Let’s step back in time to 9th-century Morocco, where a young woman named Fatima al-Fihri dreamed bigger than almost anyone around her. With determination, generosity, and a deep love of learning, she founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin. A place that has welcomed students for more than 1,100 years and is recognized as the oldest continually operating university in the world.
Her story is one of curiosity, courage, and vision and it still inspires dreamers today. The best part? You don’t have to stop at just hearing her story once. We’ve gathered seven extraordinary books that will let you and the kids in your life dive deeper into Fatima’s life, explore the golden age of Islamic scholarship, and discover how Muslim thinkers shaped much of the world we know today.
Whether you’re curling up for a picture-book read-aloud, sharing a biography with a middle-grade reader, or finding resources to enrich a classroom, this list has something for every bookshelf and every kind of explorer.
1. One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University
By M. O. Yuksel, illustrated by Mariam Quraishi
📚 Best for: Ages 4–8
A poetic, gorgeously illustrated picture book that tells Fatima’s story as a tale of hope and determination. Yuksel’s lyrical words and Quraishi’s rich artwork transport readers to 9th-century Morocco, where one woman’s dream reshaped the future of education. Perfect for reading aloud and sparking conversations about how one person’s vision can impact the world.
2. Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library
By Hena Khan, illustrated by Nabila Adani
📚 Best for: Ages 5–9
Told from the perspective of Morocco’s Qarawiyyin Library itself, this imaginative picture book invites readers to step inside centuries of knowledge. Hena Khan’s warm storytelling paired with Nabila Adani’s vibrant illustrations make history feel personal and alive. A wonderful companion to learning about Fatima al-Fihri’s university.
3. Fatima Al-Fihri: Founder of the World’s Oldest University
By Our Story Media & Young Trees Education
📚 Best for: Ages 8–12
Part of the “Our Story” series, this engaging biography gives upper-elementary and middle-grade readers a deeper look at Fatima’s life, her faith, and the historical context of her achievements. Includes maps, timelines, and discussion questions, making it great for homeschool or classroom use.
4. My First Book about the Qur’an
By Sara Khan, illustrated by Alison Lodge
📚 Best for: Ages 3–7
A gentle, colorful introduction to the Qur’an for very young children. This board book explains key ideas of the Islamic holy book in simple, age-appropriate language. Perfect for giving context to the faith that shaped Fatima’s values and vision.
5. Extraordinary Women from the Muslim World
By Natalie Maydell & Sep Riahi, illustrated by Heba Amin
📚 Best for: Ages 8–12
A collection of inspiring biographies featuring trailblazing Muslim women from past and present. Fatima al-Fihri’s chapter sits alongside stories of scientists, rulers, artists, and activists, giving young readers a broad picture of Muslim women’s contributions across centuries.
6. The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World
By Bryn Barnard
📚 Best for: Ages 10–14
A visually stunning nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the many ways Muslim scholars, inventors, and artists shaped science, art, and culture. While not solely about Fatima al-Fihri, it places her story in the bigger picture of Islamic civilization’s golden age.
Why These Books Matter
These stories do more than teach history, they spark curiosity, empathy, and inspiration. By exploring Fatima al-Fihri’s life alongside the rich history of Muslim contributions to science, art, and learning, kids see that education has always been a bridge between cultures.
Belief Backpack Takeaway:
Like Fatima, we can use what we have to make the world better. Every big dream starts with one wish.
Let us know what you think.