Magid Fasts for Ramadan by Mary Matthews

Matthews, Mary, & Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. (1996). Magid Fasts for Ramadan. New York: Clarion Books.


Magid is an eight year old boy that feels that he wants to and should be able to fast for Ramadan just as the rest of the people in his family are doing. The only thing is that his parents tell him he is too young and are adament in telling him that he cannot fast with the rest of them at his age. Magid is determined to be what is considered as a good and obedient muslim, but during his struggle of trying to complete the fast without anyone finding out he is forced to realize some other very important values of being muslim. This story gives great incite into the background of Ramadan and how it came to be, as Magid's grandfather tells and portrays to him what the true qualities of being Muslim are. The writings of this book are still very relatable because even though the plot may be different than what most may be used to the values of a close-knit family still shine through in this informed writer's work; Mary Matthews.

This book is also a representation of the very few available books that represent the Nation of Islam which is becoming so prevelant in America. It gives a straight forward look into a world that is all around us, meaning Americans, but so few of us know much about. This gives parents and children alike the opportunity to begin to understand and talk about Islam, which is important in the time that we live in where it seems that America and the Nation of Islam seem to be at rivalry. It is important for children to be able to understand and begin to ask questions to know about their peers around them so equality can be instilled. And this book can be a tool that is used to begin such a thing.