One Wish: Fatima Al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University

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 (author of In My Mosque) and stunning illustrations by Mariam Quraishi, this true-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.

A 2023 BANK STREET BOOKS BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR! AN ALA 2023 RISE: A FEMINIST BOOK PROJECT SELECTION! A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST NONFICTION BOOK OF 2022! AN ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NONFICTION FOR CHILDREN RECOMMENDED BOOK! A 2023 NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES BOOK!