{"id":92662,"date":"2025-03-27T05:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T09:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=92662"},"modified":"2025-03-27T13:56:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T17:56:07","slug":"childrens-books-by-arab-and-arab-american-authors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/childrens-books-by-arab-and-arab-american-authors\/","title":{"rendered":"Amazing Children\u2019s Books by Arab and Arab American Authors"},"content":{"rendered":"

April means it\u2019s time for warmer weather, rain showers, and Arab American Heritage Month. There are many extraordinary authors of Arab heritage, and now is an excellent time to pick up their books and read them with your kids. Whether you have young children, tweens, or teens, here are some of the best books from Arab American authors to dive into this month.<\/p>\n

no no 9780593525180 These Olive Trees<\/i> by Aya Ghanameh <\/p>\n

This poignant story set in 1967 Palestine celebrates a young girl’s love for the olive trees that connect her family to their land. As war forces Oraib’s family to flee their refugee camp, she vows to keep alive the legacy of her beloved olive trees, promising to ensure their survival for future generations. A beautiful book about war, hope, and the strength of love in hard times.
\n(Ages 3 – 5)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781536229424 Hilwa\u2019s Gifts<\/i> by Safa Suleiman, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan <\/p>\n

This joyful book combines family, traditions, and harvest time into a delightful story set in Palestine. Ali joins his family in their olive garden, where the entire extended family gathers to harvest olives and press them for oil. This yearly tradition helps Ali\u2019s family pass on their heritage and customs to the next generation.
\n(Ages 3 – 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781536213959 Arab Arab All Year Long!<\/i> by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi <\/p>\n

Any young reader will appreciate this joy-filled, culturally rich picture book that celebrates the diversity, traditions, and festivals of Arabs throughout the year. Through enchanting illustrations and engaging text, readers are taken on a colorful journey that highlights the beauty and uniqueness of Arab culture, fostering appreciation and understanding.<\/p>\n

Fans of this book may also enjoy Camper’s Ten Ways to Hear Snow<\/a><\/i>, a snow-filled story about a young Arab American girl and her grandmother.
\n(Ages 3 – 7)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781536230215 Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love<\/i> by Randa Abdel-fattah, illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke <\/p>\n

This heartfelt picture book explores 11 intricate and nuanced ways that love is expressed across the Arabic language and culture. With stunning visuals, follow a Middle Eastern family as they leave their homeland with a suitcase full of mementos in tow. Arabic script, alongside the English translation, makes for a bilingual treasure that enriches the reading experience.
\n(Ages 4 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781662650642 Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers <\/i> by Uma Mishra-Newbery and Lina Al-Hathloul, illustrated by Rebecca Green <\/p>\n

Pick up this vibrant picture book for a story about equal opportunity, perseverance, and dreaming big. It is inspired by the Nobel Peace Prize nominee Loujain Al-Hathloul, who fought for driving rights for women. In the story, young Loujain sees her father flying and dreams of joining him in the air. Even though girls are not allowed to fly in their country, Loujain\u2019s father teaches her. The gorgeous illustrations and powerful message make this book unforgettable.
\n(Ages 4 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781984813787 The Cat Man of Aleppo<\/i> by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu <\/p>\n

During Syria\u2019s Civil War, homeless cats wander the empty, silent streets. Wanting to help, Alaa opens his home to the cats and cares for the abandoned creatures. But there are too many cats and only one Alaa. Thankfully, his story inspires people around the world to send help and donations. This Caldecott Honor-winning picture book is based on the true story of a man who stayed in his war-torn city to care for the cats.
\n(Ages 4 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781644214411 I Want You to Know <\/i> by Mona Damluji, illustrated by Ishtar B\u00e4cklund Dakhil <\/p>\n

In this heartfelt picture book, a mother tells her daughter about their ancestral homeland and what it was like to leave when a war arrived on their doorstep. She explains that even though they had to leave their homeland, they still have a connection to it.
\n(Ages 6 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593619308 Daughters of the Lamp<\/i> by Nedda Lewers <\/p>\n

Sahara is a scientific-minded 12-year-old thrown into a magical mystery adventure when she visits present-day Egypt over the summer. Flashback to 985 C.E., Morgana is the 13-year-old servant to Ali Baba, entrusted to aid in the safekeeping of magical treasures. Connected across time by a magical necklace, Lewers masterfully weaves together the lives, the mystery, and the magic of these two strong and relatable girls.<\/p>\n

And readers will be delighted to dive into the sequel, Children of the Wind<\/a><\/i>.
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781984851987 Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out <\/i> by Muzoon Almellehan and Wendy Pearlman <\/p>\n

Muzoon Almellehan shares her personal story in this memoir for young readers. When her family fled their home in Syria, they could only take necessities. For Muzoon, this included her schoolbooks. Readers will be fascinated by Muzoon\u2019s inspiring story of living in a refugee camp, pursuing an education, and becoming a respected advocate for people in similar situations. Her story inspires readers to value their freedoms and not take education for granted.
\n(Ages 10+)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593126967 Spice Road <\/i> by Maiya Ibrahim <\/p>\n

Magic, romance, and adventure combine in this breathtaking YA fantasy novel from an Arab Australian author! Imani is a magical warrior trained to protect her city from djinn and monsters. So when the Council hires her to capture her traitorous brother, she doesn\u2019t hesitate to accept the task. YA readers can\u2019t get enough of this stunning series opener!
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781368078610 The Dark Ascension Series: The Wishless Ones<\/i> by Hafsah Faizal <\/p>\n

YA readers will devour this origin story about Jafar, the villain from Disney\u2019s Aladdin<\/i>. After his mother dies, Jafar convinces his younger brother to join him at a prestigious magical school. While there, the brothers get caught up in a scheme that will change their fates forever. This breathtaking fantasy novel is a captivating story about brotherhood, ambition, and power.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781774884751 You Started It<\/i> by Jackie Khalilieh <\/p>\n

Rom-com readers will love this romantic young adult novel about a girl whose plans for senior year go up in smoke when her longtime boyfriend dumps her for someone else. In an attempt to make him jealous, Jamie starts fake-dating a TikTok dancer. At first, they seem entirely wrong for each other, but as they spend more time together, their fake relationship starts to feel real.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593353707 Man o’ War<\/i> by Cory McCarthy <\/p>\n

River is an Irish and Lebanese American trans-nonbinary athlete who has felt trapped like fish in an aquarium. Then they meet Indy, an openly queer classmate who evokes feelings within River so intense that they jump into a literal shark tank. What follows is a 15-year journey of self-discovery and acceptance that so realistically mirrors the experiences of many trans people. Full of emotion and joy, this beautiful blend of romance and coming-of-age is an absolute must-read.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593177082 Home Is Not a Country<\/i> by Safia Elhillo <\/p>\n

Safia Elhillo won several prestigious awards, including the Arab American Book Award, with her YA novel-in-verse about a teen who doesn\u2019t fit in. Nima feels out of place at home, at school, and in her neighborhood. As she grapples with her identity, Nima learns to lean on her family and embrace her unique qualities. Elhillo\u2019s beautiful, lyrical verse creates a heartfelt portrait of a young woman learning to accept herself.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593354452 From Here <\/i> by Luma Mufleh <\/p>\n

Get ready for a powerful and heart-wrenching memoir about a young gay woman growing up in Jordan. Her account will keep YA readers riveted, from discovering her sexuality to immigrating to the United States and seeking asylum. Along the way, she discovers the meaning of family, home, and freedom.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593324301 Huda F Are You?<\/i> by Huda Fahmy <\/p>\n

This humorous graphic novel is the perfect choice for anyone who has suffered from an identity crisis (haven\u2019t we all?). When her family moves to a small town in Michigan, Huda goes from being one of a few Muslim kids at school to one of many. Suddenly, she doesn\u2019t know where she fits in and struggles to make friends. Huda soon realizes that the only way to survive her new school is by being her authentic self.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780593381205 Bright Red Fruit <\/i> by Safia Elhillo <\/p>\n

YA readers trying to find their place in society will appreciate this gorgeous novel-in-verse from the award-winning author of Home Is Not A Country<\/i>. When a rumor destroys Samira\u2019s reputation, and her parents ground her, she turns to the only outlet she has left \u2014 poetry. As she gets further into the world of slam poetry, Samira must decide how much of herself to give to her art, her heritage, and a new romance.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

9781524748418 Shubeik Lubeik<\/i> by Deena Mohamed <\/p>\n

This beautiful graphic novel weaves together folklore and contemporary issues in a whimsical tale set in a fantastical Egyptian landscape. Vibrant art and a compelling narrative tell the story of three wishes granted and the perils that come from having your deepest desires come true. Content includes swearing, smoking, and drug references that may not be suitable for younger teen readers.
\n(Young Adult)<\/i><\/p>\n

This article was originally published in 2023 and updated in 2025.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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