April 4 is National School Librarian Day and April 11 is National Library Day. Every year Muslim Space delivers book bundles to the public schools in the Austin area as a way to enhance an understanding of Islam, Muslims, and other non-dominant cultures.
The goal of this annual project is to promote authentic narratives of Muslims and/or other marginalized groups and identities. The result is two-fold, it places a familiar image and identity for Muslim youth to relate to and it normalizes the Muslim experience for non-Muslims.
In 2017 we delivered Ramadan-themed book bundles the elementary schools, 2018 we delivered “Amina’s Voice” and “I Am Malala” to the middle schools and “No God But God” & “The Hate You Give” to high schools, in 2019 we returned to the elementary schools delivering “Drummer Girl” by Hiba Massod, “For the Right to Learn: A Malala Yousufzai's Story" by Rebecca Ann Langston-George and "Night of the Moon" by Henna Khan, and in 2020 we gifted the middle schools “Proud” by Ibtihaj Muhammad and “Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal” by G. Willow Wilson for high schools.
This year we plan on delivering two books showcasing the beauty of diversity - “Fuaja Singh Keeps Going:The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon” by Simran Jeet Singh and “Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors” by Hena Khan.
Each book bundle costs $20 and we plan on delivering a total of 200 bundles to local schools.
You can sponsor a bundle by donating here: www.paypal.me/muslimspace or Venmo (@MuslimSpace)
Book Descriptions:
“FaujahSingh Keeps Going” by Simran Jeet Singh
The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community. Every step forward is a victory. Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn't allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn't stop him. Working on his family's farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential. He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race. With exuberant text by Simran Jeet Singh and exhilarating illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, the true story of Fauja Singh reminds us that it's both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable.
“Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors” by Hena Khan.
With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently captures 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, this entrancing volume is equally at home in the classroom as it is being read to a child on a parent's lap.