IRC Book Review: I Wonder About Allah

Elise Bellin, Librarian of the Islamic Resource Center, wrote this book review as part of an ongoing series that focuses on a range of books within the IRC collection as a service to the community.

I Wonder About Allah

I Wonder About Allah by Ozkan Oze, Translated by Selma Ayduz (2013)

ISBN: 9780860375920

From time to time we all wonder about what’s out there. Children are no exception. As they grow and change, learning new and wondrous things about our world, they understandably have questions that need answers. Some of those questions are religious in nature. Some of which are hard to find satisfying answers to or at least to find the right words to explain those concepts we might take for granted.

When those times come, and they will, it is handy to have a book or two that attempts to tackle these issues at their level. After all, children rarely want to read a textbook or dissertation to understand the answer. Some questions are easier to answer simply than others. When that isn’t the case, books like the I Wonder series are extremely helpful.

I Wonder About Allah is the first book in a series of books aimed at elementary and middle school children designed to answer some of the more common questions they might have about the Muslim religion. As the author states in his forward, “Have I answered all the questions about all these topics? Of course not!” These frequently asked questions give you a well-needed place to start. As with all things faith-based, there is no true and final end in understanding. It is a journey we all must travel our whole life long.

The I Wonder series is written in a clear, thoughtful and gentle manner. Simple language that isn’t talking down to the reader means that the reader is more likely to come back for more, to accept the answer, and to find the answers reach a deep place in their souls that they needed. It is a comfort and a blessing.