Ramadan Readathon: Books We Recommend As Eid Gifts for Children

In a few days the holy month of Ramadan will end for Muslims. During Ramadan Muslims fast for 30 days. This means they do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. Instead, time is spent praying, meditating, reading the Quran, and engaging in spiritual activities. Ramadan ends with a celebration called Eid. Muslims celebrate by attending special prayers, visiting family and friends, eating feasts, and exchanging gifts (if they choose to).

The inspiration behind this post is my 16 month old niece. Being the booknerd I am, I knew I wanted to start building her library as soon as possible. I also knew I wanted the first books in her library to connect to her Islamic faith and background, as well as represent Muslim writers. I set out to research children's books written by Muslim authors and found some wonderful options. When I learned of the Ramadan Readathon happening this year, I knew I wanted to share this list with anyone interested in diverse children's literature.

If you're interested in book recommendations for adults, check out Nadia's post HERE. Additionally, Zoya has compiled a list of book recommendations for young adults HERE.

Books We Recommend as Eid Gifts for Children

1. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan

"Magnificently capturing the colorful world of Islam for the youngest readers, this breathtaking and informative picture book celebrates Islam's beauty and traditions. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning as young readers learn about clothing, food, and other important elements of Islamic culture, with a young Muslim girl as a guide."   

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon} 

2. The Perfect Gift by J. Samia Mair

"Sarah is sad because she cannot find an Eid gift for her mother, so she takes a walk along the secret path in the woods that always makes her feel better. There she finds the first flower of spring—God's perfect gift to the world. Leaving her gift in its place to share with her entire family, Sarah grows in her understanding and appreciation of nature and what it means to live in submission to God."   {GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

3.  5 Pillars of Islam by Anwar Cara

"Written in simple, rhyming language and accompanied with bold, colorful illustrations, this book is perfect to introduce young children to the most important acts in Islam: the Five Pillars. Each spread features one of the Five Pillars: believing in Allah and His Messenger, praying, fasting, giving charity, and performing Hajj." 

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

4. It's Ramadan, Curious George by Hena Khan

"It's the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. Then, George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan."    

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

5. An Eid for Everyone by Hina Islam

"Eid is a holiday celebrated all over the world. It is a festival that brings together people through prayer, charity, and family reunions. So let's enjoy this holiday together with some special friends taking part in different traditions of this celebration."
{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

6. Amira's Totally Chocolate World by J. Samia Mair

"Amira loves chocolate so much that every night before she goes to sleep, she asks God to make everything chocolate. On Eid-ul-Fitr, she wakes up to find a totally chocolate world! At first she loves her new world, but when she discovers that she misses all the beautiful colors in nature, she realizes that God, the Creator, knows best."

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

7. Night of the Moon by Hena Khan

"Yasmeen, a seven year old Pakistani-American girl, celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, "The Night of the Moon" (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a window into modern Muslim culture-- and into the ancient roots from within its traditions have grown."

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

Thank you to Nadia and Zoya for organizing the #RamadanReadathon and including me in this special post!!

Posted by: Amna (@perusingya)

Covers and Cupcakes: 5 YA Contemporary Reads

What happens when you combine your love of YA books and eating cupcakes? Well, you start imagining delicious cupcakes as your favorite YA book covers! Thus, the new blog feature COVERS AND CUPCAKES is born. I've combed through hours of cupcake pictures to find the perfect match for these YA books. This week's theme is contemporary reads. Take a look at my picks and click the link for recipes!

Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali

Vanilla cupcakes with yellow & pink rose frosting

GoodReads

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Banana-Caramel Decadence Cupcakes

Recipe

GoodReads

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Blue Velvet Cupcakes with Galaxy Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe

GoodReads

I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

Vanilla Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream Frosting topped with a Daisy

GoodReads

Once And For All by Sarah Dessen

Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting as Hydrangeas

Recipe

GoodReads

So, how did I do friends? Is this something you would like to see weekly on the blog? Also, have you read any of these books? Please leave a comment here or on Twitter to let me know your thoughts!

*Disclaimer: Credit for pictures belongs to their respective owners. I own nothing.*

Posted by: Amna (@perusingya)

7 Most Anticipated Books of Spring/Summer 2017

It’s finally 2017 and time to rejoice in all the brand new YA books heading our way. There are many books on my TBR this year but only a few whose wait has been long and torturous. Take a look at my top 7 books that I can't wait to read in spring/summer 2017!

Pub Date: May 16

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Why I'm excited to read it: 

Feudal Japan, action, adventure, secret identities, badass warrior girl, and hopefully the swoony/angsty romance that Ahdieh is known to write.

Pub Date: May 2

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Why I'm excited to read it: 

The Ruined trilogy was one of my favorite new series to start in 2016. It has a badass heroine in Emelina, a compassionate hero in Cas, and lots of action and romance.

Pub Date: May 23

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Why I'm excited to read it: 

I'm a huge fan of all of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter novels. Clare debuted her latest trilogy, The Dark Artifices with the first book, Lady Midnight in 2016. That book just about killed me with all the book feels. I'm ready for that to happen again with Lord of Shadows.

Pub Date: July 18

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Why I'm excited to read it: 

The Conspiracy of Us series is a thrilling adventure centered on an intriguing mystery with exotic locations, kickass characters, and swoony romance. With this conclusion to the trilogy, I'm ready to discover the final fates of Avery, Stellan, and Jack.

Pub Date: May 16

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Why I'm excited to read it: 

This is the sequel/conclusion to The Crown's Game. I really enjoyed the Russian setting, the magic competition, and the multiple point of views from the three main characters: Vika, Pasha, and Nikolai. The Crown's Game ended on a pretty major cliff hanger, so reading this book will be a top priority!

Pub Date: March 14
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Why I'm excited to read it: 

I love fairytale retellings. It's always fun to read a twist on a classic. Hunted is inspired by Beauty and the Beast. The tag line alone is enough for me to pick this up: A Beauty deadlier than the Beast.

Pub Date: May 2
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Why I'm excited to read it: 

I wasn't initially on board with this series but the sequel changed my mind. A Court of Mist and Fury expanded on the world building, introduced awesome new characters, took Feyre through much needed character development, and took an unexpected but pleasant turn in the romance department. With this final installment to the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, I'm eager to follow Feyre through the last part of her journey and see her embrace her strength, intelligence, and all around fierceness in battling those who threaten her world and loved ones.





posted by: @perusingya (Amna)

Favorite Books of 2016

Alas, another year of reading comes to an end. There were many amazing books I read this year, but the following are my absolute faves of 2016.

Book of the Year

If you haven't read the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, you need to put it at the top of your TBR pile for 2017. Maas delivered another epic installment to her fantasy series with Empire of Storms. This book had it all from character development, plot twists, romance, and a jaw dropping ending that leaves you wanting the final book RIGHT NOW.

Stellar Sequel

A Torch Against the Night was one of my highly anticipated books for 2016. The wait was worth it because this sequel did not disappoint. Sabaa Tahir introduces readers to new characters, takes us on an adventure across the Empire, delves deeper into the characters of Laia, Elias, and Helene, and shocks you with a twist you never see coming.

Epic Book Feels

I've read all the Shadowhunters novels by Cassandra Clare. I'm familiar with the roller coaster of feelings, angst, twist, and cliffhangers that Clare is so well known for. I thought I was prepared for Lady Midnight. I was wrong. This book emotionally destroyed me and left me in a book hangover for weeks. But it was so worth it.

End of an Era

There were a few series that sadly came to an end this year, The Winner's Trilogy being one of them. The Winner's Kiss wrapped up Kestrel and Arin's story in a beautiful, satisfying way with plenty of adventure, action, twists, and angsty romance along the way.

A New Beginning

My favorite new series of 2016 is the Ruined trilogy by Amy Tintera. It is a fast paced, action packed fantasy story with a kickass heroine, a swoony hero, and a magical plot that leaves you guessing at what comes next. Suffice it to say I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to read more.

Heart Eyes

There was no shortage of beautiful covers in 2016, but the one that stood out from the rest is Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. It is one of the most creative and attractive covers of the year. As soon as I laid eyes on it I was compelled to pick it up and read the blurb. Everything about this cover from the lettering to the imagery to the colors, makes me look at it with heart eyes.

New to the YA Shelf

Of all the 2016 debuts, The Crown's Game was by far my favorite. From the unique setting of Russia, to the beautiful descriptions of magic and the world, and a trio of enjoyable characters, Evelyn Skye succeeded at delivering a solid first book in a duology.

Diverse Read

When I read The Wrath and the Dawn last year I was blown away by the sheer beauty of Renee Ahdieh's writing. Each description of the world, food, and clothes made you feel like you were right there experiencing this fantasy Arabian setting with fierce heroine Shazi. Ahdieh's spectacular writing continues in The Rose and the Dagger as it gives readers a worthy ending to this retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. This books is filled with angsty, swoon romance, surprises, mystery, action, and an ending that leaves you with all the book feels. It was refreshing to read about a positive representation of the Middle Eastern culture. 

Classic with a Twist

Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies. When I found out that The Forbidden Wish was a retelling of this classic it jumped to the top of my TBR. I loved that Khoury chose to center the story around a female genie and her relationship with Aladdin, but also included plenty of strong heroines in the story. This twist to the classic tale makes The Forbidden Wish a unique and highly enjoyable retelling. 

Thrilling Mystery

I was sold on the The Conspiracy of Us series with the simple blurb, "It's a Da Vinci Code style thriller for teens." I love heist/spy/adventure/thriller stories and this once delivered on all accounts. Map of Fates is book two in the trilogy and takes readers to new exotic locales, dives further into the mystery surrounding the prophecy, and heats up the romance between a certain pairing. 

Favorite Novella

I am a huge fan of the Heist Society novels by Ally Carter. They are fun, entertaining, and well written. It was a happy surprise to find out that Carter wrote another novella for this series. Kat, Hale, and the rest of the crew are back for another heist adventure that has them racing against time to save Christmas. I loved revisiting these characters and seeing what they are up to after the original trilogy ended. I hope Carter will write more because two novellas are not enough!

And that's a wrap on 2016! What were some of your favorite reads of the year? Did you read any books from my list? Please comment below with your thoughts.

~Amna (@perusingya)

16 Most Anticipated Reads of 2016

We can’t wait to read these books in the new year! Click the titles below for more info and to add to your GoodReads TBR!

1. Sword and Verse by Kathy MacMillan                                            January 19

2. Assassin’s Heart by Sarah Ahiers                                                    February 2

3. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard                                                    February 9

4. Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan                                                February 9

5. The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine                                               February 16

6. Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie                                                    March 1

7. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare                                                  March 8

8. The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutoski                                               March 29

9. The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows                                                  April 5

10. The Crown by Kiera Cass                                                               May 3

11. The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahideh                                   May 3

12. Ruined by Amy Tintera                                                                  May 3

13. The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye                                              May 17

14. The Beauty of Darkness by Mary Pearson                                    August 2

15. A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir                                    August 30

16. Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch                                                      TBA

5 Favorite Books of 2015

There are many wonderful books we read this year. They spanned across all genres. Some were by debut authors and others were the continuation of a series. But all the books on our list left us with massive book hangovers and tons of FEELS.  :)

1. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

What it’s about:  Laia, a slave, is determined to fight against the militaristic government to bring peace and freedom for her people. Elias, a soldier, is also seeking freedom from the government but only for himself. When Laia and Elias cross paths they each have to question what it is they are willing to sacrifice for their ultimate goal. 

Why you should read it: Fantastic, well developed characters; dual point of view narration; intense, gripping plot; non-stop action; beginnings of a love story; and excellent world building

Rating: 5 out 5 stars

2. Queen of Shadows by Sarah Maas 
What it’s about: Aelin comes back to Adarlan to face off with the King and Arobynn Hammel.

Why you should read it: So many amazing, lovable characters; kick ass action; romance, humor, and drama; narration in multiple points of view; and just epic storytelling

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

3. The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
What it’s about: An orphaned princess, Wilhelmina,  fighting to reclaim her crown, defeat the dark supernatural forces threatening her kingdom, and falling in love with someone unexpected.

Why you should read it: Strong, relatable protagonist;  great cast of supporting characters, a romantic subplot that is an interesting take on a typical love triangle, and a compelling magical mystery.

Rating: 4.5 out 5 stars

4. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahideh
What it’s about: This is a retelling of the Arabian story, A Thousand and One Nights. In the kingdom of Khorasan, King Khalid takes a new bride every night only to kill her the next morning. When Shazi’s best friend is the latest victim she is determined to end his reign of terror and avenge her friend. She volunteers to become his wife and uses her cunning skills to stay alive long enough to fulfill her plan.

Why you should read it: Beautifully written with complex, compelling characters; enticing, romantic plot with a hint of magical mystery.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5. The Heart of Betrayal by Mary Pearson
What it’s about: Things for Lia become more complicated than ever when she is held captive in Venda and has to make a choice between Rafe and Kaden for her heart. 

Why you should read it: this is a really well written love triangle, good pacing of the plot with an engaging story; expanded world building; characters worth investing in

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars