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It’s Eid al-Adha, and Sami wants to celebrate. But this year is different after his grandfather’s passing. A touching picture book about kindness towards others.
Sami worries that the Eid al-Adha carnival won’t be as fun without Dede (his grandfather), who died recently. Sami’s grandmother sends him one of Dede’s ties, and Sami vows to never take it off.
After going to the mosque for Eid prayer, Sami’s family stop at the shelter where Baba and Anne volunteer. Can an unexpected encounter and a special gift help Sami change his mind about celebrating?
The gift of giving and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes shines through in this engaging, poignant holiday story.
Praise for Sami’s Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story
A gift to all readers! Readers who celebrate Eid al-Adha will enjoy seeing their annual tradition, while readers who do not practice Islam will get a peek into a modern way to celebrate an ancient holiday. Young readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and following the journey Sami takes with his younger sister Sara throughout the day. Adults will love to use this story as a model to broach conversations about traditions, as well as deeper themes of loss, philanthropy, and homelessness. VERDICT: An easy recommendation for all libraries. Add it to elementary and high school shelves.
School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Caring and sharing drive this charming tale. Focusing on a holiday that’s less widely written about than Ramadan, Yuksel makes an important contribution, penning a story that’s both a mirror for young Muslims and a window for those unfamiliar with Muslim traditions. The message of giving generously and showing gratitude shines through.
Kirkus Reviews
Featured in
- Nerdy Book Club Holiday Stories that Resonate: Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha
Kindness Is Everything Podcast
In this episode, “Kindness Is Creating For Children”, Anitha is joined by M.O. Yuksel and Omar Abed, two creators who write books for children.
Reading Guide and Activities
Sami’s Special Gift Activity Kit