Speak Up Sami
A shy boy finds the courage to stand up for a new classmate who is being teased, in an audiobook about bravery, kindness and friendship.
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What is Speak Up Sami about?
Speak Up Sami is an Islamic audiobook for children about a quiet boy who finds the courage to stand up for a new classmate who is being teased.
Sami has no real friends. He gets ready for school as slowly as he can, watches the others play and eats his lunch alone. On Monday his teacher, Mrs Patel, introduces a new boy from Zimbabwe called Gamba. Sami wonders all day about Gamba's favourite toy, his favourite superhero and his favourite pudding, but the questions will not come out.
At playtime, some children laugh at Gamba's glasses, his hair and the way he talks. Sami feels a strange feeling rise from his tummy to the tip of his tongue, and he remembers his mum's words: when you see something wrong, take action and speak up. "I like Gamba's glasses," he says, and Gamba grins. Day by day the two become friends, and the class learns that in their school differences are celebrated, not laughed at. Gamba's grandmother has told him that our differences show the majesty of our Creator.
Written by Shabana Hussain, illustrated by Mariam Aldacher and read by Sarah Aga, the story gives children words for the hot ears and fluttering tummy of being scared to speak, and shows that one kind sentence can start a friendship.
What your child will learn
- When we see something wrong, we should speak up.
- Being brave does not mean we are not scared.
- Allah made people different, and our differences are something to celebrate.
- A kind word can be the start of a friendship.
Talk about it afterwards
- How did Sami feel before he spoke up, and how did he feel afterwards?
- Why do you think Gamba did not seem to mind the teasing?
- What could you say if you saw someone being teased?
- What makes you different from your friends, and why is that a good thing?
Frequently asked questions
What does Speak Up Sami teach children?
To speak up when someone is treated unkindly, to welcome people who are new, and that the differences between people are part of Allah's creation.
How long is Speak Up Sami?
About 6 minutes.
Does Speak Up Sami have music?
No. It is music-free.
Who wrote Speak Up Sami?
Shabana Hussain wrote it and Mariam Aldacher illustrated it. The audiobook is read by Sarah Aga.
