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Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time
Little Leaders meets Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls in this gorgeous nonfiction picture book that introduces readers to nineteen powerhouse Muslim women who rose up and made their voices heard.
Long ago, Muslim women rode into battle to defend their dreams. They opened doors to the world’s oldest library. They ruled, started movements, and spread knowledge.
Today, Muslim women continue to make history.
Once upon a time, they were children with dreams, just like you.
Discover the true stories of nineteen unstoppable Muslim women of the twenty-first century who have risen above challenges, doubts, and sometimes outright hostility to blaze trails in a wide range of fields. Whether it was the culinary arts, fashion, sports, government, science, entertainment, education, or activism, these women never took “no” for an answer or allowed themselves to be silenced. Instead, they worked to rise above and not only achieve their dreams, but become influential leaders.
Through short, information-rich biographies and vibrant illustrations, Muslim Girls Rise introduces young readers to the diverse and important contributions Muslim women have made, and role models they may never have heard of before, but whose stories they will never forget.
Long ago, Muslim women rode into battle to defend their dreams. They opened doors to the world’s oldest library. They ruled, started movements, and spread knowledge.
Today, Muslim women continue to make history.
Once upon a time, they were children with dreams, just like you.
Discover the true stories of nineteen unstoppable Muslim women of the twenty-first century who have risen above challenges, doubts, and sometimes outright hostility to blaze trails in a wide range of fields. Whether it was the culinary arts, fashion, sports, government, science, entertainment, education, or activism, these women never took “no” for an answer or allowed themselves to be silenced. Instead, they worked to rise above and not only achieve their dreams, but become influential leaders.
Through short, information-rich biographies and vibrant illustrations, Muslim Girls Rise introduces young readers to the diverse and important contributions Muslim women have made, and role models they may never have heard of before, but whose stories they will never forget.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2019
5 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
July 28, 2022
Saira Mir tells the story of 19 powerful Muslim women who fought hard to become successful in their endeavors despite all the hardships and struggles.
These stories of courage and persistence against all odds in their fields (from fashion to activism) will motivate everyone who reads it. All the nineteen biographies are written crisply with brilliant illustrations that will inspire young readers.
These stories of courage and persistence against all odds in their fields (from fashion to activism) will motivate everyone who reads it. All the nineteen biographies are written crisply with brilliant illustrations that will inspire young readers.
December 4, 2019
This positive book will inspire with inspirational stories of Muslim girls/women who have stood for what they believed in and become role models for everyone - really beautiful art!
October 29, 2019
I love when you read a book, and when complete, you want to know more. Saira Mir presents inspirational snapshots of muslim women who have overcome life obstacles and have created success in all walks of life including science, fashion, and sports. This book serves as a motivational platform for all girls to embrace their future with confidence.
October 24, 2019
People may tell you that you can’t do something because of the way you look, dress, or pray. Your name may sound different. Never forget that you are extraordinary. You are powerful, brave, and clever. Great things come from people like you.
—Saira Mir
This nonfiction picture book from Salaam Reads showcases nineteen contemporary Muslim women who are doing extraordinary things.
These are the women who are featured:
• Amanda Saab is a former cooking competition contestant as well as the founder of the Dinner with Your Muslim Neighbor initiative and her own bakery.
• Amani Al-Khatahtbeh is the founder of the MuslimGirl website.
• Hana Tajima is a fashion designer; she has worked with UNIQLO to make clothing for hijabi women.
• Dalia Mogahed is a researcher and political advisor.
• Hibah Rahmani is a flight control engineer at NASA.
• Ibtihaj Muhammad is an Olympic fencer.
• Ilhan Omar is a member of the US House of Representatives.
• Ilyasah Shabazz is a writer and activist.
• Linda Sarsour is an activist and was a leader of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington.
• Malala Yousafzai is the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize; she fights for the education of girls worldwide.
• Maria Toorpakai Wazir is a world champion in squash.
• Maryam Mirzakhani was the first female mathematician to win the Fields Award—the highest honor in mathematics.
• Muzoon Almellehan is a Syrian refugee who spoke about the importance of education at the UN.
• Negin Farsad is a comedian.
• Nura Afia is a makeup artist and advocate for beauty equality.
• Kamala Khan is a superhero! While she is fictional, there are two amazing Muslim women behind her character: G. Willow Wilson is the author behind the comic book series, and Sana Amanat is the artist at Marvel Comics who teamed up with Wilson to create her.
• Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is a filmmaker.
• Shirin Ebadi has been a judge and a lawyer, and she was the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Each spread includes an illustration of the featured woman at work, a quote from her, and her story. The stories focus on how the women turned their childhood interests into a way to be their most authentic selves and change the world.
The women who are included represent a range of interests and careers across the arts, sports, intellectual pursuits, and activism.
Never take no for an answer. If a door hasn’t opened up for you, it’s because you haven’t kicked it hard enough.
—Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
A copy of this book belongs in every classroom and library, and while this book is intended for children, I can see it being of interest to people of all ages.
As always, links to where you can find the book are on the blog.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2019
This is a beautiful book that highlights the lives of Muslim women who have made historic achievements and who work to make the world a better place. I was familiar with some of the women profiled, but many of these stories were new to me. The book highlights women in many different fields, including the sciences, sports, and political leaders. I know that girls (and boys, too!) will find so many ways to be inspired by these stories. This would be the perfect place for young students to kick off a biography or research project.
October 17, 2019
A book of strength, persistence, and triumph of Muslim Women making history today. These inspirational stories of empowering women; from scientists to fashion designs, and athletes to political activists; accompanied by the beautiful artwork by Aaliya Jaleel is something all girls should read, boys too!
September 4, 2019
What does a NASA flight control engineer, a world chmapion squash player, a Marvel comic creator and a US Representative all have in common? They are all Muslim women. This book features the real-life stories of modern day Muslim girls and women who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and leading incredible lives. Filled with familiar and new faces, this book will teach every reader something new and the biographies are short enough for young readers. This book would make a great addition to any diverse picture book library.
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January 21, 2020I don't know how to rate this but this was fun
September 5, 2019
A little backstory: I lived in Dharan, Saudi Arabia for two years growing up, so I have strong feelings about the overwhelmingly negative way the religion of Islam and its people are portrayed in America today. With that in mind, Saira Mir's inspirational and empowering book about modern-day Muslim women heroes is a breath of fresh air. In this book, kids meet Amanda Saab, an outstanding cook, who feeds her neighbors' souls and bellies with her Dinner With Your Muslim Neighbor program.
They meet Amani Al-Khatahtbeh who started the website Muslimgirl.com as a place of positivity for Muslim young women.
They meet a fashion designer. A congresswoman. A flight controller. Activists. Athletes. Comic book creators. As Saira Mir reminds us, "Muslim women make history every day. ... By refusing to give up they achieved greatness." This book would be motivational reading for any child.
They meet Amani Al-Khatahtbeh who started the website Muslimgirl.com as a place of positivity for Muslim young women.
They meet a fashion designer. A congresswoman. A flight controller. Activists. Athletes. Comic book creators. As Saira Mir reminds us, "Muslim women make history every day. ... By refusing to give up they achieved greatness." This book would be motivational reading for any child.
October 29, 2019
This book should be in every classroom library collection. The art is vibrant and showcases all the important figures in their element in stunning detail. Important figures include child and adult activists and community-builders, a mathematician, athletes, artists, a Nobel Peace award winner, filmmakers, educators, and more. The thematic definition that opens the book on the first page is powerful. A beautiful and inspiring quote heads each biography. In just a paragraph for each figure, the author passionately and poetically communicates the accomplishments of each woman and celebrates the everlasting potential for each reader to accomplish their dreams and aspire to change the world. The last poem is a prayer, a mantra, and a call to action. Every girl and every child needs to read this book!
September 4, 2019
This gorgeous picture book introduces readers to nineteen truly inspirational - and diverse - Muslim women. Hailing from countries all around the world, they have found their calling in a vast range of fields, from social justice to competitive sports to the entertainment industry, and more.
What I love about the book is how well the author, Saira Mir, describes the somewhat complicated situations surrounding some of the women (e.g. Malala Yousafzai) in a way that's easily digestible by kids. And the bright, vivid illustrations by Aaliya Jaleel really do illuminate the subjects.
Kids from all walks of life will feel empowered to follow their dreams after reading this book. Highly recommend.
What I love about the book is how well the author, Saira Mir, describes the somewhat complicated situations surrounding some of the women (e.g. Malala Yousafzai) in a way that's easily digestible by kids. And the bright, vivid illustrations by Aaliya Jaleel really do illuminate the subjects.
Kids from all walks of life will feel empowered to follow their dreams after reading this book. Highly recommend.
September 3, 2019
This inspirational collection of true stories will make any child (or grownup!) believe in their power to create meaningful change. The prose is clear and motivational. The illustrations are bold and colorful. Especially relevant in today's political climate, this book highlights unsung heroes making extraordinary contributions that connect us, rather than divide us.
April 30, 2021
This was diverse and empowering! I loved it!
December 5, 2019
This is one of those books that give 1 page summary overviews of a variety of "famous" Muslim women, like Malala. It’s a good, brief introduction to these people. This book takes roughly 20-25 minutes to read in one sitting, or can easily be read over several days.
I would recommend this to elementary students and up because a lot of the topics covered probably won’t make much sense to young toddlers.
This is a great book to share with both non-Muslims and Muslims so children are reminded that inspiring, helpful people come from all kinds of backgrounds / beliefs / cultures.
I would recommend this to elementary students and up because a lot of the topics covered probably won’t make much sense to young toddlers.
This is a great book to share with both non-Muslims and Muslims so children are reminded that inspiring, helpful people come from all kinds of backgrounds / beliefs / cultures.
September 9, 2019
It portrays 19 modern Muslim women around the world, who made history by following their dreams and “refused to give up.”
The author, Saira Mir, captured these remarkable women’s stories in her succinct summaries with deliberate attention to their childhood experiences, which shaped their worldviews and motivated them along the way. Reading what they have accomplished and their favorite quotes is both inspiring and empowering.
I also love how this collection of brave women is perfectly paired with the colorful and child-friendly illustrations. The additional bibliography for further information on them completes the education.
This book celebrates women from every walk of life, who all started as a child with a dream and eventually found a way to make a difference in the world. It’s a must read!
The author, Saira Mir, captured these remarkable women’s stories in her succinct summaries with deliberate attention to their childhood experiences, which shaped their worldviews and motivated them along the way. Reading what they have accomplished and their favorite quotes is both inspiring and empowering.
I also love how this collection of brave women is perfectly paired with the colorful and child-friendly illustrations. The additional bibliography for further information on them completes the education.
This book celebrates women from every walk of life, who all started as a child with a dream and eventually found a way to make a difference in the world. It’s a must read!
September 10, 2019
A beautifully illustrated, essential addition to the canon of collected picture-book biographies. #Ownvoices author Saira Mir and illustrator Aaliya Jaleel delve deep, with short biographies on a diverse array of influential Muslim women, from the famous (Malala Yousafzai, Ilhan Omar) to the up-and-coming (MuslimGirl.com founder Amani Al-Khatahtbeh). The book comprises nineteen paragraph-long biographies, one per page spread, plus a rousing introduction and conclusion. With many fields covered—sports, design, fashion, technology, politics, science, and more—the book provides a much-needed mirror for Muslim girls with varying interests, and a crucial window beyond the stereotypes presented in popular media.
September 16, 2019
My 10 year old is a huge fan of the “Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls” series, so this book will be very appealing to her. What I love about it is that it includes not only girls and women who are known names (like Malala Yousafzai and Ilhan Omar) but also those who are making an impact on a smaller scale that a child reader could relate to and aspire to. Whether in sports, fashion, science, or activism, there are motivational stories here that will appeal to many readers’ interests, and will empower them as they make decisions in their own lives.
The straightforward text by Saira Mir and equally modern, fresh illustrations by Aaliya Jaleel make this book fresh and approachable for readers 7-12, but could well be read aloud to younger children, too.
The straightforward text by Saira Mir and equally modern, fresh illustrations by Aaliya Jaleel make this book fresh and approachable for readers 7-12, but could well be read aloud to younger children, too.
October 14, 2019
You know you’re in for a treat from the very first page of Saira Mir and Aaliya Jaleel’s MUSLIM GIRLS RISE when Mir writes, “Great things come from people like you.” The book goes on to give bite-sized introductions to 19 inspirational Muslim women (all contemporary) who are indeed doing great things. Women with a variety of careers—from fashion and beauty to science and education—are represented. Jaleel manages find the perfect balance between detail and simplicity in her illustrations, which compliment Mir’s text beautifully. Each woman’s accomplishments and goals are explained in a way that every child (regardless of gender or faith) will find relatable, empowering and, most importantly, attainable.
October 14, 2019
Muslim Girls Rise serves up wonderful bite-sized biographies of inspirational modern-day Muslim women with a diverse range of backgrounds and fields. The author Saira Mir has done a beautiful job making all the women feel close and relatable in such a short amount of space—young readers will feel empowered by these stories. The illustrations are also stunning, I especially love the incorporation of patterns that mirror Islamic decorative arts throughout. I would have loved to have had this book to share with my son and family when we lived in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia many years ago when we were American expats who previously hadn’t been around many Muslim families. But I’m happy I’ll be able to share the book with friends and family now.
September 18, 2019
Fascinating and empowering book with abour nineteen Muslim women who have shown courage and strength against all kinds of odds. What is particularly wonderful is the diversity of the Muslim women who are presented: they come from different countries, practice their religion differently, and look different from each other. Some of these women are well-known, like Malala and Linda Sarsour; but even those you are not as famous have done some incredible things. I learned a lot, and I know young readers will, too. The bright and clean-lined illustrations make this an even more appealing read.
September 29, 2019
In this gorgeous, inspirational and motivational nonfiction book, Saira and Aaliya highlight 19 amazing Muslim women and the impact they have had on their communities and the world at large.
At first blush the average joe might think this book is only for young muslim women, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! This book can serve to empower any young developing mind, teaching strength, perseverance, resilience, openness and compassion.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel inspired and want to make the world a better place!
At first blush the average joe might think this book is only for young muslim women, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! This book can serve to empower any young developing mind, teaching strength, perseverance, resilience, openness and compassion.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel inspired and want to make the world a better place!
October 4, 2019
An inspiring and beautifully illustrated book about a group of amazing Muslim women and their achievements. It's a wonderful introduction to readers young and old that the depth of the person behind a hijab is so much more than they may have been willing to see. Informative and enlightening, it is a must read for anyone unfamiliar with the Muslim faith, and an especially important book that will help bridge the gap between intolerance and respect towards a group who has faced much prejudice in our political system.
September 5, 2019
This beautiful non-fiction picture book features nineteen courageous Muslim women from a variety of countries and backgrounds who, despite challenges, speak up to create positive change. Each short, concise 'biography' harkens back to the childhood inspirations of each woman and the rich, animated illustrations will engage young readers. Readers are left with a strong connection to these women and empowered to make their own difference in the world. A must-have for library shelves!
September 18, 2019
Wow! MUSLIN GIRLS RISE is a must read for every Muslim girl, every girl, every boy, everyone!
I’m in awe of the inspirational and empowering story of these nineteen fantastic women who, despite all the adversity, conquered their space in the world.
The bold illustrations and color palette chosen by Aaliyah Jaleel are the perfect complement for each biography. If you enjoyed Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, you’ll certainly enjoy Muslin Girls Rise! A great addition to any library!
I’m in awe of the inspirational and empowering story of these nineteen fantastic women who, despite all the adversity, conquered their space in the world.
The bold illustrations and color palette chosen by Aaliyah Jaleel are the perfect complement for each biography. If you enjoyed Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, you’ll certainly enjoy Muslin Girls Rise! A great addition to any library!
September 9, 2019
A wonderful introduction to kids of Muslim girls and women who have made important contributions from activism, fashion, science, entertainment and more. An inspirational book for any child: girl, boy, Muslim, non-Muslim to strive for what interests and not let society hold him or her back. An empowering book for today's readers.
May 22, 2020
MUSLIM GIRLS RISE is a timely and important book. The extensive compilation of successful Muslim woman will be an effective guidebook for any young girl facing challenges in today’s turbulent times. These stories WILL inspire. It is a wonderful selection that will show any young reader that adversity can be overcome with perseverance, positivity and belief in yourself.
September 24, 2019
Saira Mir and Aaliya Jaleel do a beautiful job presenting these inspiring stories! Each of the 19 Muslim women featured is presented in a relatable yet motivating way. I especially love how the messages are pulled together in the end, inviting the reader to act upon the inspiration in their own lives. A wonderful book for all kids, with important stories of compelling role models.
April 10, 2020
“The experiences of my life have taught me to always dream big and to never give up.” – Hibah Rahmani
“My greatest accomplishment is the ability to love. It’s easy for me to do the work that I do, because I love unconditionally.” – Ilhasah Shabazz
The author Saira Mir has chosen a remarkable group of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences. These are women I want to get to know! Her writing is simple and straightforward. Young readers can finish with a clear idea of each woman’s goal and what they have achieved.
The illustrator, Aaliya Jaleel, helps readers easily connect with these women with large colorful illustrations of each woman engaged in achieving her goals and with symbolic backgrounds or settings.
WISH. There is not an author or illustrator’s note about their research process. There is a bibliography included, but the links or resources only address 15 out of the 18 women (a resource for info on Dalia Mogahed and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy & Ilhan Omar seems to be missing). The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author or creator of the source and not by the women. For most, the title of the resource gives a clue as to the woman featured (but not for two of the women—Hana Tajima and Maria Toorpakai Wazir). A stronger bibliography (with a feature that includes the woman’s name) and the presence of an author's note about her research process would make a better case for the authority and accuracy of this text.
NOT A DEAL BREAKER. I’d still READ ALOUD to students or encourage small groups to read and discuss. The text for each woman is short and lends itself to small groups reading and discussing together.
QUESTIONS FOR INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD OR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
Lots of room for conversation with questions like:
• Why is title “Muslim Girls Rise” appropriate when we think about what we just learned about (fill in name)? What in her story makes you think so? (See also definition of “rise” on first page of text.)
• How did this woman overcome daunting obstacles?
• Would you describe her as a hero? Why or why not?
• What other questions do you have about this woman?
• How do the pictures support or extend what we just learned about this woman?
Each woman’s story (less than a page) is just enough to launch reader’s into research and there are resources on all 18 of the women available.
ONE LAST THOUGHT. WHO IS THE AUDIENCE? – I read this as a woman who is not a Muslim. As I read, I had a lot of questions – How do you say her name? Is what she achieved different because she’s Muslim? How does her faith drive what she does? But what I also realized is that I’m not really the audience for this book. I think Mir wrote this book for young Muslims—"to contribute to representation and to uplift vulnerable Muslim youth” as stated in her bio. She wrote this book so these students have representation in the books we read and so that they can develop a sense of agency as they learn about someone worthy of looking up to--and these goals are accomplished in this book! I’m not saying that she did not have children from other faiths in mind as well—this is a very powerful book for them, too. I’d just say that my questions do not reveal a gap or missing pieces on Mir’s part. Instead they reveal a gap in my understanding of the world—a gap I need to close somehow.
“My greatest accomplishment is the ability to love. It’s easy for me to do the work that I do, because I love unconditionally.” – Ilhasah Shabazz
The author Saira Mir has chosen a remarkable group of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences. These are women I want to get to know! Her writing is simple and straightforward. Young readers can finish with a clear idea of each woman’s goal and what they have achieved.
The illustrator, Aaliya Jaleel, helps readers easily connect with these women with large colorful illustrations of each woman engaged in achieving her goals and with symbolic backgrounds or settings.
WISH. There is not an author or illustrator’s note about their research process. There is a bibliography included, but the links or resources only address 15 out of the 18 women (a resource for info on Dalia Mogahed and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy & Ilhan Omar seems to be missing). The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author or creator of the source and not by the women. For most, the title of the resource gives a clue as to the woman featured (but not for two of the women—Hana Tajima and Maria Toorpakai Wazir). A stronger bibliography (with a feature that includes the woman’s name) and the presence of an author's note about her research process would make a better case for the authority and accuracy of this text.
NOT A DEAL BREAKER. I’d still READ ALOUD to students or encourage small groups to read and discuss. The text for each woman is short and lends itself to small groups reading and discussing together.
QUESTIONS FOR INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD OR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
Lots of room for conversation with questions like:
• Why is title “Muslim Girls Rise” appropriate when we think about what we just learned about (fill in name)? What in her story makes you think so? (See also definition of “rise” on first page of text.)
• How did this woman overcome daunting obstacles?
• Would you describe her as a hero? Why or why not?
• What other questions do you have about this woman?
• How do the pictures support or extend what we just learned about this woman?
Each woman’s story (less than a page) is just enough to launch reader’s into research and there are resources on all 18 of the women available.
ONE LAST THOUGHT. WHO IS THE AUDIENCE? – I read this as a woman who is not a Muslim. As I read, I had a lot of questions – How do you say her name? Is what she achieved different because she’s Muslim? How does her faith drive what she does? But what I also realized is that I’m not really the audience for this book. I think Mir wrote this book for young Muslims—"to contribute to representation and to uplift vulnerable Muslim youth” as stated in her bio. She wrote this book so these students have representation in the books we read and so that they can develop a sense of agency as they learn about someone worthy of looking up to--and these goals are accomplished in this book! I’m not saying that she did not have children from other faiths in mind as well—this is a very powerful book for them, too. I’d just say that my questions do not reveal a gap or missing pieces on Mir’s part. Instead they reveal a gap in my understanding of the world—a gap I need to close somehow.
December 1, 2019
Nineteen Muslim women from around the world are profiled in this colorful collective biography. The picture book size gives room for a large, bright two-page spread for each profile, with enough information to pique interest for young readers. Women in the arts, sciences, sports, politics and law are represented with a brief biographical sketch, a quote and a picture of them in action. The digital animation-like illustrations portray the subjects with beauty and energy. Includes a bibliography.
With mostly one web site per profile, the bibliography is of little use.
With mostly one web site per profile, the bibliography is of little use.
May 27, 2020
Love it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews