Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: PK-3
Interest Level: PK - 4
Themes: Muslim Life, Colors, Family, traditions, Muslim religious practices
An adorable Somali girl was sitting in her 1st grade
class, in a Minnesota elementary school. She was a bit fidgety, and distracted.
She wasn't interested in joining the story circle with the other children,
despite the urgings of her teacher and the paraprofessional working with her.
She sat at a desk and began to color, while the other students waited for the
teacher to begin her read aloud. As the teacher began to read, the little girl
continued to color, seemingly uninterested in what was going on at the front of
the room. The teacher read one page, then the next. Suddenly, the little girl
in the back of the room looked up and shouted, "That book is about
ME!" She put down her crayons, and walked to the front of the room. She
wriggled herself in between two students right in front of the teacher, and
listened to the rest of the story with rapt attention. She had heard what
mattered to her heart....Validated and Affirmed.
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is beautiful and authentic. It is not text heavy, and the illustrations are exquisite, making it a wonderful choice for early readers. This journey through daily colors, peeking into the life of a young Muslim girl, will be intriguing and enjoyable for young and older readers alike.
There is great instructional possibility about world religions and culture. Students will be able to ask questions and make observations about similarities and differences in family traditions, beliefs and practices. In addition, it provides an excellent opportunity for Muslim students to be the "experts" as they help to explain/discuss important Islamic terms like "hijab" or "Eid", as they come to life with Mehrdokht Amini's gorgeous, colorful pictures.
This book is a beautiful, responsive read! Go get it!
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