Once Upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid!
Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift-giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.
The full list of Once Upon an Eid contributors include: G. Willow Wilson (Alif the Unseen, Ms. Marvel), Hena Khan (Amina's Voice, Under My Hijab), N. H. Senzai (Shooting Kabul, Escape from Aleppo), Hanna Alkaf (The Weight of Our Sky), Rukhsana Khan (Big Red Lollipop), Randa Abdel-Fattah (Does My Head Look Big in This?), Ashley Franklin (Not Quite Snow White), Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Mommy's Khimar), Candice Montgomery (Home and Away, By Any Means Necessary), Huda Al-Marashi (First Comes Marriage), Ayesha Mattu, Asmaa Hussein, and Sara Alfageeh.
"The diversity within the collection is impressive, including several blended families and a recently converted one, and while the writing varies in style and quality, each story is engaging, full of emotion and thought. . . This thoughtful and uplifting volume will keep readers turning pages year-round; here's to many more."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Emotions seem to spill straight off the pages in this absolute triumph of a celebratory anthology."
—School Library Connection
"This special anthology about family traditions, sharing meals, giving presents, and delighting in the cultural uniqueness of people all over the world isn’t just for those who celebrate Eid; it’s for all who want to share and learn about the holidays."
—Booklist
"A range of diverse, multidimensional characters—among them Shia Muslim, converted Muslim, Algerian, Caribbean, and West African representation—results in a stimulating, celebratory read."
—Publishers Weekly
"A delightful and varied collection of stories for middle-grade readers showcases a cross-section of Muslim experiences of the joyous Eid holidays."
—Shelf Awareness
"A joyous title that radiates love. This much-needed collection is recommended as a first purchase for all libraries."
—School Library Journal
"Joyful reunions, irritating relatives, fancy clothes, and special, heartfelt gifts appear in many of the tales, giving an overall tone of warmth and playfulness, and even the stories that take a more somber approach end with possibilities of hope and optimism."
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books