“Lailah thought of telling Anna that she was fasting, but she didn’t think anyone at Sunnyvale Elementary School knew about Ramadan.” What a powerful thought to think. This was Lailah’s first time participating in the Muslim fasting of Ramadan. Lailah’s Muslim community opens this fast to Lailah because she is old enough to participate in this act of worship and thanksgiving. This is a significant moment in her young life; however, within the school community, Lailah was unsure whether anyone would understand how important Ramadan is to her. Lailah decides to ask her librarian for support. The result is creative and inclusive. Lailah brings her Muslim religion to the classroom. Picture books like Lailah’s Lunchbox are instructive tools that help educate young people that there are communities that, while some may not attend, others can learn from. Ramadan is expected to start at sundown on February 17, 2026, and conclude on March 19, 2026. Ramadan Mubarak!

A live reading of Lailah’s Lunchbox is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church. All are welcome.