My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin

Uddin, Asma Mobin (2005). My Name Is Bilal. Honesdale , Pennsylvania
Boyds Mills Press.


My name is Bilal is a well written text that fulfills an ever so present need of placing Muslim-American experiences in the hands of readers. It does this while still showing experiences that will relate to all readers. Bilal is a young boy who struggles with a new school, bullying, and finding his own identity. Being the minority in a new school is difficult for Bilal and his sister Ayesha, who are Muslim. The first day of school he allows for his sister to be bullied because of her apparel and is scared to stand up for her becuase he is afraid of letting others know that he is muslim as well. His teacher, Mr. Ali, who is also Muslim finds out about how is struggling with accepting his muslim identity and offers him a book to read. The book is about a man named Bilal who played a vital role in helping the prophet muhammad make the call to prayer; which is a deeply rooted Muslim tradition. After this the boy Bilal realizes something within himself and encounters a series of events where he can step up and truly embrace his identity. This is a great story that accurately gives incites into Muslim tradition while portraying a theme that applies to everyone which is gaining other's acceptance is very possible if you accept yourself first.

This book opens up a new world for youth that is important to discover. The author, Asma Mobin-Uddin, does a wonderful job of giving accurate incite into some history and tradition of the Muslim faith. With this religion becoming more in the public view and Americans often falsely portraying the Nation of Islam it is important for books such as these to be able to get into the hands of young minds, and even some adults. This book allows children to be exposed to a minority that is becoming more apart of their surroundings and texts like this should be included on bookshelves just as any other. It is important because it will benefit some children in embracing their identity, just as with Bilal, and also it will supply knowledge to others who do not understand the Muslim background. This book is a must read!