Category: fiction

Quiet Night, My Astronaut: The First Days (and Nights) of the War in Ukraine
by Oksana Lushchevska (Author) and Kateryna Stepanishcheva (Illustrator)
@ Amazon* | Bookshop*

Booktalk: This historical fiction picture book shows the first days and nights of the war in Ukraine from a child’s perspective. The child is scared, but will not be afraid. She believes in a higher power watching over them, keeping them safe–her astronaut.

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Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

Aliya’s Secret: A Story of Ramadan
by Farida Zaman (Author / Illustrator)
@ Amazon* | Bookshop*

Booktalk: Ramadan is coming, and as Abba and Ammi prepare for their month-long fast, Aliya hugs a secret to her chest: she’s going to fast too! Ammi says she’s still too young to fast, but Aliya is determined. At school, she refuses her snack, her lunch–even the cupcakes Sanjay’s mom drops off for his birthday. But when she gets home, she can’t resist Ammi’s sweet, syrupy baklava. Before Aliya can stop herself, she reaches out and takes a big bite.

Aliya is disappointed in herself, but Ammi explains that there are many other ways to celebrate Ramadan besides fasting, like performing acts of kindness! Together, Aliya and her parents spend the month preparing and delivering meals to people in need.

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Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)