Today, we are celebrating two exciting book releases: Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan, illustrated by Nez Riaz and Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key by Tracy Occomy Crowder!
Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan, illustrated by Nez Riaz
Join Zain and his dad on a special visit to their local mosque to attend jumu’ah prayers in this heartwarming picture book from the author of Under My Hijab.
Praise for Zain’s Super Friday:
“Though Zain may be antsy, his patient father and the imam foster a warm community spirit—it’s clear everyone is welcome here. Cartoon illustrations propel a fun and lively story that captures the spirited young boy’s energy . . . A lovely tale of father-son bonding set against the backdrop of jumu’ah prayers at the mosque.” —Kirkus Reviews
Order a copy:
Lee & Low
Indiebound/Bookshop
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Hena Khan is the author of multiple children’s books, many of which focus on contemporary Muslim life, including Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns; Under My Hijab; and Amina’s Voice, which was named to multiple best-of-the-year lists. Born and raised in Maryland, she now lives near Washington, DC, with her family. Please visit her online at henakhan.com and follow her at @henakhanbooks.
Nez Riaz is a Pakistani/Palestinian artist based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the illustrator of the picture book memoir My Name Is Bana by Bana Alabed and enjoys storytelling, pineapple pizza, and monkeys. You can visit her online at nezriaz.com.
Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key by Tracy Occomy Crowder
It’s 2008, and ten-year-old Montgomery “Monty” Carver is out to find the origin of a golden key found in his South Side Chicago community—which may or may not host the next Olympic games, or supply the next President of the United States, or…have a potential ghost hanging around.
Praise for Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key:
“Including heartfelt journal entries and vibrant illustrations from Sorra, this voice-y novel is an unforgettable adventure through a nostalgic decade, showcasing the times right before they were about to change.” —Booklist
“Crowder employs Monty’s inquisitive and irrepressible first-person narration to rousing effect, making for a spirited novel that encourages curiosity while highlighting a protagonist alongside the neighborhood and history fueling his personal growth.” —Publishers Weekly
More Resources:
Download the Teacher’s Guide
Read an Interview with Tracy
Order a copy:
Lee & Low
Indiebound/Bookshop
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Tracy Occomy Crowder is a community organizer who has worked to address issues of racial equity across Illinois for the past thirty years, particularly in housing and education. In this work, she brought recess back to Chicago Public Schools. As an author, she enjoys creating work steeped in African-American history, culture, struggles, and human foibles as well as share unknown historical facts with humor and everyday experiences. This is Tracy’s first middle grade novel. You can find her on her website: blackteacupmysteries.com