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My Name is Bilal
A young boy wrestles with his Muslim identify in this picture book for children written by Dr. Asma Mobin-Uddin, with illustrations by Barbara Kiwak.
When Bilal and his sister Ayesha move with their family, they have to attend a new school. They soon find out that they may be the only Muslim students there. When Bilal sees his sister bullied on their first day, he worries about being teased himself, and thinks it might be best if his classmates didn’t know that he is Muslim. Maybe if he tells kids his name is Bill, rather than Bilal, then they would leave him alone.
Mr. Ali, one of Bilal's teachers and also Muslim, sees how Bilal is struggling. He gives Bilal a book about the first person to give the call to prayer during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. That person was another Bilal: Bilal Ibn Rabah. What Bilal learns from the book forms the compelling story of a young boy grappling with his identity.
Booklist says: “A good starting place for discussions of cultural differences, prejudice, and respect for the beliefs of others.”
When Bilal and his sister Ayesha move with their family, they have to attend a new school. They soon find out that they may be the only Muslim students there. When Bilal sees his sister bullied on their first day, he worries about being teased himself, and thinks it might be best if his classmates didn’t know that he is Muslim. Maybe if he tells kids his name is Bill, rather than Bilal, then they would leave him alone.
Mr. Ali, one of Bilal's teachers and also Muslim, sees how Bilal is struggling. He gives Bilal a book about the first person to give the call to prayer during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. That person was another Bilal: Bilal Ibn Rabah. What Bilal learns from the book forms the compelling story of a young boy grappling with his identity.
Booklist says: “A good starting place for discussions of cultural differences, prejudice, and respect for the beliefs of others.”
Hardcover
First published August 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 5, 2017
A Story about a young boy who witnesses his sister being bullied because of their faith. Bilal becomes scared and embarrassed about his culture because he has the bullies in his class and even lies that his name is Bill. A trusted friend and teacher talks with Bilal and encourages him to read a story and reignites his courage. He stands up to the bully but also when he sees the bully watching him and others play basketball he extends his hand of friendship and they form a bond.
I think this is a good introduction about bullying and islamophobia, but also extending a friendly hand and encouraging to make a connection that people can have the opportunity to learn and be friends. This was a great story for it's message, it has Muslim culture in the back of the book with more information, and charming illustrations. ~Ashley
I think this is a good introduction about bullying and islamophobia, but also extending a friendly hand and encouraging to make a connection that people can have the opportunity to learn and be friends. This was a great story for it's message, it has Muslim culture in the back of the book with more information, and charming illustrations. ~Ashley
December 20, 2013
loved this book great teaching book about bullying and believing in ones self plus to relate to belief in ones faith.Fantastic..
April 30, 2013
The author of this book, Asma Mobin-Uddin, wrote this book because she had difficulty finding books about Muslims for her own children to read. This book tells the story of a young Muslim boy and the challenges he faces being a minority in his new school. Bilal realizes he is a minority at his new school and his sister, Ayesha, is teased by having her hijab pulled by two other male students the moment they set foot on school grounds. Bilal's immediate reaction is to deny who he is as a Muslim and he proceeds to introduce himself to his class with the Anglicized name "Bill." As luck would have it his teacher, Mr. Ali, is both Muslim and an old friend of Bilal's father. Mr. Ali gives him a book about a Muslim with the same first name to read. AS a result of reading this book, Bilal gains courage to recognize who he is as a Muslim and to stand up for his sister. His courage puts an end to the bullying and leads to a seemingly unlikely friendship.
This book teaches the non-Muslim reader a bit about Muslim culture. It also tells a very real story that many Muslims, children and adults, face in post-9/11 America. Regardless of the cultural or religious background of the reader it teaches you to stand firm in who you are and that standing up to bullies is more effective than avoiding them.
This book teaches the non-Muslim reader a bit about Muslim culture. It also tells a very real story that many Muslims, children and adults, face in post-9/11 America. Regardless of the cultural or religious background of the reader it teaches you to stand firm in who you are and that standing up to bullies is more effective than avoiding them.
July 18, 2012
Bilal and his sister Ayesha move from Chicago to a new place in America. They were born in the United States, and they are Muslim. When they arrive at their new school, Bilal and Ayesha go their separate ways, but Bilal sees a group of boys teasing his sister about her headscarf. He does not do anything to stick up for her. When he arrives at his classroom, he notices some of the bullies in his class. The teacher introduces him as "Bilal" to the class, but Bilal quickly corrects him and says, "Al is my middle name... My first name is Bill." He does not want the other students to know that he is Muslim. After class, his teacher, Mr. Ali, confronts him and asks why he lied about his name. Bilal says that he is embarrassed by it and no other students have that name. Mr. Ali gives Bilal a book to read to learn more about his name. Will Bilal confront his identity and tell his classmates who he really is? Will he stick up for his sister when other students make fun of her? Will his classmates come to accept him and his sister? Read the book to find out!
February 23, 2013
Bilal and his sister, Ayesha, are muslim children who move from Chicago and attend a new school. Upon arrival a bully removes Ayesha's headscarf and Bilal questions if he should reveal that he is a Muslim. With the guidance from a teacher, Bilal becomes secure with his identity.
Dr. Asma Mobin-Uddin's story about religious prejudice is touching and relevant in today's world. She is a pediatrician who writes about the Muslim-American experience because she had trouble finding good books in this area to read to her own children.
This book would make a good read aloud to help younger students begin to understand the Muslim religion and self identity. The author doesn't delve to deep into explaining the religion, but offers enough information to give younger students a basic understanding. I would read this book to second and third graders during a unit on self discovery, bullying or exploring cultures.
Dr. Asma Mobin-Uddin's story about religious prejudice is touching and relevant in today's world. She is a pediatrician who writes about the Muslim-American experience because she had trouble finding good books in this area to read to her own children.
This book would make a good read aloud to help younger students begin to understand the Muslim religion and self identity. The author doesn't delve to deep into explaining the religion, but offers enough information to give younger students a basic understanding. I would read this book to second and third graders during a unit on self discovery, bullying or exploring cultures.
October 28, 2017
Bilal, is a Muslim child who just moved to the United States, and at his new school he saw his sister being bullied because she was Muslim. Going to class he lied to his class and told everyone that his name is Bill. The part where his teacher talks to Bilal and gives him a book about a helper of Muhammad. Afterward he felt more comfortable in his skin and was also able to stand up to his bully. Not only was he able to stand up to him but when his bully was watching him and some other guys play basketball Bilal asked his former bully if he wanted to play.
I was really glad that it was the teacher who inspired Bilal to be proud and comfortable with his beliefs and how he was able to stand up to the bully as well as offer a friendly hand. There are not enough books like this one and I appreciate Asma Mobin-Uddin noticed that and wrote this book.
I was really glad that it was the teacher who inspired Bilal to be proud and comfortable with his beliefs and how he was able to stand up to the bully as well as offer a friendly hand. There are not enough books like this one and I appreciate Asma Mobin-Uddin noticed that and wrote this book.
July 30, 2012
A young Muslim boy named Bilal has just moved to a new school with his sister Ayesha. His classmates make fun of his sister’s headscarf. Bilal tries to blend in to his new surroundings by calling himself “Bill” instead of his Muslim name Bilal. His teacher, Mr. Ali, tells him to be proud of his name, and gives him a book about Bilal Ibn Rabah, the first person to give the call to prayer in the Muslim faith. After Bilal reads the book, he is proud of his new name. The next day at school, he stands up for his sister who is being made fun of by a classmate for covering her head. Bilal soon finds ways to play and become friends with the other children in his class, and even finds a new friend, Hakim, who is also Muslim.
October 20, 2012
This fictional narrative tells of Bilal moving to a new school and standing out because he is Muslim. He has to decide if he will go by the name "Bill" and not show his identity as a Muslim or embrace the fact that he is Muslim and tell his true name.
As a teacher I would point out the book's descriptive language ("The cold, hard windows of the new school glared at him.") I would also use it to teach how we should be accepting and welcoming to all kinds of new students and/or different students.
The author, who is also Muslim, provides an authentic perspective of how it must be to look different and still try to fit in. The illustrator's pictures are bright and engaging and show realistic interactions between high school age students.
As a teacher I would point out the book's descriptive language ("The cold, hard windows of the new school glared at him.") I would also use it to teach how we should be accepting and welcoming to all kinds of new students and/or different students.
The author, who is also Muslim, provides an authentic perspective of how it must be to look different and still try to fit in. The illustrator's pictures are bright and engaging and show realistic interactions between high school age students.
October 7, 2014
My Name is Bilal, by Asma Modin-Uddin is a story about a Muslim boy and his sister that start a new school. This book is a very compelling and rich diversity type of book. The illustrations are also lovely and compliment the story very well, such as when the other students are picking on Bilal’s sister. I would love to introduce and incorporate this book in my classroom. I think that many students would benefit from this book even if you are teaching in a rural school. I know I learned a lot from the book and I am a teacher candidate myself. I liked how the author incorporated the teacher being a mentor to the children in the book. I have not read too many children books that do that. Overall this book was number one on my list of books incorporating new beginnings.
July 28, 2012
Bilal is a Muslim who moves to a new town with her sister. On the first day of the school, they encounter racism. One day, Bilal sees her sister getting mocked by wearing the headscarf. As she gets mocked by these white kids, Bilal feels that the school is a cold place to be in. Because of this fear, he changes his name to Bill so that people won’t look at him as a foreigner. Then, his teacher who is also a Muslim, gives him the book called, Bilal Ibn Rabah, Friend and Helper of the Prophet. By reading the book, he becomes aware of his identity and eventually accepts his Muslim name. The next day, when students mock at his sister, he defends her by saying proudly that they are Muslim.
July 6, 2016
Bilal and his sister are attending a new school where they are the only Muslim children. His sister gets picked & he does nothing to defend her, while also changing his name to Bill so that he doesn't stick out and get picked on. Throughout the story Bilal finds his courage to stand up to bullies. Appropriate for grades 3-5, this book demonstrates how students from other cultures may feel or the experiences they face when moving somewhere new. However, the ending is absolutely not realistic so it would be a great place for a teacher to have a discussion about how to deal with bullies and rewriting alternate more realistic endings for the story.
February 20, 2019
Bilal and his sister Ayesha are nervous about starting their new school, it seems as if they are the only Muslim students in attendance and they are receiving much negative attention such as pointing, loud whispering and outright bullying. Maybe going by a less Muslim name like Bill will help Bilal fit in? When he learns the importance of his name and its origins he finds the strength to stand up for himself and his sister. This is a perfect read aloud to share in every grade school to discuss acceptance and kindness toward all.
November 24, 2013
This is an excelent book. It teaches a lesson about religious cultures of the muslim faith and also is a lesson about bulling. The best lesson that comes frmo this srotyline is how Bilal dealt with Scott and them becomming friends.
April 29, 2014
This book does a great job at exploring what it is like for students from different cultures to assimilate to American society. It shows that you should be proud of your heritage and should not conform to be anyone else.
January 30, 2011
A very good book to teach kids about diversity and a different religion, if a bit long to read out loud.
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May 2, 2021Bilal and his sister Ayesha have recently moved from Chicago (where there were lots of other Muslim kids) to this unspecified location where they seem to be the only Muslim kids. Some boys tug at Ayesha's headscarf and laugh at her. One of these boys turns out to be in Bilal's class, and Bilal decides to pretend his name is "Bill" (thus hiding his Muslim identity).
The teacher is a Muslim and a friend of Bilal's father and keeps him after class to talk to him (in a scene which is a two-page spread of text, which seems a bad choice for a picturebook) and agrees to keep his secret but also asks if Bilal would be willing to read a book for him. He brings the book to evening prayers that night to give to Bilal and it turns out to be titled Bilal Ibn Rabah: Friend and Helper of the Prophet -- about someone from the beginning of Islam who was persecuted for being a Muslim. (The teacher tells Bilal that, "Bilal and the early Muslims knew it was more important to please God than to please the people.")
It feels a little weird to me that Bilal's parents never told him about his namesake, but Bilal's reading of the book predictably inspires him. The next day, he intervenes when Ayesha is bullied again (and comes out as Muslim and his real name), and apologizes to Ayesha for not standing up for her the previous day. "It's okay. I'm glad you were on my side today."
After school that day, Bilal plays basketball with some other kids at a nearby park. While playing, he sees the bully standing by the fence, frowning, and after the game is over, he goes over and invites the bully to play -- on his own team, no less. This feels a bit much -- especially the fact that the bully not only accepts but adjusts to being basically nice to Bilal.
A bit I did like is that a kid says he needs to stop playing and will be back in a few minutes, and when Bilal asks a teammate where he had gone, the teammate says, "He's Muslim. He always prays in the afternoon." Bilal is surprised that this isn't a problem for this other kid, but the teammate says no, he doesn't mind; "It gives me more time to practice." So Bilal then chases after the Muslim kid, and they pray together. Bilal even gives the call to prayer -- an echo of how his namesake was the first person to give the Muslim call to prayer.
The teacher is a Muslim and a friend of Bilal's father and keeps him after class to talk to him (in a scene which is a two-page spread of text, which seems a bad choice for a picturebook) and agrees to keep his secret but also asks if Bilal would be willing to read a book for him. He brings the book to evening prayers that night to give to Bilal and it turns out to be titled Bilal Ibn Rabah: Friend and Helper of the Prophet -- about someone from the beginning of Islam who was persecuted for being a Muslim. (The teacher tells Bilal that, "Bilal and the early Muslims knew it was more important to please God than to please the people.")
It feels a little weird to me that Bilal's parents never told him about his namesake, but Bilal's reading of the book predictably inspires him. The next day, he intervenes when Ayesha is bullied again (and comes out as Muslim and his real name), and apologizes to Ayesha for not standing up for her the previous day. "It's okay. I'm glad you were on my side today."
After school that day, Bilal plays basketball with some other kids at a nearby park. While playing, he sees the bully standing by the fence, frowning, and after the game is over, he goes over and invites the bully to play -- on his own team, no less. This feels a bit much -- especially the fact that the bully not only accepts but adjusts to being basically nice to Bilal.
A bit I did like is that a kid says he needs to stop playing and will be back in a few minutes, and when Bilal asks a teammate where he had gone, the teammate says, "He's Muslim. He always prays in the afternoon." Bilal is surprised that this isn't a problem for this other kid, but the teammate says no, he doesn't mind; "It gives me more time to practice." So Bilal then chases after the Muslim kid, and they pray together. Bilal even gives the call to prayer -- an echo of how his namesake was the first person to give the Muslim call to prayer.
January 28, 2019
My Name is Bilal follows a Muslim boy named Bilal who moves to a new school and must deal with the prejudice of some of the students around him. This book for the most part very well done. It features pieces of Muslim culture and tradition within it, while interweaving this with the story of a boy who is struggling with his identity and bullying. The one place that this book sufferes is that the ending is not very realistic. In the end the bully and Bilal become friends becasue they paly basketball together. The only thing I would change is perhaps a more realistic ending that teaches a more realistic strategy against bullying. Other then that a very good book that I would . certainly have in my classroom library.
February 5, 2017
Moving from one place to another is never easy, but when everyone around you seems to look different from you and to have different cultural practices, it can be especially hard. After Bilal and his sister Ayesha move from Chicago with their family to another town, Bilal hides his Muslim identity after watching some students make fun of his sister with her hijab. Although Bilal is embarrassed at his cowardice for not coming to his sister's rescue and for claiming his name is Bill, he also feels that it's necessary in order to blend in and not become a victim of harassment himself. But his teacher, Mr. Ali takes note of what's happening and Bilal's struggles and provides some inspiration through a book about another Bilal. That Bilal, Bilal Ibn Rabah, gave the call to prayer during the Prophet's lifetime and was tormented for his belief. Bilal draws strength from the man's desire to please God rather than others. When his classmate, Scott, tries to make fun of his sister's headgear again, Bilal intervenes. Later, he is able to extent the hand of friendship and perform an act of kindness for Scott as well as finding another devout Muslim while playing basketball. The watercolor illustrations enhance an important story of cultural identity and acceptance that is just as relevant today as it was when the book was first published more than a decade ago. As most readers realize, many times bullies act out of ignorance or insecurity, and Bilal is able to remain true to himself and his beliefs while also making some new friends in his new school. It might be helpful to share this book aloud with students as a way to remind them to be respectful of those who are different from them or who dress and speak differently or even bear names that are new to the students.
October 23, 2018
Bilal and his family has just moved from Chicago. In the town where the book takes place, people are not so accepting of people of different cultures. On the first day of school, Bilal's sister, Ayesha, is bullied because of her headscarf. Wanting to fit in, Bilal introduces himself in class as Bill and tries to hide the fact that he is Muslim. His teacher is a family friend and is also Muslim. To help Bilal come to his senses, Mr. Ali gives him a book called Bilal Ibn Rabah, Friend and Helper of the Prophet which is the story of the first person to give the Muslim call to prayer about 1400 years ago. It told Bilal of the hard life of early Muslims: people in Mecca would hurt them physically and emotionally to make them forget God and worship their own gods. He realizes that he is proud to be Muslim and stands up to the bullies in school when they pick on his sister for wearing her headscarf. This is a great book to promote diversity in schools. It would allow young Muslim children in my class to relate to it and children of other cultures with little knowledge of the Muslim culture to learn more about it and learn to accept it. The illustrations add to the very realistic and serious tone of the story.
February 16, 2015
I think this story has a great story line that students could learn from. Everyone can relate to the feelings of the main character Bilal. He feels alone and different from his peers. This book can be used to have great discussion. I always like how the story included a story from Muslim culture.
Purpose:
Read Aloud: I think this book could be used if you're expecting a new student in your classroom. Not everyone is going to be the same as the other students in your classroom. This book could explain that to them. It has a good lesson to teach them to be accepting of one another no matter the differences.
Independent reading: This can probably be read independently in fourth grade. The language isn't too difficult. The story line is pretty straight forward I would probably recommend this to a student who was feeling left out or having a challenging time with their peers. The story has a great way to express being yourself is important. Many students will be able to relate.
Purpose:
Read Aloud: I think this book could be used if you're expecting a new student in your classroom. Not everyone is going to be the same as the other students in your classroom. This book could explain that to them. It has a good lesson to teach them to be accepting of one another no matter the differences.
Independent reading: This can probably be read independently in fourth grade. The language isn't too difficult. The story line is pretty straight forward I would probably recommend this to a student who was feeling left out or having a challenging time with their peers. The story has a great way to express being yourself is important. Many students will be able to relate.
September 13, 2012
There aren't many picture books to be found that talk about some background history of Muslim children and the challenges faced today by doing things different than the other kids in school. This is a book that does just that. It is a good story of two US born kids who change schools and find they seem to be the only ones. There is a bullying incident, a lesson learned and a good ending. I am less positive about the ending because it seemed too quick to be realistic. Yet, the book offers good opportunities for conversation and learning. The illustrations are well done, realistic acrylic painting I think.
March 31, 2015
Bilal is muslim, and he isn't very proud of it. He even tells the kids at school that his name is Bill so that he can fit in. I feel it is very sad that I could actually see this happening. Today's society is so discriminating that this child had to hide his name and religion. He is scared because he sees his sister being bullied, she chooses to show her true identity. Eventually "Bill" tells the students his name one day when he takes up for his sister. This book is great for teaching children the hardships of immigrant students coming to a new school and things they deal with on a daily basis.
October 12, 2015
My name is Bilal is a story about a Muslim brother, Bilal, and sister, Ayesha, who move to a new school where they are the only Muslim students. Ayesha gets bullied by a boy who rips her headscarf off of her head. Bilal is torn between fitting in or standing up for his sister and their beliefs. This book has a really great message, stand up for what you believe- always stay true to you. Bilal finds himself telling his classmates his name is Bill because he was ashamed of his Muslim name: "Because I want to be like everybody else. Nobody else in the class has a name like Bilal"(p. 8). But with the help of his Muslim teacher he realizes how to embrace his beliefs.
May 5, 2016
The fear of being different, esp when he sees boys tease his sister for her headscarf, compels Bilal to say his name is Bill Al and try to keep his religion secret.
A spiritual journey that shows him accept his faith as part of him is only marred (for me) by the only identified religion being Islam- other characters are shown learning and growing from Bilal once he accepts himself, but no one else's religion is even mentioned making it almost appear to be a secular scolding of those who openly wear their faiths.
I dunno.
A spiritual journey that shows him accept his faith as part of him is only marred (for me) by the only identified religion being Islam- other characters are shown learning and growing from Bilal once he accepts himself, but no one else's religion is even mentioned making it almost appear to be a secular scolding of those who openly wear their faiths.
I dunno.
December 8, 2016
I enjoyed this book because it was very relatable to situations that happen in school everyday. It saddened me that children feel like this but its a great resource to have in the classroom if there are issues with beliefs. I think this should book should be read on one of the first days of school because it starts off the year by stating bullying will not be tolerated in the classroom. Then there should be discussion about how being different and unique is a great thing, rather than looking down upon it.
January 25, 2017
muslim boy and sister getting made fun of for culture.
-boy lies says his name is bill when it is really Bilal, because he wants to be "normal"
talks to teacher who is muslim who gives him a book about a prophet named Bilal
Bilal becomes proud of who he is, stands up for his sister to bully scott
ends up playing basketball and inviting scott, assisting him with a score
end up being friends
meets another muslim boy named Hakim, and becomes proud to be muslim and not worried about what others think
-boy lies says his name is bill when it is really Bilal, because he wants to be "normal"
talks to teacher who is muslim who gives him a book about a prophet named Bilal
Bilal becomes proud of who he is, stands up for his sister to bully scott
ends up playing basketball and inviting scott, assisting him with a score
end up being friends
meets another muslim boy named Hakim, and becomes proud to be muslim and not worried about what others think
May 18, 2017
More like 3.5 stars
Bilal and his sister have started at a new school where they appear to be the only Muslims. Ayesha draws a lot of negative attention for her hijab, and Bilal tries to hide his identity to avoid the same.
But a teacher gives him a book about another famous Bilal - Bilal Ibn Rabah, the first muezzin - and he feels more empowered to stand up for himself and his beliefs.
A good, solid story with powerful elements both to educate non-Muslims and reaffirm Muslim kids who might be worried about fitting in at school.
Bilal and his sister have started at a new school where they appear to be the only Muslims. Ayesha draws a lot of negative attention for her hijab, and Bilal tries to hide his identity to avoid the same.
But a teacher gives him a book about another famous Bilal - Bilal Ibn Rabah, the first muezzin - and he feels more empowered to stand up for himself and his beliefs.
A good, solid story with powerful elements both to educate non-Muslims and reaffirm Muslim kids who might be worried about fitting in at school.
November 3, 2012
This story is about a boy named Bilal and his sister Ayesha. Bilal and his sister are of the Muslim religion that experience religious prejudice and identity issues in a new school. Luckily, his new teacher is also a Muslim, introduces Bilal to a historical figure to the Muslim faith that is also named Bilal. After Bilal reads the story of Bilal Ibn Rabah, Bilal finds confidence in himself to stand up for his religion and defend his sister from bullies.
November 6, 2014
Thank you so much for giving us the book "My Name is Bilal". I really enjoyed reading it to my son Rayaan. The moral of the story is very relatable, and an important lesson not just for Muslims, but for everyone: to not be ashamed of who you are, and to stand up for others against unjust treatment. I look forward to my son getting older so he can understand the book's lesson. I will reccomend this book to my friends so they can read it to their children and benefit from it too.
February 24, 2015
This book was great. This book did a great job of showing kids struggles with being "different" and how to handle bullying. This book would be great for grades 2-4 when learning a lesson about culture. The book is quite diverse and focuses on the Muslim culture. The sentence structure is complex and there is a great moral lesson at the end. This would be great for a class with various cultures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews