Ramadan: Islamic Holy Month (First Facts, Holidays and Culture)

Provides a brief description of what Ramadan is, how it started, and the ways people around the world celebrate this cultural holiday today.

K-Gr. 2. For emerging and younger readers, this title in the First Facts: Holidays and Culture series provides a simply written, general introduction to the monthlong Islamic celebration. Each double-page spread tackles one topic: "What Is Ramadan?" "Celebrating Ramadan," "The Fast," etc. The typeface is large, the text is conversational in tone, and color photos show family, faith-related, and social activities, such as breaking the fast and charitable giving. Small facts boxes expand on the main text. The book doesn't explain how the holiday began, and more information on Muhammad (he is never specifically identified as a prophet) would have been welcome. A craft activity, a skimpy glossary ( Islam is defined as "based on the teachings of Muhammad"), two further readings, and a reference to the "Facthound" Web site round out the book. For slightly older readers, suggest Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith's Celebrating Ramadan (2001). Shelle Rosenfeld
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