Maktabah attends school book fairs across the United States, and over the years we have learned which titles families reach for first, which ones they deliberate over, and which ones they buy in multiples to give as gifts.
If you are a school coordinator or a family preparing for a book fair visit, here is what we consistently see flying off the table.
For the Youngest Readers (PreK to Grade 1)
The Blessed Words board book series, Hafsa's Kisses, and Ramadan Around the World are the most consistent sellers in this age group. Allah Knows All About Me by Learning Roots is another reliable pick for classrooms that want something to share during circle time.
For Early Readers (Grades 2 to 4)
Planet Omar Book 1 is the book families buy when they want something their child will actually read. Ilyas and Duck: A Zakat Tale and Snatched by Asmaa Hussein are strong picks for classrooms talking about character and values. The Marya Khan series sells well here too, especially Book 1.
For Middle Grade (Grades 5 to 7)
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi is our most requested title at school fairs for this age group, often bought by teachers for classroom libraries as well as by families. Tagging Freedom and Golden Girl both perform well with this age group.
For Gifting
Families often come to our table looking for gifts for teachers, friends, or cousins. A Temporary Gift by Asmaa Hussein is a quiet, lasting book for adult readers. The Eliyas Explains series makes a good gift for families with children who ask a lot of questions.
Maktabah is available for school book fairs across the United States. If you are a school coordinator interested in booking us, reach out through our contact page.