"That evening, Aliya helps Ammi with the
baking, and the kitchen fills with the sweet
smells of buttery baklava.
Aliya's tummy rumbles like thunder, and
she finds it hard to focus on stirring the pot of
halwa. All she can think about is the crunchy,
syrupy baklava ... and before she can stop
herself, she takes a big bite."
When the new moon marks the start of Ramadan, Aliya shows her excitement by telling her parents that she wants to fast with them. While explaining that he fasts to help him understand what hunger is like for many, Abba says fasting also makes him thankful for all that he does have. But, he explains, he considers Aliya too young to fast with her parents and other Muslims. She can wait until she is older. Aliya does not think so.
Early the next morning, Aliya joins her parents for an early breakfast before the sun rises; she eats a lot more than usual. Aliya has no idea how long the day will seem and how hard it will be to fast all day long. Even when cupcakes are shared for Sanjay's birthday, she refuses to eat ... and she gets even hungrier. As she helps with food preparation once she gets home, she can no longer bear it. Taking a big bite of baklava leaves her feeling very guilty.
Aliya tells Ammi what she has done. Her mother encourages her to have something to eat before they stop to talk about other ways to celebrate Ramadan. Perhaps acts of kindness is a better way for a young girl to show thankfulness. That works. Soon, a new moon rises in the sky and Aliya knows Ramadan is coming to an end for another year. Eid al-Fitr breaks their fast. Now, she can look forward to next year.
Telling, colorful artwork, an author's note and a glossary help young readers with learning about this yearly Muslim celebration.
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