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Almost Sunset

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

In a contemporary middle grade graphic novel debut that Gene Luen Yang calls "funny, endearing, and an intimate look at a Muslim family," Almost Sunset follows a young Muslim American boy during Ramadan as he finds the balance between his family traditions and his secular middle school life. Perfect for fans of Swim Team and Chunky.

It's almost sunset, and Hassan has been dreaming about eating since the sun came up. The month of Ramadan has begun, and not eating until sundown intensifies his already busy days full of homework, soccer, and gaming. And since his teachers and friends at school barely understand Ramadan and its traditions, it's easier to just...not mention it.

As the month stretches on, Hassan's family and community grow closer together. They wake up before sunrise every morning, feast when the sun goes down, and attend mosque in the evenings. Can Hassan balance it all during the hectic holy month—faith, tradition, school, and fun, too?

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    • Publisher's Weekly

      November 11, 2024
      It’s Hassan’s third year fasting for the monthlong observance of Ramadan, but it’s the first year he’s gone to the mosque every night to pray alongside his father. The new routine has been affecting his everyday life, especially his studies and his performance as Boss Hassan, center midfielder on the soccer team: he’s been falling asleep in class, and he frequently misses the end of practices, as his mother picks him up after school so the family can nap before dinner. Since the end of Ramadan coincides with soccer playoffs, he avoids telling anyone he’s fasting, but when his friends substitute him with white-cued teammate Rosie during online gaming hangouts (that Hassan can’t participate in due to family obligations), he gets jealous. Then his failing math grades force Coach to take him off the team. Algarmi utilizes a friendly comic-strip style to portray Hassan’s struggles balancing expectations from family, friends, and school administrators. Casual dialogue depicts amiable tween and adult interactions and establishes ample context surrounding the celebration of Ramadan, including the dress, prayer, rituals, and food; dotted eyes, a comma nose, and toothy expressions render Hassan’s furrowed-brow earnestness, whole-body enthusiasm, and high-minded aspirations in navigating his complex feelings regarding his heritage in this wholesome graphic novel debut. Ages 8–12.

    • Kirkus

      December 15, 2024
      A Yemeni American boy struggles to find balance during Ramadan. Hassan is preoccupied during the first days of Ramadan--he falls asleep in class and sidesteps questions about why he's not eating lunch. Things get harder at soccer practices when he leaves early, much to the consternation of his coach. Other than one friend, he doesn't tell anyone about his fasting. Meanwhile, Hassan's nights are busy with prayers at the masjid; his grades slip, and he fears he'll be replaced on the soccer team. Hassan and his cousins secretly break their fast, gorging on sweets, a lapse that weighs heavily on his conscience. His frustration wells up, leading Hassan to fall apart and act out at school. In response, his parents ground him, but the crisis also results in a conversation with his mom that allows Hassan to consider why he's choosing to continue fasting. As Ramadan progresses, Hassan gains more control over his life--and when he opens up to others about fasting, there are some surprises in store for him. This uplifting story highlights the struggles of some fasting Muslim kids, but Algarmi focuses on Hassan's perseverance and ability to own up to his mistakes and turn things around. Action-packed panels showing Hassan's school days contrast with quieter moments with family. Many wordless sequences offer glimpses of the Yemeni community. An inspiring look at the challenges and courage needed to be true to one's faith.(Graphic fiction. 8-12)

      COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • Booklist

      January 1, 2025
      Grades 4-7 This debut graphic novel centered around Ramadan shows the toll of compartmentalizing our identities, the value of living authentically, and the importance of taking accountability for ourselves and our choices. It's Hassan's third year fasting for Ramadan, but this year feels so much harder. Everyone expects more from him now, especially himself. When his grades and friendships start to slip, Hassan must decide how he will manage his time and his priorities. Illustrations and panel sizes help communicate the repetitiveness of Hassan's daily routine or the extent of his hunger, such as when his peers suddenly appear as pizza and hamburgers. Tension also exists when Hassan feels pressured to outperform a girl in his friend group. Hassan's story will resonate with readers familiar with Ramadan while relating across cultures. Hassan and his family are practicing Muslims from Yemen, and other characters are diverse in skin tone and body types. Based on the author's own family and experiences, this enjoyable coming-of-age story embraces the importance of community and honoring all facets of the self.

      COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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  • OverDrive Read

Languages

  • English

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