Book Review: Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuraali (Young Reader Chapter Book| Somali | Muslim)

Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuraali is about a young Somali-American boy whose Islamic school teacher suggests that he and his friends do a fundraiser to raise money to help an Islamic school in Somalia during Ramadan.

This young reader/chapter book begins with background info about Somalia. I learned some things I didn't even know, such as that Somalians are a nomadic people and that Somalia is mostly desert.

I really liked the art by Anjan Sarkar. Seeing a black boy in a kufi in a book made me smile so hard. Reminds me of my younger brothers when we were kids going to weekend classes at the masjid. ☺️

Overall, a great story about charity, activism, bringing a community together, and being a good friend. All important lessons for elementary school kids. I liked the glossary, discussion questions and writing prompts in the back of the book as excellent ways to extend learning using this book. There was also a fun craft project! 

Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift is suitable for 1st-3rd grade and makes a great addition to any home or classroom library. I would also definitely be checking out the other books in the series. 

This was an impulsive library loan to get me out of my reading slump and it was an excellent choice. Why haven't I thought of checking out children's books from the library before?! And I even returned it early when done. How demure, how mindful 😌 lol 

Anyway, support your local library like I did or you can order a copy from Tuma's Books/Bookshop to support my indie bookstore. 💜