Do You Even Know Me?

When Salma, a Muslim child portrayed with brown skin, watches the news, she notices that the reporter’s “eyebrows go down and her mouth frowns” when she says the word Muslim. Soon, when Salma’s best friend is absent from school, a pale-skinned classmate named Luke taunts her in the cafeteria, then intentionally bumps into her on the playground. In front of their teacher, he says, “If I see bullying, I’ll tell you, Ms. Lin.” But when Luke whispers “Muzzlim” to her, Salma reveals his bullying: “I’m Muslim. My name and my religion mean peace,” she says. And when Luke’s best friend is absent, Salma, leaning on tenets of Islam, treats him with empathy and kindness. Bushry’s brightly cartooned classroom scenes pair well with this empowering story of strength in the face of Islamophobia. Creators’ notes offer context. Ages 4–8. (May)