Praise for My Name is Bilal
The very first book Asma Mobin-Uddin ever signed! American Library Association (ALA) conference, Chicago, 2005
Awards
2006 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People, Grades 4-6
2006 Best Children’s Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
2005 Celebrate With Books - Cleveland Public Library’s guide to the year’s best books
Silicon Valley Reads 2012 - Companion Book
Front page of The Marion Star – Asma’s hometown newspaper from where she grew up, August 28, 2005
Reviews
“A well-done treatment of a subject not often seen in children’s picture books...An important book for most libraries.”
-School Library Journal
“A good starting place for discussions of cultural differences, prejudice, and respect for the beliefs of others.”
- Booklist
“May be useful in sparking discussions with younger audiences about prejudice.”
- Kirkus Reviews
“Tackles a timely topic and raises some true-to-life situations…the book does a good job of presenting encouraging, positive images that contemporary Muslims in particular can embrace.”
“[A] compelling, affirming story for Muslim children. For others, it is a good empathy-builder.”
- The Columbus Dispatch
“The illustrated, well-organized story serves as an opportune reminder to youth, as well as adults, that they should not shy away from revealing their Muslim identity.”
- Islamic Horizons magazine
“Tackles important childhood themes such as identity, bullying, and the pressure to fit in… highly recommend”
- The Children’s Literature Forum
“With its realistic art and strong thematic development, My Name Is Bilal is recommended as a springboard for discussions about Muslim Americans and religious prejudice.”
- Cynthia Leitich Smith, NSK Neustadt Laureate and New York Times bestselling author
Taping “Teacher Talk”
Notable Press
The New York Times. "Teach Your Kids to Resist Hatred Toward Asians.” 4-24-2021
CNN. “How to talk to kids about racism.” Updated 1-13-2017
“Children’s Literature: 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed.” Montclair State University, blog. 2-16-2016
“Social Justice Literature for the Elementary Classroom.” New York University Childhood/ Childhood Special Education Teacher Education Program, blog. 1-29-2009
Religion News Service. Muslim Author Addresses Prejudice in ‘My Name is Bilal.’ 10-11-2005
Social Justice Books of Teaching for Change– Recommended book