The Middle East Book Awards recognize exemplary books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to an understanding of the Middle East and its component societies and cultures. Books are judged on the authenticity of the portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on their characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience. The following selection includes honor titles from 2015-2024.
"Once upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it's waking up to the sound of frying samosas and simmering pistachio kheer, maybe it's the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it's the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations"-- Provided by publisher.
"Afghanistan has long been a land of great turmoil. It has seen conflicts between internal factions and wars involving foreign nations. However, it is also a land of great beauty, with a rich culture and a long, fascinating history. Readers will get an up-close look at life in Afghanistan, from what people eat and do for fun to where they live and what kinds of jobs they do. They will also learn about Afghanistan''s history, government, economy, traditions, and more."--Amazon.com.
Fleeing a home destroyed in the Syrian civil war, Sami worries about the pigeons he left behind. Even in the relative safety of a refugee camp, the boy struggles to participate in the daily activities, consumed by thoughts of what he has lost. At last, when birds in need of care enter his life, Sami begins the long road to healing.
"Eleven-year-old Zomorod, originally from Iran, tells her story of growing up Iranian in Southern California during the Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis of the late 1970s"-- Provided by publisher.
When her best friend's cancer returns in the summer of 1987, none of her usual pursuits--surfing, singing, or reading poetry--can keep thirteen-year-old Ava afloat.
In a true tale of a young girl in Iran and her grandmother, this beautiful ode to family celebrates small moments of love that become lifelong memories.
When Yazan is no longer allowed to go to the park and play outside, he learns why his parents watch the news all day and why the streets around his house in Syria are quickly changing.
In simple rhyming text a young Muslim girl guides the reader through the traditions and shapes of Islam.
After accidentally ruining his family's haft-seen, a display of seven traditional items to bring luck in the Persian New Year, young Kian finds seven unusual items to replace them. Includes facts about Nowruz.
Sameer's neighbors left when war came to Lebanon, but now they have returned and instead of finding a friend to play with, Sameer meets an unfriendly girl, Muna, who confronts him about taking olives that fall from her family's tree to his side of the wall.
"A little girl ventures through the old city of Istanbul, receives many kindnesses along the way, and practices the tradition of passing on what she receives"-- Provided by publisher.
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.
"Young Aria returns to school after recovering from an accident and being fitted with a prosthetic leg, but the school has no furniture and sitting on the floor is too painful. She finds a way to build her own bench, surprising and inspiring her classmates. A sensitive author's note addresses the author's experience growing up in Afghanistan during the civil war and the legacy of landmines."-- Provided by publisher.
The true story of Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian girl whose creativity and love of stories helped her and the world see math in a new way, and who was the only woman ever to win the Fields Medal, the most prestigious honor in mathematics.
"In this picture book, a young girl and her family are forced to flee their village to escape the civil war that has engulfed Syria and make their way toward freedom in Europe" --Publisher description.
After Nadia is separated from her family while fleeing the civil war, she spends the next four days with a mysterious old man who helps her navigate the checkpoints and snipers of the rebel, ISIS, and Syrian armies that are littering Aleppo on her way to meeting her father at the Turkish border.
Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library.