April is Arab American Heritage Month! The following books highlight the rich diversity of Arab experiences. Through these stories, young readers can find a voice in their own identities while discovering the unique traditions, histories, and contributions of Arab countries.
Picture Books
Loujain watches her beloved baba attach his feather wings and fly each morning, but her own dreams of flying face a big obstacle: only boys, not girls, are allowed to fly in her country. Yet despite the taunts of her classmates, she is determined to do it--especially because Loujain loves colors, and only by flying can she see the color-filled field of sunflowers her baba has told her about. Eventually, he agrees to teach her, and Loujain's impossible dream becomes reality--and soon other girls dare to learn to fly.
Every Friday Musa's family takes turns picking out a Jummah treat which they use to try all different foods, but when it is Musa's turn he sticks to his favorite halal hot dogs to share.
When Saamidah, a young Palestinian refugee, is asked by her friends what her name means, she isn't quite sure what to say. She turns to her baba for some answers - but what she gets is an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.
In 1967 Nablus, young Oraib cherishes the olive trees that connect her family to their land and history. Through her mother’s stories, she learns how deeply these trees symbolize home, heritage, and resilience. When war forces her family to flee once again, Oraib is heartbroken but determined not to lose that connection. Before leaving, she makes a promise to protect the legacy of the olive trees and carry their meaning into the future.
Kanzi's family has moved from Egypt to America, and on her first day in a new school, what she wants more than anything is to fit in. Maybe that's why she forgets to take the kofta sandwich her mother has made for her lunch, but that backfires when Mama shows up at school with the sandwich. Mama wears a hijab and calls her daughter Habibti (dear one). When she leaves, the teasing starts.
Kanzi, an immigrant student who once felt at home in her American school, is shaken when books about kids like her are suddenly banned from the library. Overwhelmed at first, she finds support from her classmates and teacher, who help her take action. Together, they organize a bake sale to raise money for diverse books, sparking a schoolwide movement that gains media attention. Empowered, Kanzi shares her voice through poetry, helping inspire the reversal of the ban and affirming that books belong to everyone.
Jiddo's garden is a wonder. In it grows so many amazing things--to see, smell, and taste. But helping him to tend the garden teaches this young girl about even more than fig trees. It gives her a chance to discover just who she is. Many years ago, like so many Palestinians, her family was forced to leave their homeland. But Jiddo shows her how, until they can return, tending a garden can connect them to home--and to each other! This heartwarming debut picture book by Jenan Matari explores themes of displacement, belonging, and an enduring connection to the land. With stunning illustrations by Aya Ghanameh, it's a poignant celebration of love, identity and hope.
Noura loves watermelon truly, madly, deeply. Can there ever be too much of a good thing?
This picture book follows Ari’s journey from childhood to adolescence as they explore their gender identity and reject the name Edward. As they grow, Ari struggles with expectations placed on them, especially from their father, while feeling drawn to things that better reflect who they are. Through moments of confusion, longing, and self-discovery, Ari gradually begins to understand themselves more clearly. Ultimately, the story captures their transformation into Ari, embracing a true and authentic identity.
Mira doesn't like her hair. It curls at the front. It curls at the back. It curls everywhere! She wants it to be straight and smooth, just like her Mama's. But then something unpredictable happens... and Mira will never look at her mama's hair the same way again!
Non-Fiction Books
Yallah! From January to December, join some busy kids as they partake in traditions old and new. There's so much to do, whether it's learning to write Arabic or looking at hijab fashion sites while planning costumes for a local comic convention. With details as vivid as the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle perfume (made to remind Mom of Morocco), children bond with friends, honor tradition, and spend loving time with family. Accompanied by buoyant and charming illustrations, this portrait of Arab life and childhood zeal is sure to bring joy all year round. Back matter includes an extensive glossary and notes to enrich the experience for readers of any culture.
A biography of architect Zaha Hadid, who grew up in Baghdad and went on to design buildings all over the world.
When Yousif Tlaib asks about his mom's new job in Congress, his older brother, Adam, fills him in--with some help from Rashida Tlaib herself. As he tells his mom's story, Adam reveals information about how elections and our government work, what it means to break barriers, what motivates their mama to work for justice for all, and how love and family have guided them through this historic time in our country.
Umm Kulthum rose from a poor Egyptian village to become one of the most influential voices in the Arab world, admired by artists like Maria Callas and Bob Dylan. As a child, she defied expectations by pursuing education and performing, even disguising herself as a boy to sing publicly alongside her father. After moving to Cairo, she faced criticism but persevered, refining hercraft and collaborating with leading poets and musicians until she achieved immense fame. Her powerful voice and mastery of Arabic made her a cultural icon whose music continues to resonate across the Arab world decades after her death.
Chapter Books
After moving from Syria to Indiana, third-grade science enthusiast Amina tries to find the perfect formula to make friends at her new school.
Twelve-year-old Yasmeen Khoury is unhappy that her family has moved from Detroit to San Antonio, Texas, leaving her friends and Arab Christian community behind; from the very first day at school Yasmeen feels completely isolated and out of place, but she slowly makes friends with a Mexican boy, Carlos, and her Jewish neighbor, Ayelet Cohen, although she feels like she has to hide these friendships, especially from her Palestinian father, a native of Jerusalem--more than anything Yasmeen just wants to be American but it seems like she can not escape the ethnic tensions that swirl around her.
Set in the early days of the Syrian Civil War, cousins Kareem and Samira living in Massachusetts navigate the growing conflict in Syria, new friendships, and the use of art to express themselves.