Professional Resource on My Name Is Bilal

Aman, Mary Jo. Domes. Milwaukee: Fall 2005. Vol. 14, Iss. 2; pg. 111


When Bilal accompanies his sister, Ayesha, to their new school, he is frightened by two bullies, who tug at Ayesha's headscarf and almost pull it off. He is too afraid to come to her aid, and in class, he announces that his name is "Bill", also afraid that his new classmates will discover that he is Muslim.
His teacher, Mr. Ali, promises to keep his secret, but he also brings Bilal a book about another Bilal -- Bilal Ibn Rabal -- "the first person to give the Muslim call to prayer during the time of the Prophet Muhammed...." (p. 9) After reading of the steadfastness of his namesake, in the face of those who wanted him to recant his religion, Bilal found a deeper respect for who he was, new courage, and new friends.
This is a simple picture book that relates, not only some of the problems that Muslims -- young and old -- face in America, but it also gives the reader some insight into the fitual call to prayer, to which Muslims resond five times a day. A well written introduction to Islam for ages five to eight, which should be in all picture book collections.