN)
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Horned Toad Tales List (TX)
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Sunshine State Young Readers’ Award List (FL)
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Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Reading List
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Bluestem Book Award Master List (IL)
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Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books
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Oregon Battle of the Books List
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Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)
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South Carolina Book Award Nominee
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Beehive Award Nominee
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Oregon Reader’s Choice Award Nominee
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Virginia Readers’ Choice Award
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South Asia Book Award Highly Commended Title
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Texas Bluebonnet Master List (TN)
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Volunteer State Book Award Nominee (TN)
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Children’s Sequoyah Book Award Master List (OK)
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William Allen White Children’s Book Award Reading List (KS)
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Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Junior Title
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Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee (MN)