Muslim Women are Everything by Seema Yasmin is a collection of inspiring stories that reveal the diversity and strength of a wide diversity of Muslim women, including singers, politicians, athletes and scientists. Most importantly, the women in this book defy categorization.

Yasmin delivers this message through over 40 unique profiles of real Muslim women, providing a glimpse into the lives of each of these inspirational figures. This format facilitates a more accessible reading experience and allows each story to stand on its own. A vibrant illustration of each woman accompanies her profile, highlighting the artistry of illustrator Fahmida Azim from cover to cover.

The book connects to current Social Studies learning expectations for students in Grade 6 and above, specifically the exploration of beliefs, values, culture, equity, freedom and identity. Since the women in the book are of different ethnic and national origins, educators can integrate Yasmin’s work into their lessons on global issues and how certain political or social events impact the global community.

The artwork on each page has educational value as well. Each illustration masterfully incorporates elements of design including line, shape and colour. The compositions are easy to appreciate from many of the standpoints that are taught in the Visual Arts curriculum from Grade 3 and beyond.

Finally, each profile can be used by educators as a case study to exhibit many Language skills in the curriculum, such as organizing content, researching and maintaining a consistent point of view in one’s writing. An analysis of how Yasmin presents her succinct profiles can be an effective tool in classrooms.

If I could add anything to this book, it would be to learn more about how these women individually defines their faith in relation to their work, identities and cultural communities.

Even without this detail, I highly recommend Muslim Women are Everything.

Arifa Ghaffar is a member of the Durham Teacher Local.