Tag Archives: Palestine

Jan11

We are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis illustrated by Noha Eilouti

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The book is non fiction, the author not Muslim, but here I am reviewing this book because, we are all Palestinian and my heart enjoyed reading this 112 page book that covers Geography, Cultural Symbols, Creative Minds, Agriculture, Cuisine, Performing Arts, and History and Religion for middle graders and up.  The book is a celebration rooted in information and expressed with beautiful illustrations, fun facts and text blurbs to break up the text.  I do wish it was sourced, and I desperately wanted a map, particularly in the section on geography- it seems odd in fact that it doesn’t have one.  The book contains information about the nakba, but doesn’t let it control the narrative or overshadow the culture that thrives in Palestine and in all Palestinians. Undoubtedly, this is an important book to spend time with and share, especially as the global media is currently working overtime in attempts to erase the richness, joy, and even basic humanity of an entire population.

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The section on Geography covers Jerusalem, Gaza, Jericho, Akka, Haifa, Yaffa, Nazareth, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Ramallah.  Some cities are combined and are featured on a full two-page spread after an introductory page for the section.

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Cultural Symbols covers the national anthem and flag, Handala, tatreez, thobes and gold hat, hatta and egal.  I enjoyed learning more about cultural items that have become increasingly familiar, but whose origins, importance, and displays were new.

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The Creative Minds section focuses on people both currently still living and deceased.  I always struggle with books that highlight important people because how they are chosen is always such a mystery, and this book at least acknowledges that this is just a tip of the iceberg cross-section of people influential, talented, and noteworthy.

The Agriculture and Cuisine sections are a celebration of food and resources that most of us who have been privileged to have Palestinian friends sharing their lunch and dinner with will find particularly enjoyable.

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Performing Arts was informative and new to me, and I think further shows the depth and richness of the culture.  It highlights specific people, dances, cinema, and instruments in this section.

The final section of History and Religion starts with ancient history, followed by the Nakba, al Naksa, and then a two page spread on Islam and a two page spread on Christianity.

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Notably not mentioned in the entire book is Israel, and in the religion section there are no other faiths shared except Christianity and Islam.  The author seems to be making a point, by what is included, and what is focused on, and keeping the light shined on Palestine. There is an index, but no sources.

Jan9

Zain and Mima Stand for Palestine by Eman Kourtam illustrated by Sophia Soliman

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I love this 57 page rhyming book from the perspective of a non Palestinian family pulling out their Palestine gear and taking to the streets to protest the occupation of Palestine.  Along the way the sibling duo, and thus the reader, learns about the history of Zionism, birth righters kicking people out of their homes, allyship with those on the side of Palestine, the crimes of Hitler, it shows maps of the occupation, details how movement is restricted, and even how to use BDS as a form of resistance from afar. All on an early elementary level.  There is a game at the end with an activity about resistance symbols, as well.

The book starts with Zain and Mima coming home from school tired and hungry.  They notice Mama is upset and glued to her phone, they then here noise outside and are encouraged by their mother to join the march as she hands them keffiyehs and explains that people are losing their homes in Palestine.

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The kids are not sure of what is going on, but notice the chanting and signs and diversity of people coming together to demand freedom for Palestine.  After the protest they head home and Mama explains the history of Palestine and answers their questions.  She explains who Theodore Herzl was and his idea of Zionism.  Why it is dangerous and evil.  She then explains how Hitler’s actions in WWII gave rise to Zionism in the aftermath. A two page spread of maps show 1947 Palestine/Israel, 1948, 1967 and 2005 in easy to understand visuals. Mama then explains, without identifying any specific country, that Israel has the best weapons and Palestinians use rocks and slingshots to defend their homes and families.  It shows walls and checkpoints controlling people’s movements, and the oppression that has resulted.  When Mima asks what we can do in addition to marching and chanting, Mama explains using our money wisely with the BDS movement.  The next day, the children empowered by knowledge, make signs and are ready to stand bravely for Palestine.

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This book was originally written in 2022, and sadly is still so on-point.  It is available again on Amazon after being temporarily blocked, but I hope you will purchase it from a small business such as Crescent Moon Store where my initials ISL will save you 10%.

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Jan6

Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

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Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

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I have not posted a review since the latest genocidal escalation in Gaza, my heart just cannot carry on as before, but I keep being asked about Palestinian books that I have featured in videos, but not reviewed, so here we are.  This rhyming book is not OWN voice, but I think these days we are all Palestinian, and the tone of this book is accurately love, and beauty, and strength.  It is based around colors with beautiful illustrations for each two page spread focusing on one color.  Meant for toddlers and preschoolers this book works well in small groups and story times alike.

The book starts with an introduction to the narrator, Iman, from the land of Falasteen.  The first page spread talks about olive trees and the color green, then the blue of Dome of the Rock, orange of Quds Ka’ak and brown dates.  Over 32 pates, it also presents the keffiyeh, Masjid al Aqsa, knafeh, kaftan, keys, and Masjid al Qibly. The picture glossary at the end focuses on the Palestinian points, not the colors, keeping the focus on Al Quds.

Jul10

Sitti’s Key by Sahar Khader Ali illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

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Sitti’s Key by Sahar Khader Ali illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

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I try and buy, read, and review every children’s book about Palestine that is published, it is the least I can do.  I also try not to compare them to each other as they present different aspects of oppression, perspectives of strength, examples of joy, and messages of hope, even among many similar themes of food, keys, traditions, and culture.  I really appreciate that this book though is incredibly blunt.  It isn’t lyrical, it isn’t poetic, and as Israel is bombing Jenin as I write this I’m glad it doesn’t mince words about the Nakba. I do think caregivers though, should probably read it first as it might be a little triggering for sensitive children.  The story is OWN voice and probably best suited for middle elementary aged children.  It is perhaps also worth noting that the book could be seen as making Jews synonymous with Zionists.  The characters are Muslim, Islamic phrases and Arabic terms are sprinkled throughout, and even despite the pain the family has endured, the book stays hopeful and proud.

Sitti is coming and Amal is excited, it has been two years since she last saw her.  She loves how excited her mom and grandma are to unpack gifts of olive oil, dates, and zataar from friends.  Amal isn’t sure what to do with the “old lady thoub” she has been gifted, but she smiles in appreciation none-the-less.  When Sitti pulls out an old key, Amal starts to ask her about it, but her mother shuffles her off to bed.

The next day at school, Amal has to work on a presentation about “culture,” but there are no Palestinian books in her school library, so she just watches the other kids.  At home they eat and listen to Sitti’s stories of long ago in Haifa, and Amal asks her why she left Palestine.  Despite her mother trying to redirect, Sitti says it is time she knew about the Nakba.

Sitti tells about living on the land for generations and how the Jews believed the land belonged to them.  In 1948 the British decided Palestine would be the homeland for the Jews.  Armed men came and arrested anyone who tried to stay in their homes. Sitti’s brother was handcuffed and never seen again.  The family grabbed what they could including the key to their home as they made their way to a refugee camp in Lebanon.  They stayed for three years, before making their way to America.

When Sitti concludes her story she hands the key to Amal and her hope that she will return to their home inshaAllah.  Feeling the pride and warmth of home, Amal has a determination to reclaim her heritage and share her “culture” with her classmates.

The illustrations are sweet, the mom and Sitti wear hijab even in the home, and the inshaAllahs and salams come naturally. The book does not stop to define zataar or marimya, which helps the flow. I also like how it shows that there aren’t books about Palestine in the school library, it is strong and important detail.  I don’t understand where Sitti is coming from though, it would seem Palestine as she is bringing gifts from friends, but in the story it says after Lebanon they made their way to America, so I’m not sure where Sitti lives, and how the logistics of the family work to be honest.  I also kind of wish there was a  recipe for zataar in the book and lyrics with translation for the song the family sings.

Book is available on Kindle or can be ordered from www.littlehibba.com

May29

These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family’s Story by Aya Ghanameh

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These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family’s Story by Aya Ghanameh

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This stunningly illustrated OWN voice Palestinian book for early elementary kids is an important story and I love that it is coming out to the world, but I do have some issues with the literary aspects and target demographic.  The story bounces around from being factual about the brining and curing process of turning the bitter olives into numerous things, to Oraib’s present life in the refugee camp, to memories of the family’s life in Al Tira.  When war once again drives the family from their home in the Balata refugee camp, Oraib, plants seeds and vows to return one day to harvest the fruit.  The language at times is very mature and complicated for ages 5-8, I felt uncomfortable with the family moving being attributed to war and not occupation, and at one point it clearly articulates there are many olive trees located outside the camp and that they are leaving the seeds that would be later planted, so why is the climax her asking the earth permission to plant one more and for the sky to water and care for it until she can return? The backmatter allows the book to be used to spread awareness about Palestine and the process of harvesting olives, but the illustrations will appeal to younger readers, and the concepts contained seem more geared for slightly older ones.  There is nothing religious in the book, there is depiction of the Dome of the Rock in an illustration and I believe the author/illustrator identify as Muslim.

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The writing style of the book is fairly surface level with concepts not fleshed out to allow difficult concepts to reach younger readers.  When describing the taste of the fresh olives, Oraib wonders if long ago people were, “pleasantly surprised by its acidity.”  No insight into what that acidity tastes like, or bitterness, or what curing and brining means.  Often the paragraphs seem long winded and repetitive, adding very little to advance the story.

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There is little lyricism in the text, and the first time some tries to peek out, the metaphor is quickly abandoned, and it is notable that it doesn’t return.  The occasional enjoying of the bitter fresh olives is juxtaposed with the surprising joy occasionally found in the camp, it seems that with the uprooting of the family once again at the end, this thread would have been a natural inclusion to reinforce the patience for something better to occur.

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The dramatization of asking the earth and sky when planting a seed upon their departure, didn’t make much sense to me.  It is noted there are olive trees already there, the illustrations show the ground littered with seeds that were to be planted had they stayed, so why not have the little girl pocket some of the seeds to take with her wherever they go.  That is after all what the mother is doing at the beginning.  Why not have the little girl invest in the cause herself and share in that ownership that they will always endure and prosper. The personification of the earth, sky and rain also doesn’t seem to fit the flow of the story, so much is internal observation and reflection of the main character, that this seems like an attempt to bring it back to a child’s level that instead just reads disjointed.

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I might have missed something as I am not Palestinian, but the book to look at is incredibly beautiful, I just don’t think it will be read and remembered by young children.  One of my first thoughts when reading it was that it was an early draft, but it is to be published soon and this review is based on the most recent version sent to me. I also wondered in the back of my mind if the book was allowed to be used to check a box, and wasn’t given the editing and polishing that it deserved on purpose.  It depresses me to even think that, and I guess I’ll never know, but I would love to hear your thoughts, and I do hope you will request your local libraires to shelve the book as a show of support to authentic Palestinian voices.

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Mar29

Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love by Randa Abdel-Fatteh illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke

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Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love by Randa Abdel-Fatteh illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke

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It has been a long time since I took Arabic in college, so I read the book, then read it again, then wrote down all the Arabic words and realized that there are 11 words in addition to “al Hob” the word for love, and that al Hob is mentioned three times in the manner of a poetic refrain.  I also didn’t grasp the first time that the book is a journey of a refugee family and the types of love are them in different phases of their journey.  Once I got it, I’m not sure how I missed it, but I think the layers that the book allows for actually widens the appeal to a larger audience.  I know for many Muslims seeing a 40 page picture book about love will raise some eye brows and wonder about what relationships are shown.  There are a few phrases that imply romantic love most illustrated abstractly, one shows a bride and groom on their wedding day (al-Ishq), there are also an elderly hetero couple in front of the Dome of the Rock (Showq). The story follows one family and their suitcase is rainbow colored and when depicting loving one’s neighbors (al-Mahabba), there are rainbow stripes on the fence, if a rainbow means or doesn’t mean something to you I simply share what is there. There is friendship love (al-Wud) and familial relationship love, and love from pets (al- Walaa’) and love felt for those gone too soon (al-Haneen).  The Arabic script for each word of love and the lyrical English string together the concept of different forms of love with the illustrations telling the story.  There is nothing particularly Islamic in the book, but there are visible Muslims in the illustrations and the masjid in Palestine.

I’m obviously not an Arab speaker, so if I misunderstood a term, forgive me, I don’t want to list all the terms, because that would give away too much of the book, but as a non Arab the book is heartfelt and moving and I’m sure for Arab speakers the feelings would be amplified.

The book was released in Australia in 2022 you can purchase it from Book Depository and will be released in America in 2023, you can preorder it here.

Mar22

Book One: Thunderbird by Sonia Nimr translated by M. Lynx Qualey

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Book One: Thunderbird by Sonia Nimr translated by M. Lynx Qualey

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My public library had this book and so I picked it up seeing that it was Palestinian authored fantasy, and I am always on the lookout to support OWN voice Palestinian stories.  The book cover is gorgeous, the inside text unfortunately is tiny making this middle school aged book only 110 pages.  It is translated from Arabic and published by a university, so my expectations were pretty meager which assisted in me being fully swept away by the story at hand.  Sure the book has a few glitches in point of view,  often it feels a bit abrupt and djinn stories are a dime a dozen, but what elevated this book and made it stand out was the Palestinian history interwoven into the plot: snippets about the Mamluk soldiers and Ottomans, the Ayyubid rulers and walls around Jerusalem.  There isn’t enough history touched upon in my opinion, but I look forward to see, now that the world building is established, if the rest of the series will highlight the historical thread.  I have no idea if the characters or author are Muslim, there are references to praying and hearing the athan, but they could just be cultural.  There is magic, fantasy, djinn, prophecies, and reading of tea leaves, as well as fighting, assault, and talk of oppression under Israeli rule.  I’d assume it is advanced Middle Grade or lower YA, but to me it seems 11 and up would enjoy the quick fast paced read.

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SYNOPSIS:

Noor’s parents are dead, and she lives with a grandmother who loves her, and an uncle and his family who don’t.  When her grandma dies, Noor is alone and with things combusting in to flames around her and no one left to defend her claims that it wasn’t her, Noor is trying to piece together a ring left to her, her mother’s research, and her flame creation abilities.  Her search leads her to a colleague of her mother’s and an old archaeological site.  While staying with an aunt in Jericho over the holidays, a mysterious cat guides her to the same archeological site where the cat reveals that she is really a djinn.  The barrier between the seen and unseen world is failing, and Noor is prophesized to be the only one that can ensure it doesn’t happen.  With a trait of the mythical phoenix Noor must find ways to travel in time and retrieve a feather before the bird is reborn.  Along the way she will have the help of the djinn and of her doppelgänger from that time period.

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WHY I LIKE IT:

The story is clever, fast paced, and the character endearing.  I wish the details were fleshed out and of course I wish there was more history when she travels back in time.  The climaxes are quick builds and even quicker resolutions, but despite all the flaws I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the rest of the series.  The book ends on a cliff hanger that feels rather abrupt, but being it is clearly established as book one in a trilogy, I don’t think readers will be too upset at the sudden end.

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FLAGS:

Magic, time travel, prophesies, fortune telling, assault, oppression, fighting, loss, arson, arguing, djinn, fighting

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book probably is too short for a book club read, but I think a teacher could definitely use it as a reference in story writing, historical fiction fantasy, culture inclusion lessons.  If you wanted to use the book, you’d be able to find plenty to draw on for teachable moments in literature, history, and writing style.  There would also be a lot to discuss in terms of occupation, myth, legend, and culture.

If your library doesn’t have it you can find it on Amazon

Jan6

We’re in this Together (Young Reader’s Edition of We Are Not Here to be Bystanders) by Linda Sarsour

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We’re in this Together (Young Reader’s Edition of We Are Not Here to be Bystanders) by Linda Sarsour

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I don’t have strong feelings one way or another about Linda Sarsour, so I read the book primarily to see what the messaging would be from a well-known Muslim activist to a mainstream audience, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.  This YA adaptation of her adult book weaves together personal experiences with larger pushes for justice reform. It is not all memoir, there are historical blurbs, educational backstories, and centering of Palestinian occupation and Islamic tenants.  I feared that the book would be entirely self-promoting and it wasn’t, it shows her as a person, and her struggles, but the spotlight is bigger than her, as she talks about the efforts and accomplishments of others in promoting police reform, social change, elevating women’s voices, and working with Black Lives Matter.  The 229 page book is sourced and reads easily.  I think ages 13 and up will benefit from seeing the intersectionality of many current social struggles sprinkled in with historical landmarks that they have learned about in school, told through the lens of a personal, relatable Muslim, Palestinian, American voice.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with the Women’s March as the culmination of her status and then takes the reader back to show the pivotal moments that got her to that stage: the immigration of her parents to America, her childhood, her family’s bodega, trips to Palestine and finding her voice.  The book shows her in various stages of her life while showing what is currently happening regarding police brutality, national politics, and relatable historical movements.  It shares close relationships she has had professionally, as well as mentions her getting married, becoming a mother, and the loss of a close family member and mentor.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I was happy to see how much Islam and culture shaped her activism and identity, as both are generously sprinkled in, and are unapologetically presented.  The book is a memoir and many characters are introduced and shown to enhance her understanding or presenting her with opportunities,  yet I don’t feel I really got to “know” her or any of them.  The book is centered more on events and how she lent her voice in this arena or that.  I still don’t know that I have much of an opinion on her personally or on her work, or even felt motivated to take action because of her enthusiasm, but the book was an easy read, it was informative and reflective.

FLAGS:

Racism, oppression, murder, police brutality, car accidents, hate crimes, death, assault, systemic racism, slurs, misogyny, occupation, hate.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I probably wouldn’t read this book in a book club setting, but I think it would be a good addition to a school or library shelf.  I think you could require it in a history or civics or current events class and readers would find it compelling and relatable and be able to add their own life experiences to any discussions that would follow. It shows that the struggle in history books for justice and equality is not over, it is still ongoing and still very very real with horrific consequences.

Dec16

Salim’s Soccer Ball: A Story of Palestinian Resilience by Tala El-fahmawi illustrated by Naveen Abu Saleem

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Salim’s Soccer Ball: A Story of Palestinian Resilience by Tala El-fahmawi illustrated by Naveen Abu Saleem

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This 58 page rhyming picture book weaves together a tale of a little boy and his lost soccer ball, with larger issues of community, oppression, and perspective for the youngest of readers to older children too.  I am noted to be skeptical of rhyming books, but the large font, the sweeping pictures, and the dropping of occupation, struggle, and resilience really make this book a treat. Add in discussion questions and an author’s note and you have a solid book that deserves space on home, library, and classroom shelves.  My only wish, was that the book was hardback.  The horizontal layout with a soft cover make the book difficult to read during story times as the pages flop back.  The book is long, but the text on most spreads is minimal and while I could not identify the author’s religious identity, their are numerous hijab wearing #muslimsintheillustrations as Salim journey’s around his neighborhood and into his grand father’s memories.

Salim wakes up, brushes his teeth, and is out the door to play soccer with his best friend Qusai, but the ball goes flying and Salim can’t find it. He starts walking down the hill and it seems to have disappeared.

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He asks the fisherman, Abu Zaid, if he has seen it, and he hasn’t, but he offers to help.  They then go and ask the seamstress, she hasn’t either, but she puts down her tatreez, offers reassurance, and offers to help.  As they head out they bump in to Dr. Bassam.  “‘I will help you look,’ the kindly man said. “I can fix broken bones with very few supplies.  A lack of resources has made me clever and wise. Resilience and courage are plentiful here. We will find your ball. Salim, no need to fear.'”

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The searching continues, with a small break for khanfeh, and then Qusai is found, and so is the ball.  Like so many joyful items, the barbed wire of the apartheid wall has destroyed the soccer ball. Upset, Abu Omar, calls out to Salim, and his grandpa embraces and consoles the young boy recalling a donkey with wonky ears and life on the farm.  With resilience and joy Salim heads home to a community surprise and a hopeful future inshaAllah.

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The book concludes with five discussion questions that connect Salim’s experience to universal experiences of people everywhere.  It is followed by factual and personal author’s note about Palestine and the book.  

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There is nothing religious aside from the hijabs worn, Dome of the Rock, Masjid al Aqsa, and Church of The Holy Sepulcher in the backgrounds of a few images.  I purchased my copy from Amazon HERE and can also be purchased through Shop Palestine HERE.

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Nov21

My Garden Over Gaza by Sarah Musa illustrated by Saffia Bazlamit

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My Garden Over Gaza by Sarah Musa illustrated by Saffia Bazlamit

This book is hard to read, it hurts the heart, it doesn’t let you claim ignorance regarding the plight of Palestinians, and it shows cruelty,  a specific inexcusable cruelty, in a children’s book that will haunt you and infuriate you for weeks and months, if not indefinitely.  I’ve read a number of Palestine set books, but this one, in its simplicity, leaves me raw.  A child with a rooftop garden that helps feed her family is deliberately targeted by Israeli drones and destroyed.  This isn’t science fiction or dystopian, this is based on real acts.  The book itself threads in themes of hope, of not giving up, of remembering strength of a lost parent, of vowing to move forwards, but the catalyst for it all is not happenstance, and while the details of the occupation and oppression are not stressed and articulated, they are referenced and skillfully present to be discussed with children on their level with the included backmatter at the end.  This book is powerful and should be required reading. It is a difficult read and it has flags, but it is also a glimpse of the reality of our world, and the manner in which this book is told allows for the discussion to taken place with middle grade readers and up. The book is not text heavy, but the nature of the content makes me suggest it for mature children.

Noura, a young girl, is in her home in Gaza when drones are seen just out the window and she quickly pulls her little brother Esam away to safety.  To distract him she tells him about their father and his farm that he used to have in Umm An-Naser.  She explains how the wall cut them off from their land and when the drone noises fade, she takes him up to her rooftop garden to pick green beans.  Their mama works downstairs as a seamstress, and while they wish they had meat, the garden helps them have fresh vegetables.

The next day after Noura gets her little brother ready for the day they head to the roof, but drones arrive and start spraying chemicals on the growing plants, killing them, and sending Noura gasping to breathe.  She tries to cover the plants and swing a shovel at the drone, but it does little to save any of the food and Noura is devastated.

Noura’s mama reassures her daughter that the food can be regrown, but she is irreplaceable, as Noura goes to scrub the chemicals from her skin.  The frustration is real, but determination prevails as the family cleans the garden and begins again, just as their father did.

The last two page spread of the book is a basic map, general touchstones of the situation in Palestine, and the very real drones that fly in to Gaza to surveil, attack, and spray herbicides on crops. You can purchase a copy on the publisher’s website or HERE at Crescent Moon Store.