2022 is the year of Equity for me.  Part of finding and incorporating more equitable practices in my classroom is ensuring that I allow my students access to multicultural texts.  It is my goal that they not only see themselves in the stories that they read but also be exposed to other cultures.  Spring is all about growth and reflection.  So is Ramadan.

We are just starting the month of Ramadan, a time for reflection with family and community.  Millions of Muslims and individuals celebrate this month and deserve to be recognized, shared, and understood. Below you will find materials, videos, books, and other educational resources for both you and your students.  These resources are chosen to help guide your lessons and provide opportunities for dialogue and conversations.

As was the case with so many Education to the Core’s Equity focused blogs: Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History, LGBT Awareness, Women’s History … and so many more, it is important to understand why we observe and why we strive to connect to these cultures.  As was the case regarding these mentioned months or holidays, it is even more important to continue discussions and awareness beyond this one day or month.  To be a truly equitable classroom, we need to continue using these resources and others all year long. 

What are Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr?

Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This Islamic lunar calendar is based on the moon’s cycle, so the date changes each year.  We are lucky enough to share this information during the first week of Ramadan.  In 2022, we are recognizing and celebrating Ramadan from April 2nd through May 1st.

During Ramadan people fast, or refrain from eating and drinking, while it’s light outside. Fasting during Ramadan is a way for Muslims to reflect on their lives and find gratitude for their experiences. Fasting allows Muslims to think about those less fortunate than themselves, such as people who live in poverty. It’s also a time for prayer and to give thanks to God.

Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The five pillars help guide Muslims on how to live their lives and be good Muslims. The five pillars are fasting, faith, prayer, charity, and the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.  For the hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world who observe Ramadan, the month is a time to focus on their faith and also perform generous acts. People raise money and donate supplies to help others in need.

Muslims celebrate the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan through Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is the holiday that marks the conclusion of Ramadan.  This is the day when Muslims can break the fast and celebrate family and community. Muslims often get together and have big parties to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, with lots of food and presents. Since this day falls on different days each year, it is decided by when the new crescent moon is seen in the sky.

Each of the following Ramadan stories is linked directly to a YouTube read-aloud.  If you enjoy and are interested in any of these titles, I also linked in an Amazon Affiliate link so that you can purchase the title directly.

Read Aloud 1 – Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi

Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. 

Amazon Aff. Link: Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story

Direct from Education to the Core’s Directed Drawings, pair any read-aloud from this list with the perfect Mosque activity!  Complete with a step-by-step directed drawing, writing opportunities, vocabulary, and more!

2 – Raihanna’s First Time Fasting by Qamaer Hassan

A heartwarming story about a young girl’s first experience fasting for the month of Ramadan. Raihanna learns the meaning of Ramadan, why her family fasts, and how important it is to help those in need.

Amazon Aff. Link: Raihanna’s First Time Fasting

3 – Tell Me More About Ramadan by Bachar Karroum

Follow the story of Laila, a curious young Muslim girl that wants to learn about Ramadan. Through a fun story for both children and adults, start comprehending religious concepts while also sparking their curiosity for further knowledge about the Islamic religion.

Amazon Aff. Link: Tell Me More About Ramadan

Ramadan Book 4 – Let’s Celebrate Ramadan and Eid by Ajanta Chakraborty & Vivek Kumar

Maya, Neel, and their famous pet squirrel, Chintu, fly to India for yet another fun adventure. This time, they get to experience all about Ramadan including the vibrant markets of Chand Raat (night of the moon), the famous Jama Masjid, the delicious food, the exciting Eidi gifts, and even a trip to volunteer at the local shelter.

Amazon Aff. Link: Let’s Celebrate Ramadan and Eid

5 – The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi

Mid-Ramadan is a special time for families in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. These middle days are known as “the three whites,” because they include the day of the full moon, the day before, and the day after. It’s a time when children dress in traditional clothing and go from house to house collecting treats from their neighbors. When Noor sees the full moon rising, signaling the coming of Girgian, she and her brothers prepare for the fun. Together, they decorate the bags they’ll carry to collect the candies. But along with the fun, Noor remembers the true meaning of Ramadan: spending time with family and sharing with those less fortunate.

Amazon Aff. Link: The White Nights of Ramadan

6 – My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin

In a true tale of a young girl in Iran and her grandmother, this beautiful ode to family celebrates small moments of love that become lifelong memories.  The adoration between Mina and her grandma is evident on every page.

Amazon Aff. Link: My Grandma and Me

Read Aloud 7 – Ramadan Around the World by Ndaa Hassan

Join the Ramadan Moon as it travels the world to visit children and their families observing Ramadan. Ramadan Around The World showcases how various cultures celebrate the Islamic holiday. The purpose of this book is to illustrate the diversity of the global Muslim community. Children of various nationalities and abilities are represented throughout the book. Families of diverse sizes and demographics have also been equally represented.

Amazon Aff. Link: Ramadan Around the World

8 – Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Lisa Bullard

For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, and thinking of others. Rashad tries to be good all month. When it’s time for Eid al-Fitr, he feasts and plays! Find out how people celebrate this special time of year.

Amazon Aff. Link: Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan Book 9 – Ramadan Moon by Na’ima B. Robert

Ramadan, the month of fasting, doesn’t begin all at once. It begins with a whisper And a prayer And a wish. Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan and the joyful days of Eid-al-Fitr at the end of the month of fasting as the most special time of year. This lyrical and inspiring picture book captures the wonder and joy of this great annual event, from the perspective of a child.

Amazon Aff. Link: Ramadan Moon

10 – Time to Pray by Maha Addasi

On her first night visiting her grandmother, Yasmin is wakened by the muezzin at the nearby mosque calling the faithful to prayer. She watches from her bed as her grandmother prepares to pray. During her stay, Yasmin’s grandmother makes her prayer clothes, buys her a prayer rug, and teaches her the five prayers that Muslims perform over the course of a day. When it’s time for Yasmin to board a plane and return home, her grandmother gives her a present. When Yasmin opens the present when she gets home, she discovers a prayer clock in the shape of a mosque, with an alarm that sounds like a muezzin calling the faithful to prayer.

Amazon Aff. Link: Time to Pray

11 – Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariaam Saad

Join Sofia and her mom and dad who spend Eid with her Mexican grandmother, who is not Muslim but chooses to throw them a festive breakfast that includes traditional Mexican food, decorations, and activities. Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s introduces the reader to simple words in Spanish and even Arabic.

Amazon Aff. Link: Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s

12 – Ramadan by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi

Hakeem and his family celebrate their faith, Islam, by following the traditions and practices of Ramadan, the holiest month of the year for Muslims, by fasting, praying at the mosque, and spending time reflecting on their actions.

Amazon Aff. Link: Ramadan

Besides these amazing titles, check out this Ramadan mini-book direct from Education to the Core’s Holidays Around the World.  Complete with the mini-book, comprehension questions, and activities!

Read Aloud 13 – A Night of Power: A Ramadan Story by Nancy Jo-Taiani

10-year old Mona had always thought that Ramadan was only about fasting. But she discovers there’s more to it when she decides to join her family’s observance for the first time and then tries to explain it to her friends. A Night of Power is an illustrated children’s book that follows Mona’s first fast and her growth in empathy, charity, and her relationship to others.

Amazon Aff. Link: A Night of Power: A Ramadan Story

14 – Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan

Now in paperback, this sweet tale follows Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, as she celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, “The Night of the Moon” (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a peek into modern Muslim culture—and into the ancient roots of its most cherished traditions.

Amazon Aff. Link: Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story

15 – What if My Kitty Fasts in Ramadan by Rabia Gelgi

This book is a fasting journey of a kitty in a warm Muslim house during Ramadan. Kids will learn about Ramadan while enjoying the story of the little kitty.

Amazon Aff. Link: What if My Kitty Fasts in Ramadan

Ramadan Book 16 – Owl and Cat Ramadan Is by Emma Apple

Owl & Cat helps children learn about the concepts of Friendship, Family, and Acceptance, with humor and an appeal that crosses the lines of culture and religion. Perfect for multicultural homes, classrooms, and libraries.

This Ramadan read-aloud,Owl & Cat: Ramadan Is, follows Owl & Cat, and their family and friends as they celebrate the 30 days of the Islamic month of fasting. They learn that Ramadan is about patience, prayer, kindness, and many wonderful traditions!

Amazon Aff. Link: Owl and Cat Ramadan Is

17 – It’s Ramadan Curious George by Hena Khan

It’s the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. Then, George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally, George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan.

Amazon Aff. Link: It’s Ramadan Curious George

18 – Once Upon a Ramadan by D.N. Hockey

Three siblings experience Ramadan together with their stuffed animals. When they bake cookies, Monkey, Puppy, and Fox get messy and need a bath. When they collect presents for children in need, Puppy falls asleep in the bag. In the end, their mother is very proud of them: “Ramadan is about thinking of others and that is exactly what they did.”

Amazon Aff. Link: Once Upon a Ramadan

Read Aloud 19 – R is for Ramadan by Greg Paprocki

A fun alphabet primer celebrating the month-long Muslim observance of fasting and spiritual awareness. Ramadan is a month-long observance when Muslims all over the world spend more time with each other, emphasize charitable works, fast, pray, and break their daily fast each night together. It’s a time meant to focus on things such as sharing, empathy, compassion, generosity, and selflessness. 

Amazon Aff. Link: R is for Ramadan

20 – Max Celebrates Ramadan by Adria F. Worsham

Omar invites Max to his house for the end of Ramadan. Family, food, and fun are all part of the special day.

Amazon Aff. Link: Max Celebrates Ramadan

21 – Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan by Yasmeen Rahim

It is the night before Ramadan and Hassan and Aneesa are excited for it to begin. During Ramadan, they will read the Qur’an, give charity, share food with neighbors and try to fast. Follow them on the first day of Ramadan and find out why Hassan and Aneesa love it when the Muslim holy month arrives.

Amazon Aff. Link: Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan

Ramadan Book 22 – Ramadan by Hannah Eliot

In the ninth month of the year, when the first crescent moon rises in the sky, it’s time to celebrate Ramadan! In this lovely board book with illustrations from Rashin Kheiriyeh, readers learn that Ramadan is a time to reflect on ourselves, be thankful, and a time to help others.

Amazon Aff. Link: Ramadan

23 – Ilyas and Duck Ramadan Joy by Omar Khawaja

Fasting, good deeds, empathy, oh boy! It’s a story about discovery and about Ramadan joy! The month of Ramadan is here! It’s a special time of year. But when on the morning of the first day of Ramadan Duck learns he cannot eat or drink until sunset, he gets a little concerned. Join Ilyas & Duck in this rhyming adventure as they learn about the joys of Ramadan and all the blessings they bring. 

Amazon Aff. Link: Ilyas and Duck Ramadan Joy

24 – Amal’s Eid by Amy Maranville

Meet Amal. Amal is in the third grade. He loves playing outside, hanging out with his little brother Youssef (sometimes!), and eating Bengali sweets. Today, Amal is celebrating Eid al-Fitr with his family and he wants you to join in the celebration. Learn about Amal’s special family traditions as they celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Amazon Aff. Link: Amal’s Eid

Read Aloud 25 – Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman

Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. The lyrical story, with luminous illustrations, serves as an introduction to Ramadan―a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. A detailed note about Ramadan is included.

Amazon Aff. Link: Under the Ramadan Moon

26 – Drummer Girl by Hiba Masood

Year after year, in the blessed month of Ramadan, little Najma has happily arisen to the drumbeat of her neighborhood’s musaharati. He walks through the streets of her small Turkish village, waking each family for the pre-dawn meal before the long day of fasting. Najma wants nothing more than to be a musaharati herself one day, but no girl has ever taken on the role before. Will she have what it takes to be the drummer girl of her dreams? Find out in this inspirational story of sincerity, determination, and believing in yourself.

Amazon Aff. Link: Drummer Girl

Ramadan allows us to focus on faith and setting goals.  Consider this great Setting Goals unit from Education to the Core’s Yearlong Social-Emotional Learning Resource.  Available in K-2 and 3-5!

27 – Zaki’s Ramadan Fast by Ann P. El-Moslimany

This story glances at a day in the life of a little Muslim boy who is fasting for the first time. Though he is still not required to fast every day for the month of Ramadan, his family gives him their support to achieve his goal of fasting one day. Even with that support, Zaki quickly learns that it takes effort. A great book to introduce children to fasting and setting goals. 

Amazon Aff. Link: Zaki’s Ramadan Fast

Ramadan Book 28 – Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan

With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, this Ramadan read aloud: Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently capture the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions for even the youngest readers. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures.

Amazon Aff. Link: Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns

29 – A Party in Ramadan by Asma Mobin-Uddin

Ramadan is coming, and Leena is excited. Although she is too young to fast every day during the Muslim religious festival, Leena decides to fast each Friday instead. When Leena receives an invitation to a party that happens to fall on Friday, she has a dilemma. She doesn’t want to miss the party, but she doesn’t want to miss fasting either. So Leena decides to go to the party, but not eat or drink anything at all. Later, she will join her family for the meal known as iftar, when the daily fast is broken. But when Leena, the only Muslim at the party, sees her friends enjoying fresh lemonade and chocolate cake, her stomach starts to growl and her head begins to hurt. Will she keep her Ramadan fast?

Amazon Aff. Link: A Party in Ramadan

30 – My First Ramadan by Karen Katz

It’s time for Ramadan to begin. Follow along with one young boy as he observes the Muslim holy month with his family.  This year, the narrator is finally old enough to fast, and readers of all ages will be interested as he shares his experiences of this special holiday in Islam.

Amazon Aff. Link: My First Ramadan

Read Aloud 31 – Rami the Ramadan Cat by Robyn Thomas

Saleem has just moved to a new city. On the first night of Ramadan, he finds a scruffy kitten clinging to his backyard fence. Even though Saleem and his family make “lost cat” posters to hang up around their neighborhood, he secretly hopes they never find the cat’s owner! After all, Rami is Saleem’s only friend in this new place. This Ramadan read-aloud, Rami The Ramadan Cat, embodies the Ramadan spirit of generosity to family, friends, and neighbors beautifully.

Amazon Aff. Link: Rami the Ramadan Cat

32 – The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard

Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly―and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate. This lovely multigenerational family story explores the many ways to take part in the Ramadan holiday.

Amazon Aff. Link: The Gift of Ramadan

Ramadan Book 33 – One Meal More: A Multicultural Ramadan Story by Emma Apple

One Ramadan evening, a knock at the door, brings a new guest, with one meal more. Young readers are invited to join a multicultural iftar meal during the Muslim month of Ramadan. One Meal More is a Ramadan counting story that features a diverse group of Muslim women as well as food from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

Amazon Aff. Link: One Meal More: A Multicultural Ramadan Story

We hope you find these resources helpful. As an organization, ETTC will continue to share information and resources that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. These resources should not just be used for one month, but all year round. 

I hope you found some titles that you are planning on including this month for a wonderful read-aloud with Ramadan. In addition, if you have resources to share with us, be sure to put them in the comments below! Together, we will work towards the goal of inclusion of everyone. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

 “Eid Mubarak!”. “Happy Eid!”

Written By – Christopher Olson

At Education to the Core, we exist to help our teachers build a stronger classroom as they connect with our community to find trusted, state-of-the-art resources designed by teachers for teachers. We aspire to be the world’s leading & most trusted community for educational resources for teachers. We improve the lives of every teacher and learner with the most comprehensive, reliable, and inclusive educational resources.

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