Review by Booklist Review
This debut graphic novel centered around Ramadan shows the toll of compartmentalizing our identities, the value of living authentically, and the importance of taking accountability for ourselves and our choices. It's Hassan's third year fasting for Ramadan, but this year feels so much harder. Everyone expects more from him now, especially himself. When his grades and friendships start to slip, Hassan must decide how he will manage his time and his priorities. Illustrations and panel sizes help communicate the repetitiveness of Hassan's daily routine or the extent of his hunger, such as when his peers suddenly appear as pizza and hamburgers. Tension also exists when Hassan feels pressured to outperform a girl in his friend group. Hassan's story will resonate with readers familiar with Ramadan while relating across cultures. Hassan and his family are practicing Muslims from Yemen, and other characters are diverse in skin tone and body types. Based on the author's own family and experiences, this enjoyable coming-of-age story embraces the importance of community and honoring all facets of the self.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
It's Hassan's third year fasting for the monthlong observance of Ramadan, but it's the first year he's gone to the mosque every night to pray alongside his father. The new routine has been affecting his everyday life, especially his studies and his performance as Boss Hassan, center midfielder on the soccer team: he's been falling asleep in class, and he frequently misses the end of practices, as his mother picks him up after school so the family can nap before dinner. Since the end of Ramadan coincides with soccer playoffs, he avoids telling anyone he's fasting, but when his friends substitute him with white-cued teammate Rosie during online gaming hangouts (that Hassan can't participate in due to family obligations), he gets jealous. Then his failing math grades force Coach to take him off the team. Algarmi utilizes a friendly comic-strip style to portray Hassan's struggles balancing expectations from family, friends, and school administrators. Casual dialogue depicts amiable tween and adult interactions and establishes ample context surrounding the celebration of Ramadan, including the dress, prayer, rituals, and food; dotted eyes, a comma nose, and toothy expressions render Hassan's furrowed-brow earnestness, whole-body enthusiasm, and high-minded aspirations in navigating his complex feelings regarding his heritage in this wholesome graphic novel debut. Ages 8--12. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5--8--Seventh grader Hassan is fasting for the month of Ramadan, which means no burgers at lunchtime, accidentally dozing in math class, and leaving soccer practice early to nap. Despite the challenges of balancing his faith with school and extracurricular obligations, Hassan is dedicated to fasting throughout the month. To make things even more stressful, Hassan's friends are not Muslim, so he feels increasingly isolated as the days progress. With his grades slipping and his soccer position in jeopardy, will he be able to make it to Eid? Algarmi pens a moving middle grade tale of adolescent Muslim identity that will find purchase with any tween, especially those overwhelmed with the demands of school, family, and activities. The illustrative focus is emotion and action, thus characterization takes precedence over elaborate dress and detailed backgrounds. VERDICT A necessary mirror for middle grade Muslim readers, and a tremendous window into the customs of Ramadan for peers and educators to learn more about Islamic traditions.--Sarah Simpson
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Yemeni American boy struggles to find balance during Ramadan. Hassan is preoccupied during the first days of Ramadan--he falls asleep in class and sidesteps questions about why he's not eating lunch. Things get harder at soccer practices when he leaves early, much to the consternation of his coach. Other than one friend, he doesn't tell anyone about his fasting. Meanwhile, Hassan's nights are busy with prayers at the masjid; his grades slip, and he fears he'll be replaced on the soccer team. Hassan and his cousins secretly break their fast, gorging on sweets, a lapse that weighs heavily on his conscience. His frustration wells up, leading Hassan to fall apart and act out at school. In response, his parents ground him, but the crisis also results in a conversation with his mom that allows Hassan to consider why he's choosing to continue fasting. As Ramadan progresses, Hassan gains more control over his life--and when he opens up to others about fasting, there are some surprises in store for him. This uplifting story highlights the struggles of some fasting Muslim kids, but Algarmi focuses on Hassan's perseverance and ability to own up to his mistakes and turn things around. Action-packed panels showing Hassan's school days contrast with quieter moments with family. Many wordless sequences offer glimpses of the Yemeni community. An inspiring look at the challenges and courage needed to be true to one's faith.(Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
