Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month Through Picture Books

by Hena Khan; illustrated by Nabila Adani

Come learn about the oldest operating library in existence, al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco, founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri. 

by Maysa Odeh; illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

At school, Falasteen and her classmates are tasked with finding their families' home countries on a map, but no matter how hard she looks, Falasteen can't find Palestine. Can a place exist if it's not on a map? Confused, Falasteen turns to her family for answers.

by Aya Ghanameh

The story of a Palestinian family's ties to the land, and how one young girl finds a way to care for her home, even as she says goodbye.

by Zahra Marwan

When she and her family must move to a new desert, Zahra is surprised to find some familiar elements amid all the newness, and in time, a new kind of magic that makes it feel like home. Tells the true story of the author's immigration from Kuwait to the United States.

by Zahra Marwan

When she and her family must move to a new desert, Zahra is surprised to find some familiar elements amid all the newness, and in time, a new kind of magic that makes it feel like home. Tells the true story of the author's immigration from Kuwait to the United States.

by Leila Boukarim; illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa

This summer Sunday, when Yasmine’s family comes for lunch, Yasmine is making the hummus, but it’s harder to make than she expects, in a story about making your own traditions that includes a glossary of Arabic terms and a hummus recipe. 

by Aya Khalil; illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

When her new classmates tease her, Kanzi finds comfort in wrapping up in a quilt from her teita and writing poetry. This authentic story includes a glossary of Arabic words and a presentation of Arabic letters with their phonetic English equivalents.

by Cathy Camper; illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi

Accompanied by lively illustrations, this book celebrates the beauty and diversity of Arab life and childhood enthusiasm throughout the entire year as busy kids take part in traditions old and new.

by Rifk Ebeid; illustrated by Lamaa Jawhari

Join Saamidah as she explores Palestine’s major cities through its rich architectures, food, crafts, and more.

by Zeena M. Pliska; illustrated by Hatem Aly

In this love letter to Cairo, Egypt, a young child is sung a lullaby by her great-aunt who paints a vivid portrait of the ancient city as the child drifts off to sleep.

by Susannah Aziz; illustrated by Parwinder Singh

Musa’s family shares a special treat every Friday after their Jummah prayer at the mosque. This week it’s Musa’s turn to pick a treat and he chooses halal hot dogs, but things don't go according to plan!

by M. O. Yuksel; illustrated by Hatem Aly

Step in and explore the joys, rituals, and traditions that are practiced in mosques. 

by Rhonda Roumani and Nadia Roumani; illustrated by Olivia Aserr

Ranya gets frustrated when her mom just says "Insha'Allah" whenever Ranya asks for something, but as the two talk, they realize “Insha'Allah” means so much more. 

by Aya Khalil; illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

Teita, Mama, and Zain bake ka’ak, a sweet treat, in preparation for Eid while sharing beautiful memories of their Egyptian heritage. 

by Danny Ramadan; illustrated by Anna Bron

Salma wants to cook a homemade Syrian meal to cheer up her mama, but she doesn’t know the recipe, what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! What will she do?