October and November 2023 Books Recommendations

Literacy Year: October and November 2023 Books Recommendations

This year, we are celebrating literacy in our school and we look forward to sharing a variety of texts available in our school library that we use in our classrooms and that are highly recommended by our late Director of Religious Affairs, Marhum Syed Asad Jafri. Please recite a surah fateha for Marhum Syed Asad Jafri who thrived on learning and imparting knowledge to all ages.

Our students read and reflect upon a rich variety of text, which helps in building proficiency in the understanding of the language and translates into strong verbal and written communication skills.

We are pleased to share our book recommendations for the months of October and November 2023.

October 2023 recommendations

Intermediate Indigenous Reads

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Elementary Indigenous Reads

When I was Eight By Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton

Turtle Island: The Story of North America’s First People by  Eldon Yellowhorn, Kathy Lowinger

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

Primary Reads

Tales of the Last Messenger by Kisa Kids

An Extraordinary Experience: Prophet Muhammad for Little Hearts by Saniyasnain Khan 

Parents and older students

Sunan An-Nabi: A Collection of Narrations On the Conduct and Customs of the Noble Prophet Muhammad

November 2023 recommendations

God’s emissaries: Adam to Jesus: Authored by Shakyh Rizwan Arastu, God’s emissaries brings us a detailed, captivating retelling of God’s heroes; the prophets. Written in a storybook style, the narrative highlights the exemplary traits and stories of these admirable personalities. Recommended for ages 14+

Fostering empathy, respect, tolerance and fairness in children are the keystones for a peaceful tomorrow. The OASIS library carries a wide range of books on peace. These four inspirational reads are simple yet profound. While they are picture books their message is for all ages. These books are recommended for all ages (5+).

Peace begins with you: A look at why conflicts occur and how to resolve them peacefully.

What does Peace feel like?: A perspective of peace through the senses.

Old Turtle: A fable which explores the wisdom of an old turtle and how the glory of God is reflected in everything.

I am peace: A book exploring mindfulness, how to manage emotions and make good choices. 

Why are we celebrating Literacy at As-Sadiq Islamic School?

Central to a student’s emotional and intellectual growth, literacy and language development are key components of the Ontario curriculum. The Ontario language curriculum is designed to support students in developing the language and literacy knowledge and skills they need to succeed in education and in life, and to encourage students to experience the joy and possibility that literacy learning can ignite.

Remember to follow us on social media where we share our recommendations regularly!