Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His Daughter

Synopsis:

The story starts with the father encouraging her daughter to climb high and laugh so that your smile touches the sky, and stay there a trip in a city of skyscrapers compared to the mayan pyramids. Then it becomes suddenly serious with -” that there are questions people will ask . Some people will not smile at you.” But encourages her to have the confidence and tell them “yo soy muslim” and be proud of her muslim heritage. Then it talks about amazing things her ancestors have done. Her father encourages her again, “No matter what people say always know you are wondrous, a child of crescent moons, a builder of mosques, a decedent of brilliance, and an ancestor in training” Followed by more encouragement and what to say to people who ask questions, with lots of references to their Hispanic culture. Overall, the father reminds the girl about being Hispanic and Muslim, and to be proud of her heritage.

Why I like this book:

• I love that it represents Muslims from Hispanic heritage and gives insight into their culture
• I appreciate that its a letter from the dad. (I personally feel that dads are under-represented in our books)
• The dad reminds his daughter that she should be proud of who she is, and where she comes from – and should remember her Hispanic heritage as well as her Muslim heritage.
• I love that in the end, the father reminds her to pray. Such a good note to end the letter on

Activities:

• You can talk to the children about the illustrations! – The girl’s distinct clothes and culture.
• Talk about the Mayan pyramids and bring some history into it
• Talk about the desert landscape
• Do a small project on Mexico or any of the South American countries
• Talk about your own cultural identity and the similarities it shares with Hispanic culture
• Have your child write a letter to a friend/relative (or to their future self) appreciating them and encouraging them to be proud of who they are.

Other Reviews:

Read Aloud on Youtube