Books with Muslim characters for primary school children

Books written by Muslim authors, showing Muslim characters living their lives, having adventures and being loved by their families

These joyous books, written by Muslim authors, show Muslim characters living their lives, having adventures and being loved by their families. We’ve included some inspiring non-fiction titles too.

  • Meet the Maliks, Twin Detectives The Cookie Culprit

    by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Kyan Cheng 

    2023 6 to 9 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    Can Maysa and Musa solve the mystery of who destroyed the competition cookies? Relatable and funny, this is a story about everyday family life, with a gentle mystery and a BIG lie at the heart of it. 

  • Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

    by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik 

    2019 6 to 12 years 

    • Funny

    Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it’s wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

  • My Laugh Out Loud Life: Mayhem Mission

    illustrated by Farah Khandaker 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Diaries and journals
    • Funny

    At the heart of this amusing diary-style novel is the story of Yusuf – a little boy who is sad that his beloved big sister is leaving home, perhaps especially so because Affa has been his closest support in a single parent household. Readable, relatable and accessible to all.

  • You Must Be Layla

    by Yassmin Abdel-Magied 

    2020 9 to 12+ years 

    • Around the world
    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    Layla’s first week at her new school isn’t going well – she’s the only child there to wear a Muslim headscarf, and she’s already been suspended for fighting back against a bully. Can Layla win the robotics competition and prove what she’s made of? This laugh out loud story is about making friends, finding your way in the world, and is a great introduction to thinking about the barriers that people of colour can face. 

  • Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World

    by Burhana Islam 

    2020 9 to 12 years 

    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    A beautifully illustrated book packed with information about incredible Muslimswho’ve made an impact on the world. Covering centuries of history and different countries across the world, this will appeal to fans of real-life stories. 

  • Barakah Beats

    by Maleeha Siddiqui 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    Nimra battles to understand her interpretation of Islam and whether it allows her to sing in a band or not. It is refreshing to find a book written by an author who understands the complexity of relationships between three generations from a Muslim immigrant heritage. 

  • Llama Out Loud

    by Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan 

    2020 9 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny
    • ADHD

    Yasmin is the quiet one in a really loud family, until Levi the magic toy llama comes along and forces everyone to listen to her.

  • Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

    illustrated by Sara Alfageeth 

    2020 9 to 12 years 

    Fifteen stories of joy, showcasing the Eid traditions of kindness, generosity and delicious food that many Muslim families follow. A book to treasure, for readers from every walk of life.

  • Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smuggler’s Secret

    by Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Daniela Sosa 

    2022 9 to 12+ years 

    • Adventure

    This is a classic detective adventure with a very up-to-date attitude, which children will love for all the same reasons their parents loved the Famous Five and Nancy Drew, but which also provides positive role models and a realistic picture of today’s society.

  • Safiyyah’s War

    by Hiba Noor Khan 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Historical
    • Thriller

    Focussing on the experiences of a small group of individuals, Safiyyah’s story shines a spotlight on an under-recognised pocket of resistance from World War II when hundreds of Jews were led to safety via underground passages from the Grand Mosque in Paris.

  • My Story: Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan

    by Sufiya Ahmed 

    2020 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Historical
    • Thriller

    This is the incredible true story of Noor Inayat Khan, a Muslim woman who spied for Britain during the Second World War. Noor is written by Sufiya Ahmed as a brave and fiercely impassioned young woman, painting her life with meticulous detail and a realistic first person voice.

  • Fight Back

    by A.M. Dassu 

    2022 9 to 12+ years 

    When a terrorist attack happens at a local concert, Muslim schoolgirl Aaliyah finds herself and her family the target of racist bullying and abuse. Can she fight back against the tide of hatred?

  • I am Malala

    by Malala Yousafzai 

    2015 12+ years 

    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Non-fiction

    This is the real life story of one of the most incredible and inspirational young people in the world. Reading this book might just change the way you think and feel.