Along with the Year of the Asian Reading Challenge, I’m also doing the Ramadan Readathon. This year is focused on a bingo board theme. Each collum is based around one of the Five Pillars of Islam. I’m trying to complete the Sawm pillar. I may try for the Shahadah pillar if I manage to read really fast.

I’m really glad for a chance to highlight Muslim authors and content, some authors like Hena Khan are already favorites, but I’m excited to find new favorites as well. Especially with some of these anticipated titles.

Here are my picks for the collum.

Betty Before X by Ilyashah Shabazz and Renee Watson

I’ve been looking at this book for a while. It’s the story, with some fictional elements added, of civil rights icon Dr. Betty Shabazz and her formative years.

The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

Honestly, this book is on my list for two reason’s, this lovely cover. Whoever did the cover art did a fantastic job. The description also sounds amazing and covers mythology I’m not at all familiar, I hope to do some research along with reading the book about some of the concepts covered so I think this will be an informative read.

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

I’ve been looking forward to this book for months. It’s a really interesting story that covers identity, finding your true self, magic, and is set in a world inspired by ancient Arabia. Plus one of the main characters sounds super cool.

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard

I wanted to include a children’s book in this lineup and this one fit the theme and looked adorable.

Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan

I love anything Hena Khan writes, but Amina’s Voice is probably my favorite. Amina’s world has changed since she arrived in middle school. Now she’s not sure where she fits, with her friend group changing and her Uncle arriving for a visit, she’s going to have an interesting year.