Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow – författare

Nzinga's old neighbourhood is changing fast and not for the better! First the noise starts – drilling all day, every day! Then beloved shops and homes start disappearing! Can Nzinga save her favourite street before it’s too late? Meanwhile, Phantasy Philly – Nzinga's amazing Minecraft build – is nowhere near finished. With her cousin Jannah acting weird and refusing to help, and a huge Minecraft convention just weeks away, time is running out. Can Nzinga find her voice, bring her team together and fight for her community both in-game and in real life? This is a story about standing up for what matters and discovering that even the quietest person can make the biggest difference.

In this heartwarming celebration of family and faith, join Haneen and her Momma as they celebrate Eid and the end of Ramadan with prayers made on a rainy day.Haneen's Momma says that during Ramadan raindrops bring blessings and answer prayers. As they travel through the streets on a slow bus ride, rain drips down the window, and Haneen prays for new shoes and bright dresses--gifts she really, really wants to receive for Eid.When they arrive at the masjid, Haneen makes Eid cards with the twins, Safa and Marwa, helps give out dates and water and spread tarps for dinner, and whispers duas--and, as she does, she begins to wish for something different. Something she wants more than anything. After all, the most precious gifts are not shoes and dresses, but the kindness of friends and the magic of faith. And, of course, the love of your Momma.

A young girl learns how to make a difference both in the real world and in the world of Minecraft in this exciting original novel!Ever since her family moved to the suburbs and Nzinga started middle school, she’s been really lonely. Her only consolation has been working on Phantasy Philly, a special build she and her team will present at a huge Minecraft convention in just a few weeks. Nzinga, her brother Samir, and her cousin Jannah have decided to recreate and reimagine a blocky version of their old Philadelphia street. Now that summer is here, Nzinga can’t wait to return to the old neighborhood and finish their build.But when Nzinga and Samir arrive at their grandmom’s house, things aren’t how she pictured. Jannah, usually a design whiz, seems distracted and unwilling to work on their project. Incessant drilling can be heard all hours of the day as new apartments are constructed, replacing beloved parts of their street. The constant noise makes it hard to think straight, let alone get anything done.  Nzinga sees how noise pollution and redevelopment are hurting the street, but what can she do about it? And how is she supposed to fight that battle while also inspiring her team to build their ideal Minecraft neighborhood? As Nzinga struggles to answer these questions, she may just learn how even the quietest voices can have the biggest impact.

Four kids meet at an airport for one unforgettable night in this middle-grade novel by four bestselling and award-winning authors—Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S. K. Ali.When a thunderstorm grounds all flights following a huge Muslim convention, four unlikely kids are thrown together. Told in alternating points of view, Grounded tells the story of a night that will change these kids forever.* Feek is stuck babysitting his younger sister, but he’d rather be writing a poem that’s good enough for his dad, a famous poet and rapper.* Hanna is intent on finding a lost cat in the airport—and also on avoiding a conversation with her dad about him possibly remarrying.* Sami is struggling with his anxiety and worried that he’ll miss the karate tournament that he’s trained so hard for.* And Nora has to deal with the pressure of being the daughter of a prominent congresswoman, when all she really wants to do is make fun NokNok videos.These kids don’t seem to have much in common—yet.A Walter Award Honor Book

Perfect for fans of The Day You Begin and Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrator Shahrzad Maydani’s Sister Friend is a heartwarming new picture book celebrating the unique joy of cultivating friendships within your cultural community.A Junior Library Guild SelectionA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the YearA Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year***STARRED REVIEW*** "A powerful exploration of what it means to be welcomed, seen, and accepted." ―Kirkus Reviews***STARRED REVIEW*** "Speaks to experiences of loneliness and marginalization as well as of kinship and joy." ―Publishers Weekly Ameena feels invisible. It’s been that way since she started at her new school. But now there is another new girl in class. Ameena sees her brownness and her hijab, even though the other kids do not. Ameena wants to be her friend, but she can’t seem to find the right words or do the right things. Until one day, they find them together: “Assalamu Alaikum, Sister. Welcome.”

Selected as a Best Book of 2018 by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Shelf Awareness! A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears.Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head. A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.

A little boy who loves storytelling but struggles with writing learns that it’s okay to make mistakes in this charming and encouraging picture book from the author of Mommy’s Khimar.Abdul loves to tell stories. But writing them down is hard. His letters refuse to stay straight and face the right way. And despite all his attempts, his papers often wind up with more eraser smudges than actual words. Abdul decides his stories just aren’t meant to be written down…until a special visitor comes to class and shows Abdul that even the best writers—and superheroes—make mistakes.

An Inclusive Books for Children Top 10 Books for a Diverse Bookshelf!Find the bravery to celebrate your beliefs and cultural traditions without fear of judgement.When Muhammad turns seven, his father gifts him his very first salat rug to pray with. Muhammad is excited to begin his salat journey, but is more comfortable silently praying in secret, afraid of the judgement he sees his dad receive when he prays in public. Can Muhammad learn to be brave and embrace his salat practice instead of hiding it from the world?'A beautiful, positive, and welcome portrayal of Black Muslim families... An empowering and important tale of bravery' Kirkus'A joyous book about the Muslim prayer and a boy finding the confidence to pray anywhere' Inclusive Books for Children'SALAT IN SECRET is the best book I’ve read this year… simply marvelling. SUPERB. CLASSIC. HISTORIC.'– S.K. Ali, NY Times bestselling author of The Proudest Blue

Frustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city. Empowered by this newfound understanding, the young girl is ready to return the next day to share her knowledge with her class. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind all of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. Your Name is a Song includes back matter perfect for parents, educators, caregivers, and young readers who want to learn more about the names featured in the story. The 'Glossary of Names' lists each name's meaning, origin, and pronunciation. Additionally, readers can use a listed link to access an online video of the author pronouncing all the names in the book.