{"id":2190,"date":"2025-03-05T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=2190"},"modified":"2025-03-05T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T12:00:00","slug":"14-books-about-muslim-women-to-read-for-womens-history-month-ramadan-international-womens-day-by-m-o-yuksel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=2190","title":{"rendered":"14 Books About Muslim Women to Read for Women\u2019s History Month, Ramadan, &amp; International Women\u2019s Day by M.O. Yuksel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As we observe the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate Women\u2019s History Month and International Women\u2019s Day, it\u2019s the perfect time to highlight the incredible stories of Muslim women who have defied expectations, shattered barriers, and changed the world!<\/p>\n<p>These trailblazers have challenged stereotypes, redefined narratives, and paved the way for future generations,\u00a0embodying the strength, perseverance, and generosity that both Ramadan and Women\u2019s History Month celebrate. Their stories show how faith and ambition go hand in hand, proving that Muslim women have always been forces of change.<\/p>\n<p>From picture books to memoirs, these books offer insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on history, identity, and empowerment. I hope these powerful true stories uplift and inspire you.\u00a0If there are any books I\u2019ve missed,\u00a0please\u00a0feel free to share your recommendations in the comments.<\/p>\n<p>Picture Books:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/screenshot-2025-03-05-at-3.53.05e280afpm.png\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Game Changers: Stories of\u00a0Hijabi\u00a0Athletes from around the World<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0Charlene Smith\u00a0and\u00a0Natalya Tariq\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Meet 13 trailblazing\u00a0hijabi\u00a0athletes who are breaking barriers in sports. Many were the first to compete in their sport while wearing the hijab, challenging cultural norms and fighting to change discriminatory rules. From Egyptian beach volleyball player Doaa\u00a0Elghobashy\u00a0to Syrian American runner Rahaf Khatib, their inspiring stories prove that Muslim girls don\u2019t have to choose between their faith and their dreams.\u00a0Game Changersempowers the next generation to redefine what\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/71qsetgbezl._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Umm Kulthum: The Star of the East<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0Rhonda\u00a0Roumani\u00a0and\u00a0Ahmed Abdelmohsen<\/p>\n<p>Umm Kulthum was an iconic Arab singer whose powerful voice captivated audiences for over five decades, earning admiration from legends like Bob Dylan and Maria Callas. Born to a poor Egyptian family, she defied social norms, disguised herself as a boy to perform, and rose to fame through sheer talent and determination. In Cairo, she mastered her craft, collaborating with top poets and musicians. Known as\u00a0The Star of the East, her legacy remains a symbol of cultural pride.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/one-wish.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World\u2019s Oldest University<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0M. O. Yuksel\u00a0and\u00a0Mariam Quraishi<\/p>\n<p>This inspiring true story celebrates the power of education, resilience, and the impact one person can make. In 9th-century Fez, Morocco, Fatima al-Fihri founded the world\u2019s oldest continuously operating university, turning her lifelong dream into reality through perseverance, faith, and determination. For over a thousand years, her school has welcomed scholars from around the world, and it continues to do so today!\u00a0Her extraordinary legacy reminds us of the importance of never giving up on our dreams and how we all have the power to create lasting change.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/81bcgq2udcl._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Yasmeen\u00a0Lari, Green Architect: The True Story of Pakistan\u2019s First Woman Architect<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0Marzieh Abbas,\u00a0and\u00a0Hoda Hadadi\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This fascinating biography tells the story of Yasmeen\u00a0Lari, Pakistan\u2019s first female architect and humanitarian. After natural disasters hit, she created affordable, sustainable homes using a mix of traditional materials and modern design.\u00a0Lari\u2019s\u00a0journey,\u00a0from preserving historic buildings to helping communities rebuild after earthquakes and floods,\u00a0shows how one person\u2019s passion can make a huge difference. With beautiful illustrations, the story highlights her incredible work and lasting impact on architecture and the people she served.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/51kqiyaia8l._sx342_sy445_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Lion on the Inside<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir,\u00a0Judith Henderson, and\u00a0Katherine Ahmed<\/p>\n<p>Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir was born to play basketball, but when a referee says she can\u2019t play while wearing her hijab, she faces a difficult choice. Supported by her teammates and fans, Bilqis becomes the all-time leading scorer in Massachusetts and the first woman to play in a hijab in the NCAA. When forced to give up her professional career due to the same rule, she fights for change. This powerful true story celebrates her journey and impact, blending basketball, activism, and courage.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/510rpe8uaol._sx342_sy445_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Milloo\u2019s\u00a0Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women\u2019s Education<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0Reem Faruqi\u00a0and\u00a0Hoda Hadadi\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This\u00a0uplifting\u00a0picture book biography tells the story of Maryam Faruqi, founder of the Happy Home Schools, who provided education to thousands of girls in Pakistan when schooling\u00a0for girls was discouraged. Despite obstacles,\u00a0Milloo\u00a0pursued her dreams, becoming a teacher and opening schools across Karachi. Written by her granddaughter,\u00a0Reem Faruqi,\u00a0this beautifully illustrated book celebrates her determination and legacy.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/51rohwcrqfl._sx342_sy445_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib\u2019s Journey to Washington<\/em> by\u00a0Rashida Tlaib,\u00a0Miranda Paul, Adam Tlaib, and Olivia\u00a0Aserr\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This\u00a0empowering\u00a0picture book tells the story of Rashida Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, and her journey from growing up in Detroit to becoming a trailblazing activist and politician. Through the eyes of her children, readers learn about elections, government, and breaking barriers in pursuit of justice. Tlaib\u2019s story encourages kids to believe in their ability to make a difference and follow their dreams, while highlighting the importance of family and community.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/51cfuto59bl._sx342_sy445_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid<\/em>\u00a0by Jeanette Winter<\/p>\n<p>This nonfiction picture book introduces Zaha Hadid, the groundbreaking architect who overcame adversity to shape the world with her designs. Growing up in Baghdad, Hadid dreamed of creating cities, and after studying in London, she started her own studio. Despite facing challenges as a Muslim woman, her determination led to stunning buildings worldwide, showcasing her incredible legacy.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/c3351muslimgirlsrise-inspirationalchampionsofourtime_digital__rounded_1280x.webp\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time<\/em>\u00a0by Saira Mir\u00a0and Aaliya Jaleel<\/p>\n<p>Discover the true stories of nineteen unstoppable Muslim women of the twenty-first century\u00a0who have defied obstacles to make history. From the culinary arts and fashion to science, sports, and activism, these women have broken barriers in various fields. Through short biographies and vibrant illustrations, young readers will discover how these trailblazing women overcame challenges to achieve their dreams and become powerful leaders, offering fresh role models and showing the incredible impact of Muslim women today.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/51mxhgpdhil._sx342_sy445_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Yusra Swims<\/em>\u00a0by Julie Abery\u00a0and Sally\u00a0Deng\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This inspiring true story follows Yusra Mardini, a young swimmer from Damascus with dreams of competing in the Olympics. When war forces her to flee Syria, she courageously\u00a0saves others by swimming alongside a sinking boat in the Aegean Sea. The book vividly portrays her remarkable journey, highlighting her resilience and determination as she reaches Germany and fulfills her Olympic dream.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/91yslunisnl._uf10001000_ql80_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq<\/em>\u00a0by Jeanette Winters<\/p>\n<p>Alia Muhammad Baker\u2019s library in Basra, Iraq, has been a beloved space for book lovers for fourteen years. But when war arrives, Alia fears the library,\u00a0and its 30,000 books, will\u00a0be lost forever. This\u00a0powerful\u00a0true story follows her\u00a0determination\u00a0to save her community\u2019s\u00a0priceless\u00a0collection, showing how, even in the darkest times, the love of books and literature can bring people together and give them hope.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/71xfh9n-gvl._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Malala\u2019s Magic Pencil<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0Malala Yousafzai, and\u00a0Kerasco\u00ebt\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As a child in Pakistan, Malala wished for a magic pencil to make the world a better place. But as she grew older, she realized there were bigger things to wish for. Despite never finding a magic pencil, Malala learned that she could work hard every day to make her dreams come true. This beautifully illustrated book inspires young readers to create change and hold onto hope.<\/p>\n<p>MG\/YA:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/814k1lsitsl._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Proud (Young Readers Edition): Living My American Dream<\/em>\u00a0by Ibtihaj Muhammad<\/p>\n<p>Ibtihaj Muhammad made history as the first American to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab and as the first Muslim American woman to win a medal. Growing up in suburban New Jersey, Ibtihaj faced challenges as an African American Muslim and stood out in the predominantly white world of fencing. Despite prejudice, she persevered, rising above obstacles to achieve her dreams. This powerful story of faith, family, and resilience inspires readers to overcome adversity and stay true to themselves.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/71ywn3jh0ul._ac_uf10001000_ql80_.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>We\u2019re in This Together: A Young Readers Edition of We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders<\/em> by\u00a0Linda Sarsour<\/p>\n<p>In this empowering\u00a0book, Linda Sarsour, co-organizer of the Women\u2019s March, shares her inspiring journey from a young girl in Brooklyn to a fearless activist. On January 21, 2017, she stood before a crowd of over 470,000 people to fight for women\u2019s rights. In this memoir, Linda recounts how her upbringing as a Palestinian Muslim woman shaped her activism, and how she found her voice to stand up for others in one of the largest protests in US history.<\/p>\n<p>M.O. Yuksel is an award-winning author of\u00a0several children\u2019s books, including\u00a0<em>In My Mosque<\/em>,\u00a0<em>One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World\u2019s Oldest University<\/em>,\u00a0<em>Ramadan Kareem<\/em>, and\u00a0<em>Sami\u2019s Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story<\/em>. Her latest book,\u00a0T<em>he Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg\u2019s Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons<\/em>, explores the remarkable life of a 15th-century astronomer.\u00a0Her goal is to craft the stories she longed for as a child, ones\u00a0that inspire, uplift, and celebrate the rich diversity of our world.\u00a0Learn more at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.moyuksel.com\/\">www.moyuksel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we observe the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate Women\u2019s History Month and International Women\u2019s Day, it\u2019s the perfect time to highlight the incredible stories of Muslim women who have defied expectations, shattered barriers, and changed the world! These trailblazers have challenged stereotypes, redefined narratives, and paved the way for future generations,\u00a0embodying the strength, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":2191,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2190"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2190"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2190\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2191"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2190"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2190"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}