Published by Random House Studio

Summary:  When Muhammad gets a salat rug for his seventh birthday, he’s determined to pray five times a day like his father does.  It’s easy at home, but more challenging to do dhuhr, the prayer that comes in the middle of the day, when he’s at school.  He tries praying in the bathroom and the coat closet, but neither works out for him, and he ends up missing the midday prayer.  When he joins his father selling ice cream from his truck, he watches as Dad sets up his rug on the sidewalk and begins his prayers.  A woman and some police officers stop and stare, and with shaking hands, Muhammad gets out of the truck and joins his dad.  He notices that Dad is a bit shaky too, but they finish their prayers, and the policemen walk away.  The next day, Muhammad overcomes his fears and tells his teacher that he needs a place to pray.  Includes an author’s note with more information about salat and a glossary.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  This empowering story encourages Muslim kids to live their faith and will show any reader how to find the courage to do what feels right.

Cons:  The story ends with the teacher happily agreeing to Muhammad’s request, but I was curious to see what would happen after that.