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Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
Last updated Thursday, February 18, 2021
Author: Reem Faruqi
Illustrator: Lea Lyon
Date of Publication: 2015
ISBN: 0884484319
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2021
Synopsis:
Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won't understand why she doesn't join them in the lunchroom.
Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs.
| Note to readers: |
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Book themes: identity, acceptance, traditions
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What are some holidays, customs, or traditions that your family celebrates?
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Have you ever fasted? How did it feel?
Vocabulary
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Ramadan: A Muslim tradition – a month long period of fasting, praying, self-‐control, and compassion. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. They are also supposed to avoid impure thoughts and bad behavior such as
gossiping, lying or arguing. All Muslims who have reached puberty are required to fast. Typically Ramadan takes place between April to May.
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Fasting: Going without eating, drinking, or smoking for a period of time. It is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and to have empathy for others who are hungry or less fortunate.
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Islam: the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers
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Suhoor: : The first pre-‐dawn meal of the day to start the fast
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Iftar: At sunset the family breaks the fast with light foods such as soup, fruit, appetizers
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Eid al-‐Fitr: A 3-‐day feast to celebrate the end of Ramadan. It includes special prayers, meals, gifts, and games with family and friends.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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How does Lailah feel about being old enough to fast?
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Why do you think Lailah decided not to give her mother’s note to her teacher?
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Why was Lailah nervous about telling her friends about fasting or Ramadan? Have you ever felt nervous about sharing something about yourself?
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How did Lailah feel when she talked with the school librarian? What did the librarian
suggest she do?
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How did the teacher Mrs. Carman respond to the poem that Lailah wrote?
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What do you think will happen when Lailan shares her poem with her class?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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