Speak Up Sami

Speak Up Sami is a picture book about a shy boy who learns to find his voice when a new boy from Zimbabwe joins his class. Encouraged by his mother’s advice, Sami stands up for the new boy and in turn forms a new friendship. This is a story about courage and kindness as well as friendship. 

This story is great for children aged 4-6, inviting discussions around bullying, empathy and accepting differences. It would encourage families to explore their beliefs around race and culture and discuss feelings of being left out in social situations. 

Although the story isn’t Islamic in nature or content, it was inspired from a quote by Prophet Muhammad around speaking up against injustice, taking action when you see something wrong. 

This is the perfect book for any parent wanting to teach their children about being kind, helping others and speaking up against bullying. As well as Muslim parents who want to see representation in children’s picture books. Non-Muslims who champion diversity and inclusion. And for schools as it would be great resource for anti-bullying week as well as kindness week. 

This book is scheduled for release before Bullying week (usually November time), Random Acts of Kindness Week (usually February), Refugee Week (in June). A teacher herself, Shabana is keen to promote this title in schools and libraries and will be engaging in a small tour doing interviews and readings.