Mindful Muslim Reader Review

The Moon from Dehradun Mindful Muslim Reader recommends

The Moon from Dehradun

Ages:
  • Muslim Books
  • Virtue
    VIRTUE
    Is this the way I want my child to think and act?
    Ratings are based on how much a book extols Islamic morality and espouses classical ideals.
  • Language
    LANGUAGE
    Is this the way I want my child to speak?
    Ratings are based on a book's vocabulary, cadence, and overall eloquence suited to age level.
  • Story
    STORY
    Does this story resonate with my child?
    Ratings are based on the integrity of plot structure, the depth of characters, the palpability of the book's conflict and resolution, and the lure of its setting.
  • Beauty
    BEAUTY
    Does this book develop my child's ability to recognize beauty?
    Ratings are based on aesthetics, linguistic beauty, poignancy, and how well a book embodies ihsan—harmonizing excellence.

Values

  • Courage
  • Empathy
Heart

Struggles

  • Complaining
  • Grief
Why Should
Why Should My Child Read This Book?

This is a story of tragedy laced with hope as a young Muslim girl and her family flee their ancestral home in Northern India during the violence of the British Partition for a chance at a second life in the newly created state of Pakistan. She learns what’s really important in life: being together with her family, showing kindness to neighbors, and learning patience with those closest to her. By the end of the story, she understands that war affects everyone, even those whom you might imagine to be your enemy.

Although elements of Islam are interwoven in the background of the book (hearing the adhan (call to prayer), an elderly woman using prayer beads during a difficult moment, a precious family Quran stand being packed away when the family flees), the characters do not outwardly express their faith nor is there mention of reliance on God, something Mindful Muslim Reader encourages in books about Muslims, especially those by Muslim authors. The story is age appropriate for children without dwelling on the lurid details of violence in that time period. The emotions of loss and grief are subtly expressed in the illustrations rather than the text, making it easier for children to absorb and understand an important historical event in the history of millions of modern Muslims.

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What is this book
What’s This Book About?
This picture book is a stirring account of the harrowing journey faced by millions of migrants in the aftermath of the British Partition of India. Azra knows that wherever she goes, her doll Gurya will follow. Even if it’s on a train that will take her far away from the house her family has lived in for generations. Even if there is a new flag flying in Dehradun, and no place left in it for Azra. At least she will be taking a piece of home with her. But when Abba comes home and says they must leave right now, Gurya gets left behind in the scramble. Will Azra be strong enough to face the long journey alone? And what will happen to Gurya, now hundreds of miles behind them?
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Anything I need to be aware of?

VIEW FLAGS
Illustrator: Tarun Lar
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 2022
ISBN13: 9781665906791
*This review applies only to ISBN number noted above.
WE READ
COVER TO COVER
so you don't have to.
WE READ COVER TO COVER so you don't have to.

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