Almost Sunset
A Graphic Novel
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
