I enjoyed this book. There are two main reasons why I liked this book. The book give a good concept on the definition of Ramadan, in a way that helps children understand. In this book, there is a lot of dialogue surrounding Ramadan between Leena (Main character) and her friends/family that express what Ramadan is and what she has to do during this period. This book also shows awareness of Ramadan. In the story, Leena attends one of her friend's party and could not participate in eating or drinking during the party because of Ramadan. So, after sun down, Leena's friend came to her house and bought a piece of cake over for her. Which, I thought was a nice incentive to show children how they can become aware of cultural differences. The overall message of the book is to display cultural awareness, as well as gives insight of the practices and customs of Ramadan ( )

I liked this story for many reasons. One of them being it gets readers familiar with a culture. For example, in the story a little girl goes to a party, but cannot eat the cake because she is fasting for Ramadan. This shows readers what Ramadan is, what it is like, and what people who participate in it have to do. Another reason I like the story is because it pushes readers outside of the normal literature story. For example, it focuses on culture other than American. Readers are able to be immersed into a new culture and take a closer look into how the Muslim culture celebrates, thinks, and feels. The main message of this story is to appreciate where you come from. Leena was upset at first about not being able to eat at the birthday party she was at. By the end she discovered that it was worth it and to appreciate her culture. ( )

I liked this book for two reasons. First, I liked the plot because I was able to learn more about Ramadan and how people celebrate it. It was interesting to see how Leena's religion impacted her social life, and how her friends reacted to her not being allowed to eat anything at the party because she was fasting for Ramadan. I also liked this book because of the characters. It was nice reading about how supportive Leena's family was towards her fasting, with her mother reminding her that she didn't have to if she wasn't feeling up to it. Her friends and their parents were also very understanding by bringing Leena cake after the party so she wouldn't feel left out. The main message of this book is to stand by what you believe in, even if it is difficult. Fasting was difficult for Leena, but she still managed to get through the day with the support of her friends and family. ( )

The book, A Party in Ramadan, did a very good job at interweaving religion and culture into this book. I liked this book because it portrayed an experience that could be relatable to some students. This contemporary realistic fiction book pushed the reader to think about tough issues and broaden perspectives by showing what those who celebrate Ramadan had to do during their fasting period. "Leena's mother explained that, because Leena was fasting, she would not be eating with the other girls. 'Oh, but we're not having a meal,' Mrs. Bernard said, 'We're just having cake and punch.' 'She can't eat or drink anything at all during the fast,' said Leena's mother, 'not even water." In this quote, the author shows the mother explaining the fast to Mrs. Bernard, who was unaware of the specifics of Ramadan. This example could also inform readers who may be just as unaware about Ramadan. It could give the reader a different perspective and issue to think about. A child who may celebrate other religious holidays could read this book and have a greater understanding for what students who celebrate Ramadan may experience.
The plot also did a great job at portraying this tough issue throughout the story. There was plenty of conflict when Leena saw the other kids eating cake or drinking lemonade and wished she could be there sharing in that experience. "Leena smiled at her friend. 'Thanks, Amy, but I'm fine. Go and eat, and then we'll sit together. Don't miss the chocolate cake.' Amy paused, 'Are you sure?' she asked. 'Yes, I'm sure,' said Leena. But Leena was not so sure." Not being able to eat all day was a major struggle for Leena, but she wanted others to experience the party, even if she had to wait to eat. Later in the story, the author showed the two cultures merging together and appreciating a difference in religion and beliefs. "As the family began eating dessert, the doorbell rang. It was Julia and her family and Amy and her mom. They were carrying chocolate cake from the party. 'Hello Mrs. Ahmad,' said Mrs. Bernard. 'We thought Leena might like some cake. We saved some for her.' 'How kind of you! Please join us for dinner,' said Leena's mom, warmly inviting the guests to the table." Here, it shows the other family's appreciation for Leena and her dedication to her religion to not take the cake earlier at the party. I also like that it shows Leena's family welcoming the guests into their home during the holiday. At the end of the book, Leena gets chocolate pudding from her family as a reward for fasting during the party. "She looked into her sister's face. She remembered how she had felt at the party when she really wanted to eat the chocolate icing on Julia's cake and couldn't. Leena took a second spoonful of pudding. The she slid the cup in front of her sister. 'Here you go, Amira. You can have the rest.'" This is how the book ends and I love that it included the golden rule of treat others how you would like to be treated. Leena acknowledges how much she had to resist earlier in the day and wanted her sister not to have a similar experience. Overall, the main message of the book is to appreciate multiple cultures and religions, and that if you show dedication to your beliefs, others may grow in appreciation for you and your religious ways.

This book could be read to ages 2 to 4 grade as an interactive read-aloud. The students could write and discuss what they would do if they had a friend who was participating in Ramadan and was at their house. This would help facilitate understanding and positive interactions of and with the Islam faith. Students in fourth grade could reserach other Islam holidays that they find interesting and share them with the class.