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Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So
CCBC Review:
Every time Ranya asks for something—a trip to the park, a sleepover, going to Disneyland—her mom says “insha’Allah,” (if Allah wills it). To Ranya (brown-skinned), it feels like her mom is really saying “No.” But, her mom clarifies, “insha’Allah” doesn’t mean no, or even maybe. “We say it when we want something to happen but don’t know if it will. Sometimes Allah has other plans.” Ranya asks, “What were Allah’s plans for us last night? You said insha’Allah we could bake cookies, but we didn’t.” Her mom explains that she didn’t finish her work in time to bake cookies. “Next time, I should say ‘We can bake, insha’Allah, if I finish in time.’” She adds that just because something hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it won’t. She’s already planning to reschedule the sleepover that couldn’t happen the week before, and the clouds have cleared up so a trip to the park that afternoon is possible. As for Disneyland? “We will take you to Disneyland … before you turn eighteen. Insha’Allah.” A child-centered story offering insight into a phrase and idea common to Muslims and Arabs of all faiths around the world will be relatable to any child who’s ever been told “maybe” and assumes it means “no.” Art full of pleasing details underscores the warmth and relatability of Ranya’s family. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Olivia Aserr
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Communication
Mothers
Muslim People
Diversity subject:
Brown Skin Unspecified
Muslim
Publisher:
Holiday House
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780823454419
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Roumani