Eight Arab American Children’s Books Offer Empathy, Identity, and Representation
Celebrating Arab American Heritage Through Children’s Literature
In April 2025, the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley published a feature highlighting eight exceptional children’s books by and about Arab Americans. The aim was to foster empathy, nurture positive identity, and counter persistent stereotypes. This curated list arrives during Arab American Heritage Month, when educators, families, and communities seek resources to celebrate the experiences and histories of the estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans in the United States, whose roots span 22 countries.
The Underrepresentation of Arab American Stories
Despite the size and diversity of the Arab American population, children’s literature remains starkly lacking in authentic stories from this community. According to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only about 1% of the 3,322 children’s books published in the United States in 2024 were by or about Arabs3. This gap in representation is significant, especially as stories play a crucial role in shaping how children see themselves and others.
Research underscores the urgency of this issue. A recent study of blatant dehumanization found that Americans viewed Arabs among the least “evolved” or human-like of all groups studied, a perception that translates into real-world consequences. FBI hate crime statistics released in 2024 revealed the highest-ever number of anti-Arab incidents since the FBI began tracking this category in 2015, a 34% increase over the previous year. “Dehumanization silences empathy at the most basic levels,” explains researcher Jamil Zaki.
Why Stories Matter: Repairing Dignity and Fostering Empathy
Literature can be a powerful tool for empowerment and humanization. As acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie states, “Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.”3.
For Arab American children, access to stories that reflect their lives and cultures provides “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors” a concept from scholar Rudine Sims Bishop that describes how literature can reflect one’s own experience, offer insight into others’ lives, and invite readers to step into different worlds3.
Eight Books Highlighting Arab American Experiences
The Greater Good Science Center’s list features a range of books, from picture books for preschoolers to novels in verse for teens, each offering layered, authentic narratives.
1. Hilwa’s Gifts
Written by Safa Suleiman, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan
This joyful picture book follows young Ali as he visits his family in Palestine during the olive harvest. Ali’s special bond with an olive tree named Hilwa (“sweet one” in Arabic) and his wise grandfather (“Seedo” in Arabic) helps him understand the enduring gifts of family, tradition, and homeland. The story is filled with playful scenes of climbing trees, dancing, and picnicking, offering a vibrant window into Palestinian life.
2. Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine
Written by Hannah Moushabeck, illustrated by Reem Madooh
In this moving bedtime story, three daughters listen as their father recalls his childhood visits to his grandparents in Palestine. Family photos, an oud, and a kaffiyeh evoke the richness of their heritage. The father’s memories of food, music, and storytelling shape his daughters’ sense of identity, even as he expresses hope for a return to his homeland.
3. Ten Ways to Hear Snow
Written by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Kenard Pak
This meditative book centers on Lina, who journeys through a snowy city to help her Sitti (“grandmother” in Arabic) cook. Along the way, Lina notices the unique sounds of snow, culminating in a day of cooking and storytelling with her grandmother. The narrative gently encourages mindfulness and celebrates intergenerational bonds.
4. Sitti’s Secrets
Written by Naomi Shihab Nye, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
A poetic tale about a young girl’s visit to her Sitti in Palestine, this book explores family connections across distance and language. Through tender illustrations and memories of lemon trees and wisdom shared, the story beautifully captures the longing and love that many children of immigrants experience.
5. The World is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid
Written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
This biography introduces young readers to Zaha Hadid, the world-renowned Iraqi architect. The book traces how Hadid’s childhood in Baghdad inspired her groundbreaking designs, blending the landscapes of her youth with her creative vision. It inspires children interested in art, architecture, and the power of imagination.
6. Almost Sunset
Written and illustrated by Wahab Algarmi
A graphic novel following Hassan, a Yemeni American seventh grader struggling with school and soccer during Ramadan. Hassan’s exhaustion and dreams lead to misunderstandings, but ultimately, his community’s empathy and friendship help him navigate the challenges of fasting and adolescence3.
7. Kareem Between
Written by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
A Chicago Bears fan, Kareem faces setbacks on his middle school football team and struggles to connect with his Syrian grandfather (“Jido”) and a new immigrant friend. Through mistakes and perseverance, Kareem learns to find his voice and stand up for what is right, offering a relatable story about belonging and resilience.
8. Home Is Not a Country
Written by Safia Elhillo
This novel in verse follows Nima, a 14-year-old Sudanese American who feels out of place in her new home. Haunted by the name she was almost given- Yasmeen-Nima embarks on a supernatural journey to uncover her family’s history and embrace her identity. The book explores nostalgia, belonging, and the richness of heritage.
Representation and Social Change
These books are vital tools for educators, families, and librarians seeking to build inclusive collections. By highlighting Arab American stories, they help counteract stereotypes, foster empathy, and support all children's social and emotional development.
The call for more diverse children’s literature is echoed across the field. As the Greater Good Science Center notes, “There are countless more stories of Arabs in the United States that are yet to be told that can help nurture their positive social identity. Stories can help to foster empathy and shared humanity, which is especially important for Arab American children in the United States. "
Context: Hate Crimes and Dehumanization
Rising hate crimes and ongoing dehumanization underscore the urgency of representation. The FBI reported a 34% increase in anti-Arab incidents in 2024, the highest since tracking began3. Literature that humanizes and celebrates Arab American experiences is a crucial counter to these troubling trends.
Expanding the Canon
While the eight books highlighted by the Greater Good Science Center mark important progress, advocates stress the need for more stories reflecting the diversity within Arab American communities. Authors, publishers, and educators are encouraged to support and promote new voices, ensuring that every child can find books that reflect their experiences and broaden their understanding of the world.
As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds us, “Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity”3. By embracing and sharing Arab American children’s literature, communities can help repair, empower, and inspire the next generation.