Synopses & Reviews
Review
'\"Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the U.S., but books about it, especially contemporary stories, are scarce. In this illustrated beginning chapter book, Magid, a boy of eight, wants to fast during the month of Ramadan like the rest of the family. . . . The book tackles some serious questions about what religion requires, while demonstrating a warm family life that will have universal appeal. The book is heavily illustrated with very nice watercolor art that expands the text. A brief introduction to Islam and a glossary are appended.\"'
Review
'\"A fine offering that explores a holiday unfamiliar to many American children.\"'
Review
'\"An interesting look at an Egyptian Muslim family\'s celebration of Ramadan through the eyes of eight-year-old Magid. . . . Lewis\'s watercolors blend well with the text and give readers an accurate sense of character, location, and cultural tradition as well as a skillful portrayal of emotional nuance through facial expressions and physical stances. . . . This is a refreshing visit to a \'90s Muslim family that accurately represents Islamic practice and the spiritual reasons behind it. . . . Magid is an amiable ambassador for his faith.\"'
Review
"Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the U.S., but books about it, especially contemporary stories, are scarce. In this illustrated beginning chapter book, Magid, a boy of eight, wants to fast during the month of Ramadan like the rest of the family. . . . The book tackles some serious questions about what religion requires, while demonstrating a warm family life that will have universal appeal. The book is heavily illustrated with very nice watercolor art that expands the text. A brief introduction to Islam and a glossary are appended." Booklist, ALA
"A fine offering that explores a holiday unfamiliar to many American children." Horn Book
"An interesting look at an Egyptian Muslim family's celebration of Ramadan through the eyes of eight-year-old Magid. . . . Lewis's watercolors blend well with the text and give readers an accurate sense of character, location, and cultural tradition as well as a skillful portrayal of emotional nuance through facial expressions and physical stances. . . . This is a refreshing visit to a '90s Muslim family that accurately represents Islamic practice and the spiritual reasons behind it. . . . Magid is an amiable ambassador for his faith." School Library Journal
Synopsis
It is the first day of Ramadan, the month when good Muslims eat nothing and drink nothing all day, every day, from sunrise to sunset. Mama and Baba have told Magid he isn't old enough to fast, but even Magid's sister, Aisha, is fasting, and Magid doesn't want to wait. Set in present-day Egypt, MAGID FASTS FOR RAMADAN satisfyingly recounts Magid's struggle and its surprising and happy resolution, and offers an illuminating introduction to the beliefs and practices of Islam. AUTHOR'S NOTE, GLOSSARY.
About the Author
'E.B. Lewis\'s watercolor paintings appear in BIG BOY and many other picture books. The recipient of a Coretta Scott King Honor for Illustration, he lives in Folsom, New Jersey.Mary Matthews was born in Bury, Lancashire, England. She has B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from Cambridge University and an M.A. in Religion from Smith College and is currently pursuing Arabic language studies at the University of Massachusetts. She has taught high school English and Latin, college English, and continuing education courses in the psychology of religion. Ms. Matthews has traveled in the Middle East and now lives in Amherst, MA, with her husband. They have three children and three grandchildren.'