Zain's Super Friday

by Hena Khan (Author) Nez Riaz (Illustrator)

Zain's Super Friday
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Join Zain and his dad on a special visit to their local mosque to attend jumu'ah prayers in this heartwarming picture book from the author of Under My Hijab.

Early Friday morning, Zain leaps out of bed ready to save the world from alien invaders! But his dad has other plans for Zain on this special day of the week. Dad takes Zain to the mosque and guides him through his first jumu'ah prayers. But Zain's quest for a superhero adventure leads to supersize distractions. Can Zain rein in his powerful impulses and appreciate this special experience with his dad and community?

With spirited text by award-winning author Hena Khan and dynamic illustrations by artist Nez Riaz, Zain's Super Friday is a celebration of Muslim traditions, imagination, and the joy of community.

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Hardcover
$19.95

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Kirkus

A lovely tale of father-son bonding set against the backdrop of jumu’ah prayers at the mosque.

ALA/Booklist

A sweet affirmation of an enthusiastic kid's effort to learn patience while immersed in an important religious practice.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--When Zain wakes up on Friday morning ready to use his superpowers to capture alien invaders, he is disappointed that his dad keeps postponing his fun. Zain's father reminds him that it is Jumu'ah (Friday), which is a special day for those who practice Islam. As they head to the mosque to attend prayers, Zain brings his superhero cape with him. The father and son demonstrate to readers the elements of attending the prayer service, such as "mudu" when they must "carefully wash their hands and other parts of their bodies." Zain does his best to behave during the service, but he never leaves his superpowers behind. Both father and son are dark-skinned with brown hair. Words and symbolism are used to identify their culture and create an authentic representation of the prayer service. The digitally rendered illustrations with bright blues and oranges also include "superhero" images and callout shapes that represent Zain's childhood interest and focus even while attending mosque. The author's note following the story provides clear and helpful information about this Muslim tradition that is introduced to children at a young age. VERDICT Combining childhood fascination with superpowers and cultural traditions, this is an accessible purchase for picture book shelves.--Danielle Schwessinger

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

On Friday morning, young Zain begins the day "ready to save the world" from aliens invading the kitchen, but his father says that they're heading to jumu'ah prayers. Cloaked in a red superhero cape, Zain goes with his father to the mosque, stopping to suggest he use his "ultra speed" to see if aliens are hiding at the playground. His father says they must make wudu before prayer, and they arrive in time to perform the cleansing practice. Next, they listen to the khutbah, and when Zain goes to the front of the room, the child helps to lead prayer alongside the imam, before a surprise from Zain's father results in an afternoon of play. Khan weaves Zain's interests throughout, as when "heat powers" help him to dry his feet after wudu and a "super jump" helps him reach the mosque donation box. Riaz's saturated digital illustrations likewise incorporate superpower-related emanata in a title that celebrates the bonds between a father and son, the power of imagination, and the strength of faith and tradition. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Though Zain may be antsy, his patient father and the imam foster a warm community spirit—it's clear everyone is welcome here. Cartoon illustrations propel a fun and lively story that captures the spirited young boy's energy...A lovely tale of father-son bonding set against the backdrop of jumu'ah prayers at the mosque." — Kirkus Reviews

Hena Khan
Hena Khan is a Pakistani American writer. She is the author of the middle grade novels Amina's Voice, Amina's Song, More to the Story, and the Zara's Rules series and picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It's Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family. You can learn more about Hena and her books by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com or connecting with her @HenaKhanBooks.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781643794242
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Lee & Low Books
Publication date
October 10, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV051000 - Juvenile Fiction | Imagination & Play
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV033270 - Juvenile Fiction | Religious | Muslim
Library of Congress categories
Fiction
Fathers and sons
Religious life
Customs and practices
Muslims
Islam
Muslim children

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