M.O. YUKSEL
M. O. Yuksel is the award-winning author of In My Mosque, One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University, and Ramadan Kareem. Of Uzbek heritage, she was born in Türkiye and immigrated to the United States when she was seven. She spent most of her childhood in New York City. Ramadan is her favorite time of year.
Books by M.O. Yuksel
★"Enlightening and infused with a great sense of wonder, Yuksel’s picture-book biography is a much-needed addition to an existing repertoire of books featuring Muslim heroes. As dreamy as the night skies so loved by Ulugh Beg, Firdauzia’s digitally created illustrations chronicle the subject’s growth from a young inquisitive boy to an accomplished mathematician and astronomer. This already greatly informative work wraps up with even more content in the backmatter. A luminous tribute to a notable figure that’s sure to satisfy—and inspire—inquisitive minds." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Take one little boy brimming with curiosity, surrounded by nature and opportunity, supported by the best teachers... and you find young Ulugh Beg, who becomes one of the world’s most accomplished scientists... A biography to add flair and depth to math and science curricula, reminding readers of how knowledge is constructed." - Booklist
★A gift to all readers! Sami’s special day starts with a gift from his late grandfather, mosque for prayers and a buffet; a stop at the butcher to get food to share with a local homeless shelter; and, finally, a carnival to celebrate the holiday. Readers who celebrate Eid al-Adha will enjoy seeing their annual tradition, while readers who do not practice Islam will get a peek into a modern way to celebrate an ancient holiday. Young readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and following the journey Sami takes with his younger sister Sara throughout the day. Adults will love to use this story as a model to broach conversations about traditions, as well as deeper themes of loss, philanthropy, and homelessness. Back matter contains a glossary and definitions of Eid al-Adha and homeless shelters. VERDICT An easy recommendation for all libraries. Add it to elementary and high school shelves.—School Library Journal, starred review
★"A celebratory, tender picture book that reflects how the holy month of Ramadan is honored by Muslims around the world... Yuksel pairs these shared values of Ramadan with culturally specific language for loved ones and foods, reflecting the diversity of the Muslim community... Aly’s illustrations fill each page with colors and patterns that emanate excitement and care as families share meals, visit the market, gather for prayer, prepare donations, cook, and set the table together... A beautiful follow-up to the award-winning collaboration In My Mosque, this book reflects the diversity of Muslim communities around the world while uplifting the shared principles of the holy month of Ramadan." —School Library Journal (starred review)
★"This is a well-crafted picture book biography, especially given that so little is known of al-Fihri’s early years. The focus on her legacy, as well as the back matter with time lines and translations, is a strong pull for readers. Who could not love a book about a girl whose first spoken word was “read”? Add this biography to any collection looking to be well rounded when it comes to women’s history."—School Library Journal, starred review
Advocating for persistence and education, this picture book adroitly demonstrates how al-Fihri’s Muslim faith inspired her community care. - Publishers Weekly
An inspiring profile of a tenacious trailblazer that highlights the power of knowledge. Quraishi’s transporting gouache-and-watercolor illustrations furnish a nuanced portrayal of the early medieval Arab world. - Kirkus Reviews
★"This personable, sensory love letter to a range of children’s mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
★"This marvelous, welcoming book on mosques, Muslims, and Islam is a must, offering foundational knowledge on the world’s second largest religion." - School Library Journal, starred review
"Joyful celebration of mosques around the world. . . Themes of family and friendship prevail, along with references to spirituality." - Providence Journal
"Joyful characters describe what happens in simple, poetic language. Both a celebration of and an introduction to the mosque."- Kirkus Reviews