Almost Sunset

by Wahab Algarmi

In a contemporary middle grade graphic novel debut that Gene Luen Yang calls "funny, endearing, and an intimate look at a Muslim family," Almost Sunset follows a young Muslim American boy during Ramadan as he finds the balance between his family traditions and his secular middle school life. Perfect for fans of Swim Team and Chunky.

It's almost sunset, and Hassan has been dreaming about eating since the sun came up. The month of Ramadan has begun, and not eating until sundown intensifies his already busy days full of homework, soccer, and gaming. And since his teachers and friends at school barely understand Ramadan and its traditions, it's easier to just...not mention it.

As the month stretches on, Hassan's family and community grow closer together. They wake up before sunrise every morning, feast when the sun goes down, and attend mosque in the evenings. Can Hassan balance it all during the hectic holy month—faith, tradition, school, and fun, too?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Sports, Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Religion, Comics

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic novels are super popular with kids, but it's often hard to find really good Muslamic ones (besides the Huda F series, of course!)... especially for boys.

"Almost Sunset" by Wahab Algarmi neatly meets that need, with a fun and heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about a young boy struggling to manage fasting, soccer, and school.

While I initially was a bit worried at one part that seemed like it would gloss over kids secretly eating during Ramadan, I was happy to see it addressed by the end. While there were a couple things I would have liked to see differently (a little more emphasis on taqwa/ fasting as worship, I know I'm quibbling.

Honestly, this was pretty well done and I suspect boys grade 4+ up will love it!

[Devin Redmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, goodness. I’m glad this book is out there in the world.
𝘈𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 is written by Wahab Algarmi. It’s a graphic novel for 3rd grade +. It’s fitting that I read it today because Muslims are celebrating Ramadan until March 30th-ish.
𝘈𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 is the story about Hassan fasting from sunup until sunset, which is the custom for some Muslims. He is struggling to keep up on the soccer field and in the classroom, but he is uncomfortable talking about why he’s not eating and why he is falling asleep in class. Hassan is also struggling because he feels pressure to be better than a girl in his friend group. The exchanges between Hassan and his soccer coach were so good.
I’ve been teaching 5th graders at my school about Dr. Sims-Bishop’s idea of books as windows and mirrors. I love that this book is a mirror for some kids at my school celebrating Ramadan and that it gives non-Muslims a window view into a Yemeni family’s Ramadan customs.
I’m also really proud of the ICCSD’s Nutrition Services, who, along with the USDA, “is allowing students who are fasting for Ramadan to take their meals off-site at the end of the school day….to ensure that students requesting this option receive both breakfast and lunch in a convenient grab-and-go format.”

[middle_schoolers_read Lindsay P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hassan is fasting for Ramadan while attending school and playing on the soccer team during their championship season. He finds it harder than his previous years because no one really knows he’s fasting. He struggles to stay awake during classes, and his teachers don’t seem impressed. He avoids his friends during lunch, and they think he’s being weird. He doesn’t have the energy to perform as well on the soccer field and he feels like his spot is going to be taken. It becomes frustrating for Hassan and he doesn’t know how to explain to everyone that this is because he’s fasting and soon he’ll be finished.

This #graphicnovel is a great one for those who are curious about how fasting for Ramadan works. It also was eye-opening to see how difficult being a middle schooler while fasting can be. As a teacher and a coach of teams that play during Ramadan this feels like an important book for us to read and learn from.

Who will like it?

✅ Fans of graphic novels
✅ Fans of stories with sports focus
✅ Fans of stories about Ramadan

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Sunset is going to be a popular book in my library. I am going to buy multiple copies.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate look at a Muslim family during Ramadan.
🌅
Hassan is just an average 7th grader who loves playing soccer, video games and sleeping in on the weekends, but when Ramadan starts, he has to learn how to balance his hunger, mosque attendance and familial obligations with his school life. Fasting from sun up to sun down is wearing on Hassan, especially when most people don’t even know about Ramadan and its traditions, but as the month goes on Hassan and his family grow closer. Will he be able to balance it all?
☪️
I have a lot of librarian friends who have a large Muslim population (we have none in the town I live and work in) and I know the library can often be a place where those fasting for Ramadan can go during lunch or times where their body and mind is shutting down due to lack of food. More people need to learn about Ramadan and the reasons behind fasting in the Muslim culture and religion. This MG graphic novel by Wahab Algrmi can help start the conversation when it releases February 18!

CW: hunger

[Mo Holub · Rating 4 out of 5]

To his friends and classmates, Hassan is just an average seventh grader. He loves soccer and video games and teasing his younger siblings. But what he doesn't want his peers to know is that this year he is fasting for Ramadan, and it's a little harder than he expected to keep up with everything during his fast. "Almost Sunset" is a sweet, intimate look at Hassan and his family during the holy month of Ramadan as Hassan grapples with his responsibilities in school, on the soccer field, and in his religious community.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great middle grade graphic novel about a young Muslim boy struggling during Ramadan. Hassan loves soccer and video games and is trying really hard to balance everything during Ramadan while also fasting. When he starts to fall behind in school and make mistakes on the field it takes some help from his coach and the support of his friends and family to help get him through to Eid and the end of fasting. Relatable and a great book to help teach young readers about Ramadan and fasting. The book is also picture heavy with just a little bit of text, making it easy to read.

[Kristen M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This middle grade graphic novel is about a boy who plays soccer and keeps having to leave practice early because his family is fasting for Ramadan and they must go to mosque for their religious practice.

The main character feels awkward about explaining why he is incredibly tired and goes to the computer lab during lunch, rather than sit in the school cafeteria and not eat. It is ultimately a celebration of acceptance in a community in which there are not a lot of Muslim students fasting at school. The title refers to when his family can finally sit down and eat after the sun goes down.

[Zac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic graphic novel that Muslim children will be able to see themselves in and will give others a glimpse into a Muslim family. The story follows Hassan as he tries to keep up with school and football, while fasting with the rest of his family during Ramadan. This is an incredibly important graphic novel to have in primary schools as it is a perspective that is represented in so few books. It is a must-read for anyone wanting an insight into Ramadan and Muslim traditions.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will be eye-opening for kids who don’t realize what some of their peers may be going through when fasting for religious purposes. It’s also an engaging story about an athlete trying to juggle a lot of balls at once. The artwork is expressive, and there is a good balance of text on the page and visual panels to keep the story fast-paced.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirteen-year-old Hassan navigates his relationships with God, family, and friends in Almost Sunset. During Ramadan, he faces not only the challenges of fasting that a growing and active young person experiences, but also learns about the rewards that trying to live a faith-centered life can bring.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the month of Ramadan and Boss Hassan can't eat until sundown. As the stress of not eating, soccer practice, and sleeping in math class catches up with him, Hassan struggles to maintain his faith and perseverance, though it all.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay book….The drawing style is inconsistent and the plot drags. I’m glad it exists for representation, but it’s not one I’d pick up and reread for fun.

[Juwi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I did enjoy this but like idk why they didn’t my salaam ONCE? Like they just greeted each other with hi? That was weird to me tbh. They only said Alhamdulilah once and didn’t recite the dua for breaking fast or even say what they break their fast with eg dates or something else.

Idk I think I was expecting more so a bit underwhelmed but I’m still glad the book exists! Hope kids can relate and also feel seen!

But overall it was nice to see them fast and pray and even go for Jummah and Taraweeh and Hassan seemed EXCITED to do that and it was so wholesome and pure seeing them celebrate Eid 🥹😭🥰💖

Representation Matters! Don’t think I have ever seen Ramadan or Eid in a graphic novel! I hope this is the first of many by Muslim artists to make more Muslim graphic novels coz we need more!

I loved that the coach ended up being Muslim too! But it would have been nice if Hassan actually did feel relieved? And idk why he wanted to hide that part of him about fasting, I’m sure his friends would understand or at least hope to respect his decision to do so. It felt like he wanted to hide his Muslimness idk.

I think it would have also been nice to explore more of WHY they fast not just ‘my family do it every year’ and maybe see him make the effort to read Quran or actually give a chance to hear a khutbah and what the Imam says and also do the takbir for Eid…it was too short and would have been nice to have seen those parts!


Overall, it’s a good story and I think the students will enjoy it.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet look at Ramadan through a young person’s eyes! Loved Hassan and related to some of his struggles for sure! Being true to yourself can be tough sometimes, but it’s worth it.

Mia’s Year of Books: Day 364

Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Days 2, 5 and 6

#WeNeedDiverseBooks

[Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 224 pages, this middle grade graphic novel has a whole lot of heart. Seventh grade is not easy for anyone, and Hassan is balancing school, grades, soccer, fasting, and taraweeh every night, while dealing with friends, video games, cousins, and falling asleep in class. I love that this OWN voice book really centers Islam. It doesn't shy away from showing the stresses that the character and presumably the readers of immigrant kids in public schools might encounter, right alongside stresses with Muslim cousins and friends at the masjid trying to pressure you to do something you don't want to do. And as in any coming of age story, young Hassan does not want any special treatment or parents to get involved. SPOILER: Hassan does hide his faith and that he is fasting for Ramadan at school, he also does make mistakes, notably among them is when he breaks his fast in what he is told is a loophole of sorts, but by the end he grows and trusts and realizes he doesn't have to do it all, all the time, and that he isn't alone. The book is not heavy, but it has layers that serve as relatable mirrors and windows for kids who are going to thoroughly enjoy this richly illustrated book.

SYNOPSIS:

The story starts with seventh grader, Hassan dreaming about food, drooling on his arm, and then being woken up by his teacher, again. It is Ramadan and Hassan is fasting, going to taraweeh at night, trying to keep up with school and soccer, and on top of it all, he doesn't want anyone to know. He also doesn't have the latest version of the popular video game that all his friends have, and he has to explain to his childhood friend Rosie why it is no longer appropriate for them to hang out together. Nights and weekends with family and at the masjid should be a reprieve, but somehow even there he is the odd one out, opting to pray instead of play, and being unsure if closing your eyes while sneaking food really prevents Allah swt from seeing you eating like his cousins claim. Threaded through it all are soccer practices, games, and falling grades that are going to get him tossed off the team, making this a Ramadan to remember.

WHY I LOVE IT:

I like that Hassan isn't expecting adults or others to speak for him, and his heart is really in the right place. I did feel a bit of a disconnect though when his friends knew he fasted the previous year, why he wouldn't just explain it was time again for him to do so. Increasingly even the most isolated western cities are aware of Ramadan, so I didn't feel that hesitation for Hassan to own it, even when a friend explicitly asks. SPOILER, On a similar thread, his soccer coach is Muslim and their isn't a huge sigh of relief and immediate kinship when the information is revealed. If Hassan really feels he is shouldering it alone, why wouldn't this empower him to step into himself so to speak. I also didn't understand why the end of the season pizza party wouldn't have just been at iftar time. The book really had a chance to model how others can support their Muslim friends, and moving a food based celebration a few hours is an easy accommodation, but the Muslim coach didn't even do it, so why would non Muslims.

When Hassan does sneak food during his fast, he gets away with it, but it doesn't sit right with him and I think it is powerfully done, him coming clean also is not punished as it really is something between Hassan and Allah swt and I love how it is left to that. Regardless of if you feel it is required of a 7th grade boy or not, the ownership of faith I feel is more important than the getting in trouble by your parents in this case.

FLAGS:

Lying, failing grades, sneaks food during fasting.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I wouldn't do this as a book club, but would absolutely have it on shelves for kids to easily access, and I would absolutely discuss with them, what their takeaways were.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this graphic novel, Hassan falls asleep in math class, drooling on his arm and dreaming of food. He's fasting for Ramadan, but doesn't want any of his friends to know why he is struggling. Not only is school a struggle, but his soccer team is approaching the playoffs, and he has to leave early to be with his family, and doesn't have a lot of energy on the field. Another teammate, Rosie, is often called in to replace him, and when Hassan doesn't have time to keep up with the video game his friends play, he finds out that Rosie is subbing for him there as well. He hangs out with his cousins, who go to a convenience store to get snacks, ostensibly for after their fast ends, and he's shocked to find out that they eat them before sundown! They tell him that if he closes his eyes, god won't see him, and he is tempted by a churro. He finally tells his coach why his performance isn't as good as it could be, and is surprised to find out that his coach is also Muslim and fasting. This helps only temporarily; he gets mad and shoves Rosie on the soccer field, and this, combined with his failing grade in math, gets him removed from the team. His parents ground him from video games until his grades improve, further distancing him from his friends. He laments that Ramadan is much harder than it was when he celebrated it in Yemen, but once he realizes that he needs to focus on school and his grades, things slowly improve. He feels bad that he won't be able to join his teammates for pizza after their playoff game, but they surprise him and come to his house with pizza. Hassan admits to his father that he broke his fast, and his father says that he can be forgiven, and can even make it up by fasting for a day after Ramadan if he would like.
Strengths: Since Ramadan doesn't fall on the same dates every year, many young athletes will have seasons where fasting impacts their sports performance. I can't imagine having a cross country runner in early September running a race without hydrating! Hassan has to balance schoolwork, soccer, and hanging out with his friends with the time his family spends in the evenings, and struggles with getting everything done. I'd love to see more middle grade books showing this balance, and the fact part of Hassan's time commitment involves video games will definitely speak to today's young reader. The Muslim representation seems like it will appeal to those who practice the religion as well as those who don't. The only other middle grade graphic novels I can recall with Muslim main characters are Galligan's Freestyle, Jamieson's When Stars Are Scattered, Fahmy's Huda F series, Huq's Piece by Piece.
Weaknesses: While many negative aspects of fasting are shown, albeit along with positive portrayals of family time and religious practices, I wish this had given some of Hassan's reasons for wanting to fast and for keeping it from his friends. Motivation is somewhat more difficult to portray in a graphic novel, but would be a useful explanation for readers who aren't Muslim or who don't have any spiritual beliefs.
What I really think: Since this involves soccer and is a graphic novel, this has immediate appeal to middle grade readers, and provides a good window or mirror for students wanting a little more information about practices during Ramadan.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book would be extremely relatable for any seventh grader who has been put up to a very challenging task. Regardless of whether or not they are Muslim.

I think that main character Hassan’s anger at being out shown by friends, struggling with classes and letting down his soccer team is also well done and understandable, especially in light of him being a 12/13 year-old kiddo attempting Ramadan in middle school.

While there was some pretty blatant sexism from one of the characters, I think it was important to show that this is an attitude that is present in the Muslim community, but I was really happy to see other characters pushing back against it, especially the Mom character. I also really liked that the Dad, although he seemed to be the character that is driving the family to services and observations (figuratively and literally), when he finds out that Hassan snuck some candy one day during Ramadan, he points out that although making up a day for Ramadan is not always the best answer, it’s better than the guilt dissociated with doing the wrong thing. And it was really nice to show a parental figurehaving compassion when their kid makes a mistake.

It was nice to see him with a lot of positive adult role models. The ultimate message of allowing your friends to know what’s going on with you is so universally needed. Although this story is about fasting for Ramadan, the message shines very clearly that when you keep things to yourself, no one is allowed to know what is going on and possibly make accommodations for you. I think any reader could relate to this.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot. This funny graphic novel took me back to college dorm life when roommates were fasting for Ramadan, and each would come back from a day of classes, really relishing their evening meals. (Yay Subway foot longs!)

I could somewhat relate because I had given up meat every day for Lent at that same exact period of time. It wasn’t required, but it was my own decision to give up meat every day to kinda test my adulthood—like the child character, I suppose. Yet, my sacrifice felt far easier than my Muslim friends. I am sure their example gave me extra inspiration to keep going.

I had no idea how many other sacrifices Ramadan could involve other than fasting from food and drink during the day, and how hard my classmates (now coworkers) were working through it. I’m glad I got to learn more about these similarities between our faith traditions and our penitential seasons. The Muslim tradition of daily prayer, services, and fasting reminds me of Catholic traditions during Lent, leading up to Easter. I think they even often coincide on the calendar.

And I didn’t know Ramadan evening prayers included early morning hours-I’m impressed! Waking up for prayer at 4am? That is some serious cloistered, Cistercian monk-level discipline for a ln ordinary family to do! (Those particular monks pray every 3 hours, and so wake up to pray at midnight and 3am, too) What began these common traditions?

[Kim Mento · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Sunset is Wahab Algarmi’s first graphic novel and is based on his own experiences. Hassan is a 7th grader who loves video games, soccer, and hanging out with his friends. Lately he’s been sleeping at school, his grades are falling, and he’s dreaming about hamburgers. The biggest change is that he isn’t playing as well at soccer, and he leaves practice early every day. Hassan doesn’t share with his friends or teachers that it is Ramadan, and he wakes up before sunrise to eat, fasts all day at school and through soccer practice, goes home to nap before going to the mosque, and eats after sunset. This is his third year fasting, but this year the soccer finals fall during Ramadan. His teachers don’t understand why he’s lethargic in class, his friends don’t understand why he hasn’t been playing video games, and his teammates don’t understand why he’s become a ball hog trying to beat the girl who is now playing his position.

Thoughts: This sweet book would be a wonderful addition to libraries to help students gain insight into their Muslim classmates who may be fasting during Ramadan and also allow Muslim students to see themselves in print. Students with busy schedules will also relate.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's like a 3.5 almost 4 because I think there were a few incongruous story elements however when it comes to representation, a vibrant graphic novel format, and a character like Hassan with his wonderful family and it's the hallmarks of a delightful book for the middle grade set.

Hassan generally keeps his fasting during Ramadan a secret but there's really no reason inferred. However, it's affecting his abilities on his soccer team especially when he's leaving early to get home before breaking fast, his energy on the field, and his short temperedness with his female teammate (because there's no girls team). In the same vein, he's avoidant of the cafeteria and he's hamburgers for people's heads, but isn't necessarily communicative about this to even friends and acquaintances. And then there's the side of his family- I especially liked his mom who sets the record straight when his grades begin slipping and he's banned from playing video games. It's a slice of life that provides a sense of community.

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book, i am happy to share my honest feedback!

📖 Book Review 📖 I had a moment of panic when looking for this book to review because it was not where I had opened the package. I asked my 12-year old son if he had picked it up to read and of course that was the answer, he could not resist this beautiful graphic novel and I of course was not upset! Almost Sunset is a powerful, culturally rich graphic novel about a young boy’s struggle to balance it all during Ramadan. I was fortunate to have a Muslim teacher who shared his faith and fasting tradition growing up but not everyone knows this sacrifice and it is difficult to understand what it truly takes for practicing Muslims. Thank you so much to Wahab Algarmi for this amazing book that makes one impactful statement for readers of all ages!

[D.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the narrative of a boy struggling through a fasting period/Ramadan time before eventually learning to acknowledge his issues.

One of the story's climactic points has Hassan hurt another teammate out of frustration. Neither of his parents addressed this in the story besides a comment, but Hassan does get disciplined by his sports team and eventually gives an apology.

Overall, not bad

Ending spoiler: There's an ending conversation where his father tells him to stop beating himself up internally about succumbing to temptation and eating before sunset. while fasting can be difficult, it doesn't have to be unbearable. sometimes, telling others can help make accommodations (ex: once the coach knew, they were able to adjust the soccer plays) I think this is a great passage for other children who may choose to fast.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hassan is constantly thinking about food since Ramadan, the month of fasting began. He is struggling with keeping his focus on school, soccer, gaming, and friendships and his frustrations begin to show. He grapples with controlling his ever present hunger while at school with demands of friends. He falls asleep in class and his grades begin to fall. Ramadan is important to Hassan and he won't quit the routine of morning meal, prayer, school, soccer, evening meal, and prayer as he wants to honor his religion. How will Hassan juggle all of this for a whole month?

Middle school is a time when many kids lean into their religious practice and have to learn to juggle family time with the desire to be with friends. This book will hit home for many middle grade students, even if they don't celebrate Ramadan.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade graphic novel about a boy fasting at Ramadan. For readers who aren't Muslim, like me, this will be a great look at Ramadan traditions in this particular family. Main character Hassan isn't fasting for the first time, but this time feels more difficult because of external factors. He doesn't tell anyone outside of his family that he's fasting for most of the book, and it's generally a non-issue except as an extenuating factor. He'd probably struggle with math and jealousy of his teammate anyways, but fasting makes those things more difficult. And it's a good object lesson that struggling by himself with all of these things make them that much more difficult. Once he starts confiding in adults and friends, he finds that it's easier to control his emotions, bring up his grades, perform better athletically, and fast.

[Sheila Bracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This contemporary middle grade graphic novel provides a fun and colorful peek into what it's like to be a Muslim kid. Hassan is a seventh grade Muslim boy on his third year of fasting for Ramadan, but he doesn't want anyone to know. This means ducking out of lunch. His teachers and friends at school barely understand Ramadan and its traditions, so he just doesn’t mention it.
Hassan tries to balance waking up before sunrise every morning, fasting, attending mosque in the evenings, spending time with family, doing his best in soccer so that the team can get to the finals, playing video games with his friends, and doing well in school. But it’s hard. He spends a great deal of time experiencing hunger and fatigue, so when sunset is near, Hassan can think of little other than feasting.
Hassan's story, relatable to all readers, stresses the importance of making sure kids feel secure and are in culturally sensitive environments where they can ask for help. Algarmi does a great job of showing just how easy it is for adults to lose track of how much is going on in a young person's life.
This was my first experience reading about a Yemeni family. So many of the customs shown were similar to others I’ve seen, heard, or read about; but some raised questions. For example, Aren’t women allowed to remove their hijab when in their own homes so long as all of the men in the house are family members? I also wondered about the wearing of a burqa, especially when taking pictures. How does one ask about such things without being labeled as culturally insensitive? 3.5

[Michelle Tuite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading 2025
Book 140: Almost Sunset: A Graphic Novel by Wahab Algarmi

Periodically I look at lists of graphic novels that have been published each year and try to grab some from the library. This was one of those books, published in February.

Synopsis: In a contemporary middle grade graphic novel debut Almost Sunset follows a young Muslim American boy during Ramadan as he finds the balance between his family traditions and his secular middle school life.

Review: I have read other books about kids trying to navigate the difficulty of fasting during Ramadan and dealing with middle school drama. This book had holes in the plot that detracted from the story. Enjoyable journey but lacking. 3.5⭐️ for me.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hassan is fasting for Ramadan for his third year. This year, though, with Ramadan falling during tournament season, he is finding it very difficult to balance having energy for soccer and school with the demanding schedule of fasting and prayers. Hassan's parents are sympathetic and offer to let his teachers and coach know, but Hassan is embarrased to share this information with anyone, even his friends. As Hassan's school work and teamwork begin to suffer, though, his teachers and parents take steps that he doesn't enjoy. Hassan, with support from his parents, coach, and team, needs to figure out how to balance the many aspects of his life in this middle grades graphic novel of personal growth and friendship.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Sunset: four stars! Algarmi presents a thoughtful, kid-friendly look at Ramadan and fasting in this strong mirrors-and-windows pick. The illustration style is simple/cartoony in a way that will appeal to young readers without undermining the story's more serious moments. There could have been a bit more explanation of the reason why fasting is part of the holiday, and perhaps an exploration of whether Hassan was outed as religious against his will towards the end, but this is still a solid kid's-eye perspective of the tradition.

I didn't love the all-caps lettering, but it's not too hard to read.