Arab American Heritage Month is a new way to celebrate Americans who have immigrated from — or are descendants of Arabic speaking countries. These countries are found on the North coast of Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula. If you and your family would like to learn more, view the resources found here, visit the Orem Library Children’s Desk display, or continue reading for a list of children’s books that feature Arab American stories. To find even more children’s titles that celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, listen to the Check it Out! podcast. This Orem Library podcast features expert children’s book reviews from literature specialist Rita, Whitney, Molly, Mary, and Toni. Check it Out!
Other Words for Home
By Jasmine Warga
Junior Fiction
Sent with her mother to the safety of a relative’s home in Cincinnati when her Syrian hometown is overshadowed by violence, Jude worries for the family members who were left behind as she adjusts to a new life with unexpected surprises.
The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story
By Aya Khail
Picture Book
The beautiful story of diversity follows a young girl named Kanzi whose most treasured reminder of her old home provides a pathway for acceptance in her new one.
Ms. Marvel Stretched Thin
By Nadia Shammas
Junior Graphic Novel
Kamala Khan (a.k.a Ms. Marvel) is stretched too thin–literally. She’s having a hard time balancing schoolwork with being a good friend, being there for her family, becoming the best fanfic writer this side of the Hudson River … and, you know, becoming a Super Hero. She’s tired and just barely keeping control, BUT she’s handling it. Totally. When a mysterious robot tries to infiltrate Avengers Tower, it’ll be up to Ms. Marvel to (again, literally) pull herself together, learn to ask for help, and fix the mess she’s made before anyone gets hurt!
For more titles, listen to the Check it Out! podcast found here.