My Name Is Bilal

By Asma Mobin-Uddin

Book Overview

Featured in a New York Times article titled "Teach Your Kids to Resist Hatred Toward Asians"

A young boy wrestles with his Muslim identify until a compassionate teacher helps him to understand more about his heritage.

After a family move, Bilal and his sister Ayesha attend a new school where they find out that they may be the only Muslim students there. Bilal sees his sister bullied on their first day, so he worries about being teased himself, thinking it might be best if his classmates didn't know that he is Muslim. Maybe if he tells kids his name is Bill, rather than Bilal, then they will eave him alone. But when Bilal's teacher Mr. Ali, who is also Muslim, sees how Bilal is struggling. He gives Bilal a book about the first person to give the call to prayer during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. That person was another Bilal: Bilal Ibn Rabah. What Bilal learns from the book forms the compelling story of a young boy grappling with his identity.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590781759
• ISBN13: 9781590781753
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: Astra Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 9.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

takes me back to when I was growing up

A sensitive and thoughtful book that each of us can relate to. Most of us have all been "picked on" at sometime during our school days. Regardless of where we come from, what religion we belong to or what the color of our skin is, we can all relate to feeling alienated and like we just don't fit in. Learning to stand up for yourself and developing confidence in who you are some of the most defining moments in our lives. This book gives courage to children shows them that they are not alone.

Depth and Sensitivity

Portrays a familiar school situation with depth and sensitivity. Other kids at Bilal's new school tear off his sister's head scarf and make anti-Muslim remarks. Bilal feels he needs to hide his Muslim identity, and we (the readers) understand why. We all understand what it's like to be singled-out and afraid, even if our specific situation is not the same as Bilal's. Some concerned adults help Bilal feel comfortable about embracing his identity as a Muslim, but Bilal finds a way to make peace with the bully all on his own. Bilal's solution has to do with teamwork and sportsmanship, and it gives us insight into Bilal's developing character. Spirituality is built into the story in a subtle and satisfying way. This multi-layered story will appeal people of many faiths. Bilal's story transcends categories of religion or nationality.

Fantastic Book

It was so nice to see a book that showed how difference can be overcome by simply standing up for yourself. I think every third grade classroom should have this book. It is also nice to see Muslims portrayed in a postive light for a change.