One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University, written by M. O. Yuksel and illustrated by Mariam Quraishi
Description from the publisher:
"One Wish is a picture book biography about Fatima al-Fihri, a 9th-century woman who pioneered the oldest university in the world in Fez, Morocco. Illustrated by Mariam Quraishi.
"Fatima al-Fihri loved to learn. She wanted to know everything, like how birds flew, why the sky was blue, and how flowers grew. But more than anything, she wanted a school for all, where anyone could study and become whatever they wanted, like teachers, scientists, and doctors.
"Fatima al-Fihri loved to learn. She wanted to know everything, like how birds flew, why the sky was blue, and how flowers grew. But more than anything, she wanted a school for all, where anyone could study and become whatever they wanted, like teachers, scientists, and doctors.
As she grew older, Fatima carried her one wish inside her, through good times and bad. Fueled by her faith and her determination, she worked hard to make her one wish come true. For over a thousand years, Fatima’s one wish—her school—served students and scholars from around the globe, and it continues to do so today!
With lyrical text by M. O. Yuksel and stunning illustrations by Mariam Quraishi, this life portrait of an extraordinary Muslim woman shows the importance of never giving up on your dreams and how we all have the power to change the world for the better." - HarperCollins Publisher
Text Features:
- Narrative nonfiction (biography) picture book.
- Author's note
- Additional information in back matter to learn more about Fatima and history of the University of Al-Qarawiyyin.
Read & Discuss:
- BEFORE reading
Discuss what students know about the history of education:
- When did children start going to school?
- Who got to go to school?
- Was this different depending on where you lived, who your family was, or what gender you were?
- How has this changed over time?
- What does it mean to 'fast' and why do people fast?
- DURING reading
M. O. Yuksel introduces young readers to the Islamic concept of charity – 'sadaqah jariyah' – and describes it as "like planting a single seed from which thousands of wildflowers continuously bloom." Ask students what they think the author means. Revisit this question later in the book when Fatima describes the learning she sees happening at Al-Qarawiyyin.
- AFTER reading
- What traits does Fatima display throughout her life?
- What does the book teach about charity?
- What does the book teach about education?
- Think of ways that you can help make the word a better place. If you could have just One Wish come true that would be "like planting a single seed from which thousands of wildflowers continuously bloom" what would your wish be? Share your wish! Be creative. Make a poster, video, podcast, play or story.
Learn More:
- Visit M. O. Yuksel's website for a list of resources and activities related to One Wish.
