“Sadiq is looking forward to being a drummer in the school band when he’s old enough. When Hooyo shows Sadiq a family heirloom—a drum called a durbaan—Sadiq can’t wait to show his mother’s drum to his friends at school. His new friend Gabi, who’s deaf, shares his love of drums. But then a mishap occurs with Hooyo’s durbaan. How will Sadiq explain it to Hooyo, and can he make things right?” — publisher […]
Children's Picture Books: Stories about Characters of Somali Ethnicity
Sadiq and the Festival of Cultures
“After a field trip to the Festival of Nations, Sadiq and his classmates are inspired to host a festival celebrating their own cultures. Sadiq is excited to host a booth featuring Somali foods, games, and crafts. But when he asks his friend Owen what he might show in his booth, Owen is quiet. Owen isn’t sure about his cultural heritage. Can Sadiq and his friends find a way to make sure everyone in their class has traditions to share at the festival of cultures?” — publisher […]
Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids
“The United States has always been a nation of immigrants―and now you can learn all about the amazing people who’ve helped shape it, with this history book for kids age 9-12. Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids gives you an exciting and engaging look into the lives and contributions of these incredible individuals.
From Levi Strauss to Isabel Allende, discover how these dedicated and creative people made their mark―and how you can follow in their footsteps.” — publisher […]
Read More… from Home of the Brave: An American History Book for Kids
The Hyena and the Fox
“When a fox keeps eating a farmer’s animals, he and his wife come up with a plan to get rid of him. But the clever fox has other ideas.” — publisher […]
Spirit of the Cheetah
“Young Roblay runs through his Somali village practicing for the big race, where only the fastest runners will be declared men. He turns for advice to his grandfather, who tells Roblay of the mighty Shabelle River, which is strong and swift like a cheetah. Roblay must capture that spirit if he is to finish among the winners of the race and become a man. Inspired by her father’s storytelling, Khadra Mohammed joins Karen Lynn Williams in retelling this Somali coming-of-age tale, beautifully illustrated by artist Julia Cairns. The story of a proud people who once lived together peacefully and drew wisdom from the animals, it is sure to generate enthusiastic discussion in the classroom. An appendix provides further information on the cheetah—the fastest land animal on earth and now an endangered species.” — publisher […]
I’m new here
Three children from Somalia, Guatemala, and Korea struggle to adjust to their new home and school in the United States […]
Bismillah soup!
A spinoff of the classic Stone Soup folktale, Bismillah Soup is a story about Hasan, a young Somali boy who ventures out to prepare a delicious feast for his mother. With a little bit of elbow grease, a lot of trust in God and the help of his friends and neighbours, Hasan quickly turns his idea into a magnificent plan and gathers the entire community together for a spectacular feast at the local mosque. Hasan’s journey is full of unexpected twists and turns that lead him down a path of discovering what community, generosity and reliance on God truly mean. […]
The Amazing Travels of Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta recalls his amazing journey and the fascinating people, cultures, and places he encountered. He traveled extensively, throughout Islamic lands and beyond — from the Middle East to Africa to Europe to Asia nearly 700 years ago. […]
The colour of home
Hassan, newly-arrived in England and feeling homesick, paints a picture at school that shows his old home in Somalia as well as the reason his family had to leave […]
When I get older
Somali-Canadian poet, rapper, singer, and songwriter K’Naan tells his own story […]
