Deep in the Sahara

Written by Kelly Cunnane · Illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

A young girl discovers the deeper meaning behind a traditional garment in her quest for belonging.

3.9 Goodreads · 935 ratings

40 pages· 525 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud· 890L

$7.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Mauritania, young Lalla yearns to wear a malafa like her mother and sister. She learns it's more than a symbol of beauty or tradition—it's a testament of faith. When Lalla understands this, her mother wraps her in a malafa as blue as the Koran's ink, and they pray together. Will Lalla's new understanding change her view of her culture and herself?

From the publisher

“Poetic language, attractive illustrations and a positive message about Islam, without any didacticism: a wonderful combination,” declares Kirkus Reviews in a starred review. Lalla lives in the Muslim country of Mauritania, and more than anything, she wants to wear a malafa, the colorful cloth Mauritanian women, like her mama and big sister, wear to cover their heads and clothes in public. But it is not until Lalla realizes that a malafa is not just worn to show a woman’s beauty and mystery or to honor tradition–a malafa for faith–that Lalla’s mother agrees to slip a long cloth as blue as the ink in the Koran over Lalla’s head, under her arm, and round and round her body. Then together, they pray. An author’s note and glossary are included in the back of the book.

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