In this accessible nonfiction work, author Sumbul Ali-Karamali presents to young readers—through firsthand experience and based on historical and cultural history—a candid and comprehensive look at what it's like to grow up Muslim in America.

Growing up Muslim in Southern California, Sumbul Ali-Karamali found herself answering questions from friends and schoolmates about her life: What do Muslims eat? Why do they dress the way they do? Why do they pray five times a day? What do their holy days celebrate? Who is Muhammad? What do Muslims believe about him? What are the tenets of Islam?

This book is a comprehensive introduction to one of the world's major religions. It explores the fundamentals of Islam, Muhammad and his mission, and the Muslim perspective, as well as the development and spread of Islam and current demographics. This enlightening work will provide young readers with essential information about Islam in the everyday context of Muslim life in America, encouraging tolerance and acceptance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SUMBUL ALI-KARAMALI holds a BA from Stanford University and a JD from the University of California, Davis. She earned a graduate degree in Islamic law from the University of London's School of Oriental and African studies, where she also served as a teaching assistant in Islamic law. She has been a research associate at the Centre of Islamic and Middle Eastern Law in London and is the author of the highly praised and award-winning adult book The Muslim Next Door: the Qur'an, the Media, and that Veil Thing.