Almost Sunset - by Wahab Algarmi

About the Book

"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?"--

Book Synopsis

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?

Review Quotes

"Funny, endearing, and an intimate look at a Muslim family." -- GENE LUEN YANG, bestselling author of American Born Chinese

"Your heart will melt and your mouth will water as you follow Hassan, who balances faith, grades, soccer, and an empty stomach during Ramadan." -- TERRI LIBENSON, author of the New York Times bestselling Emmie & Friends series

"A heartfelt and hilarious story about a kid who's just trying to follow the rules." -- PEDRO MARTÍN, creator of Newbery Honor-winning Mexikid

"Relatable, clever, and authentic! Hassan's story will resonate with every Muslim." -- HATEM ALY, New York Times bestselling illustrator of The Proudest Blue

"One of the year's best graphic novels." -- JASON SHIGA, creator of Meanwhile and Adventuregame Comics

A necessary mirror for middle grade Muslim readers, and a tremendous window into the customs of -Ramadan for peers and educators to learn more about Islamic traditions. -- School Library Journal (starred review)

An inspiring look at the challenges and courage needed to be true to one's faith. -- Kirkus Reviews

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. -- Publishers Weekly

In this endearing and informative graphic novel...readers unfamiliar with Ramadan will gain some insight via a highly sympathetic character, and those who have observed fasting will likely see themselves somewhere in Hassan and his family -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books