Children’s Books by Arab American Authors and Illustrators
April is Arab American Heritage Month, making it a perfect time to celebrate the talents of Arab American authors. Over the past few years, Arab American authors and illustrators have published a bevy of wonderful children’s books, ranging from picture books for early-readers, to chapter books for kids eager to test out their new skills, to lyrical verse for older children.
Incidentally, it’s also now Ramadan, the holy month for the world’s Muslims. While some popular books do celebrate the beauty of Islam, Arab and Muslim identities are frequently (mistakenly) mixed — not all Arabs are Muslims, and not all Muslims are Arabs. Arab Americans enjoy religious diversity as befits the region’s cultural tapestry: many Arabs are Christian, Jewish, or don’t identify with any religion at all.
As the daughter of a Jordanian immigrant (himself the son of a Jordanian father and a Syrian mother), I’m extremely proud of my rich heritage and pleased that Arab Americans are finally stepping into the spotlight. And with two young children at home — a 6-year-old and a 1-year-old — I’ve delighted in reading books to them that highlight descendants of the region, like them.
Here are 10 Arab American-authored or illustrated books for younger children that are worth adding to your reading list.
The Cat Man of Aleppo(opens in new window)
A Caldecott Honor winner for 2021, this powerful book tells the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who saved and tended to hungry cats in the middle of the Syrian Civil War.
In My Mosque(opens in new window)
Just released, this children’s book with gorgeous illustrations from Egyptian Canadian Hatem Aly celebrates the beauty of mosques around the world while providing an easy-to-follow primer about Islam through the rituals children might find at the masjid.
Halal Hot Dogs(opens in new window)
Soon to be released, this early reader follows Musa, a young Muslim who finally has his turn to pick his family’s weekly post-prayer Friday treat… but runs into obstacles getting his beloved hot dogs.
Baba, What Does My Name Mean?: A Journey to Palestine(opens in new window)
Perfect for slightly younger readers who will appreciate its lyrical rhymes, this is a moving picture book about young refugee Saamidah, celebrating Palestinian culture, heritage, and family.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family(opens in new window)
A picture book with stunning illustrations by Aly, this instant New York Times bestseller follows sisters Faizah and Asiya on the first day of a new school year — and Asiya's first time wearing a beautiful blue hijab.
The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story(opens in new window)
The story of young Kanzi, an Egyptian immigrant to America, The Arabic Quilt is a touching story about the power of belonging. The book also includes a glossary of Arabic words.
Meet Yasmin!(opens in new window)
Another book illustrated by Aly, this is the first book in a wildly popular emerging reader series following the delightful adventures of imaginative second grader Yasmin.
Farah Rocks Fifth Grade(opens in new window)
The first book in the Farah Rocks chapter book series for slightly older children, this charming book features spunky Arab American Orthodox Christian Farah, and teaches important lessons about bullying, acceptance, and family.
Other Words for Home(opens in new window)
Older children and parents alike will adore this uplifting Newbery Honor book written in verse, about a young girl named Jude who leaves her father and brother behind in Syria and learns to adjust to life in the United States with her mother.
Silverworld(opens in new window)
Older children will be dazzled by Silverworld, a fantasy middle grade novel by celebrated Jordanian American author Diana Abu-Jaber, which finds young Sitti braving danger and adventure in a world of ancient magic.
Author: