Halal Hot Dogs

Musa has the perfect idea for his special Jummah treat, but things don't go according to plan. Will Musa be able to get a yummy Jummah treat for his family?

Included in USA Today's 12 books for kids to read during Ramadan!

"Musa's enthusiasm for halal hot dogs is infectious, and this portrait of a family and community that takes joy and pride in their identity and traditions is refreshing . . . . A joyful celebration of street food and Muslim American culture."--Kirkus Reviews

"An enjoyable tour of food, faith, and family."--School Library Journal

Every Friday after Jummah prayer at the masjid, Musa's family has a special Jummah treat. They take turns picking out what the treat will be, but recently the choices have been . . . interesting. Week one, Mama made molokhia. It's perfect for sharing, but gives us molokhia teeth for days! Week two, Baba burned the kufte kebabs on the grill. Week three, Seedi made his favorite riz b'haleeb-creamy rice pudding with pistachio sprinkled on top with an unexpected ingredient. Last week, Maryam brought jellybeans. . . . Finally, it's Musa's turn to pick, and he picks his favorite-halal hot dogs! But actually getting to eat this deliciousness turns into a journey riddled with obstacles. Will he ever get his favorite tasty treat?

Susannah Aziz is a former teacher, freelance writer, and third-generation Palestinian-American Muslim. Through reading to her own children, Aziz felt humor was missing in the majority of traditional Islamic children's literature. So she picked up a pen one day. And she wrote. Fun, silly stories. Susannah aims to depict the lives of average Muslim children in her work: fun-loving, enthusiastic, and delightful children. Aziz is an advocate and fundraiser for the UNRWA-the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East-which strives to provide support for the psychosocial health of refugee children living in the Gaza Strip. Aziz currently resides in Staten Island with her husband, three children, and her mischievous orange tabby cat, Chickpea.

Born and raised in Jamshedpur, India, Parwinder Singh has been drawing ever since he can remember. First as a classical 2D animator and then as a children's book illustrator, drawn in by its beauty and vibrance. Now a full-time freelancer with a love of motorcycles, he enjoys exploring new styles, meeting new people, and traveling beyond the horizon.