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msghani's review
5.0
Lyrically written and beautifully illustrated, One Wish is a tribute to the devout Muslim woman who created the world's oldest university in the 9th century. To this day, she inspires thousands to pursue an education and follow their dreams. I know very little is known about Fatima Al-Fihri's early and personal life, but oh how I wish for narrative nonfiction about this great woman! Kids are so lucky to be able to learn about her with Yuksel's book, which indisputably deserves space on shelves everywhere.
missprint_'s review
4.0
The artwork is underwhelming with a style that felt unsophisticated--it was fine, I liked the color work, but it didn't wow me. The text struggles at times to fit the "one wish" conceit which felt like the only weak point here. Otherwise an informative story about a moment/woman in history I knew nothing about.
Back matter includes: glossary, author's note, note about the university, bibliography, time like of the university and some of its famous scholars. Endpapers show the university courtyard in 859CE and 2021 which is a nice touch.
Back matter includes: glossary, author's note, note about the university, bibliography, time like of the university and some of its famous scholars. Endpapers show the university courtyard in 859CE and 2021 which is a nice touch.
library_kb's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
This was a really interesting picture book biography about Fatima al-Fihri, who started the longest continuously operating university in the world. The text and illustrations worked really well together to create the world of Tunisia and Morocco. A great book to reinforce the value of education and why so many people value it so highly.
angkunkel's review
5.0
A beautiful picture book biography of Fatima Al-Fihri, a woman who established the world's oldest university all the way back in 859 CE!
Despite the challenges of writing about a figure who lived so long ago, author M.O. Yuskel shows the importance of Al-Fihri's life. In gorgeous, lyrical text, Yuskel helps readers understand Al-Fihri's "one wish" for an education, which starts in childhood, carries all the way through adulthood, and culminates in the establishment of a school known as al-Qarawiyyin.
The book is gorgeously illustrated by Mariam Quarishi in colors that capture the deserts and souq of Tunisia and Morrocco. An author's note and timeline further explain Al-Firhri's contributions and how al-Qarawiyyin has continued as a university.
Despite the challenges of writing about a figure who lived so long ago, author M.O. Yuskel shows the importance of Al-Fihri's life. In gorgeous, lyrical text, Yuskel helps readers understand Al-Fihri's "one wish" for an education, which starts in childhood, carries all the way through adulthood, and culminates in the establishment of a school known as al-Qarawiyyin.
The book is gorgeously illustrated by Mariam Quarishi in colors that capture the deserts and souq of Tunisia and Morrocco. An author's note and timeline further explain Al-Firhri's contributions and how al-Qarawiyyin has continued as a university.
elizabethlk's review
5.0
I've been fascinated by Fatima al-Fihri's story for awhile, so it was great to see a picture book biography about her (especially since I love picture book biographies). One Wish is everything I hope for from a picture book biography. The art is stunning, the prose flows beautifully, we learn about Fatima al-Fihri's background with a beautiful glimpse into 9th century life in Islamic communities, and we learn about the work she did to build a university for all. It also has some great notes at the end for extra context on al-Fihri and on al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It's a great book that I would highly recommend.
maidmarianlib's review
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.0
Covers a little know person and her passion for learning, some aspects are more historical fiction.
a_blue_box_full_of_books's review
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Fatima al-Fihri is a curious little girl who wants to learn about everything, like why the sky is blue, and how flowers grow. Fatima has a dream : open a school for all, where anyone could study, rich or poor, and become whatever they wanted.
Sometimes a Wish is everything you own. The thought follows you everywhere and keeps you moving forward. Young Fatima could have forgotten about it. But always, she kept it in mind while growing older. Through this fictional biography, inspired by Fatima al-Fihri real life, M.O.Yuksel inspires children and adults to follow their dreams, being patient and persistent, as sometimes dreams take time to realize.
One Wish is a beautiful and truly inspiring book. Mariam Quraishi’s art is extraordinary and does justice to Fatima al-Fihri, an important woman in Muslim History, but also in World History, who created the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in 859 CE in Morocco, the World's Oldest University.
Sometimes a Wish is everything you own. The thought follows you everywhere and keeps you moving forward. Young Fatima could have forgotten about it. But always, she kept it in mind while growing older. Through this fictional biography, inspired by Fatima al-Fihri real life, M.O.Yuksel inspires children and adults to follow their dreams, being patient and persistent, as sometimes dreams take time to realize.
One Wish is a beautiful and truly inspiring book. Mariam Quraishi’s art is extraordinary and does justice to Fatima al-Fihri, an important woman in Muslim History, but also in World History, who created the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in 859 CE in Morocco, the World's Oldest University.