CHILDREN'S STORYBOOKS ON THE ARAB WORLD
(And Other Resources)
An Annotated Bibliography
The American Arab Anti-Discrimination
Committee's (ADC) Educational Department prepared the following list as
a resource guide for parents, children, and educators. ADC does not sell the
items listed. Ask at your local library or bookstore for help locating the books,
or contact the organizations are listed in the appendix.
Abu Kir and Abu Sir. (Beirut: Librairie du Liban) 32pgs/ hardcover.
$8.50 AMIDEAST. A humorous and richly illustrated tale. Two
friends learn the value of honesty when their pursuit of fortune leads them
abroad.
Alexander, Sue. Nadia the Willful. (NY: Pantheon, 1983) Grades K-4. $5.00
AMEU/ Borders.* After Nadia's brother disappears in the desert, her father
orders that his name never be spoken again. Through her determined defiance
of this order, Nadia keeps her brother's memory alive and changes her father's
outlook on death. This story focuses on coping with the loss of a loved one.
Ali, Tariq. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree. (Routledge, 1994). 242pp.,
7th-adult, $14.95. AWAIR. Novel of a Muslim/Christian family in 1500
shortly after the Spanish conquest. A colorful medieval world is brought
to life.
Al-Mutawa. To Bounce Or Not to Bounce. (Kuwait, 1996)
33pgs/$10.00. A story set in “BouncyLand” celebrating diversity and
accepting individual differences. Not specifically Arab but can be used in home
or classroom to prompt discussion of racial, ethnic or religious differences.
Won UNESCO Honorable Mention award for Children’s Literature in the Service of
Tolerance.
Azzam, Abd al Rahman. The Travels of Ibn Battuta. Illus. Khaled Seydo.
(London, England: Hood Hood Books). Ages 8-12/36pgs. In 1325, Ibn
Battuta, a 21 year old Moroccan scholar and religious judge, sets off from
Tangier to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca. This is part of a series which
mixes history with fantasy by telling the stories of Ibn Battuta’s 70,000 mile
pilgrimage to Mecca on which he traveled thirty years and covered 44 countries.
Battuta series has 5 volumes, for various grades k-6.
Bahous, Sally. Sitti and the Cats. (CO: Roberts Rinehart Publishers,
1993) Grades 1-5/ 24pgs/hardcover. AMIDEAST/AWAIR $13.95/AMEU
$12.25/AET $10.00/Borders.* In this Palestinian tale, a poor woman is
aided by talking cats in her efforts to show a selfish neighbor the importance
of friendship and generosity. Notes throughout the book provide a guide to the
setting and culture of Palestine's past.
Barakat, Samar. Jameel Has a Problem that Grows and Grows. (Beirut: Prana
Publishers, 1999. Fax:961-1-741975, email: sbarakat@cyberia.net.lb) $5.00. This
is the Story of Jameel, a seven-year-old Arab-American child coming to terms
with his identity. Jameel lives with his parents in California, and, he tells
us, he is very happy there, except for one problem-- his father’s mustache.
Booth, Marilyn, translator. Stories by Egyptian Women: My Grandmother’s
Cactus. 165pp., $10.95, middle-high school. AMIDEAST. 8 diverse
writers. Themes include the lives and experiences of women, poverty, class
and gender barriers, social marginalization, political participation.
They draw on folk tales and mythology. Includes background notes on women
writers in Egypt.
The Bearded Man. (Beirut: Librarie du Liban) 32pgs/hardcover. $8.50
AMIDEAST. Set in a city of the Arabian Gulf, this is the tale of two
friends whose paths diverge. One learns a painful lesson after his arrogance
leads him to abandon his companion.
Burgoyne, Diane T. Amina and Muhammad's Special Visitor. (Spring
Valley, CA: Middle East Gateway Series, 1982) Grades K-3/58pgs.
$9.95. This story of an urban Saudi Arabian family illustrates
similarities and differences between Saudi and U.S. lifestyles.
Chrisp, Peter. The Rise of Islam. (Wayland Publishers Ltd., 1991) Grades
4-7. HARVARD. A very good illustrated history of Islam up to the time of
the Ottoman Empire; includes a timeline and a glossary.
Cooper, Jane. Muslim Festivals. (Wayland Publishers Ltd., 1989) Grades 2-5.
HARVARD. Attractively illustrated, interesting introductions to Islamic
celebrations around the world.
Dolphin, Laurie. Photographs by Ben Dolphin Neve Shalom -- Wahat Al-Salam, Oasis
of Peace. (Donnelly/Colt) Ages 8-12/ 48pgs. $14.95. Shlomo Franklin, a Jewish
Israeli, and Muhammad JJabar, an Arab Muslim Israeli, meet at a very visionary
and progressive school called Neve Shalom/ Wahat al-Salam. Here, the learn
other’s cultures and languages, discuss fears of one another, and slowly
develop a strong bond.
Dutton, Roderic. Arab Family. (Minneapolis: Lerner, 1985)
Grades K-6/32pgs. $8.95. This richly illustrated story centers
around a family living in the village of Khabura in Oman. Its depiction of rural
life highlights changes brought about by the discovery of oil.
El-Liwaru, Dr. Saidi J. and Maisha. The Muslim Family Reader. 2 Vols.
$6.99/each. SOUND VISION. A collection of stories to be read within
the family. Each story's theme is introduced with a quote from the Quran.
El-Moslimany, Ann. Zaki’s Ramadan Feast. (Amica Publishing House, 1994) List:
$14.95. AET: $11.95. HARVARD. Picture book tells a story of a young Muslim
boy’s attempt to keep the Ramadan fast.
Five Things to Find. (Singapore: Tamarind Books, 1991) Grades
K-3/21pgs. $6.00 AMIDEAST. Set in a traditional Tunisian
setting, this richly illustrated story imparts a timeless message about the
importance of teamwork. A young girl teaches her siblings the necessity of
working together to best utilize individual
strengths.
Ganeri, Anita. Remember Palestine. Hutchinson, Uthman (Beltsville, MD:
Amana Publications) List: $19.95; AET $15.00. An introduction to
Palestinian children and their country.
Ghazi, Suhaib Hamid. Ramadan. (NY: Holiday House, 1996) This informative book
describes the celebration of the month of Ramadan, the holiest in the Islamic
calendar. The story follows Hakeem and his family as they observe this holiday.
Gilmore, Rachna. A Gift for Gita. (Mantra Publishing, 1998) bilingual Arabic/English.
Grades K-6th/ 26 pgs. 17.95 AWAIR. A story about home and friends, moving and
loss. For children making a new life in another country. Gita’s loving relationship
with her grandmother is put in sharp contrast to her sense of identity with
her new home.
Heide, Florence Parry and Gilliland, Judith Heide. The Day of Ahmed's
Secret. (NY: Lothrop, Lee, and Shepard Books, 1990) Grades
1-5/32pgs/hardcover. AMIDEAST ($13.95)/AWAIR ($16.00)/AMEU
($14.50)/Borders.* Ahmed carries a secret in his pocket as he spends a day
wandering the streets of Cairo. Only at the day's end is the secret
revealed. Detailed illustrations provide a glimpse into the lives of the city's
people.
Heide, Florence Parry and Gilliland, Judith Heide. The House of Wisdom. (NY: DK
Publishing, Inc., 1999) $16.95. The true story of Ishaq, a young boy in 9th
century Baghdad whose quest for learning and wisdom leads him to an undiscovered
manuscript by Aristotle. It portrays the importance of academic scholarship in
Arab civilization. Richly and gorgeously illustrated.
Heide, Florence Parry and Gilliland, Judith Heide. Sami and the Time of
Troubles. (NY: Clarion Books, 1992) 32pgs/hardcover.
AMIDEAST ($14.95)/AWAIR ($15.95)/AMEU ($5.50, paper)/Borders.* Ten year
old Sami and his family in Beirut confront the harsh realities of a time of war.
Their inspiring struggle for survival is beautifully illustrated in watercolor.
Hermes, Jules. The Children of Morocco. (1991). 40pp, grades 2-6.
Portrays the diversity of life styles of the children of Morocco.
Jacobsen, Peter. A Family in the Persian Gulf. (NY: Bookwright
Press, 1985) Grades 2-5/32pgs. $9.40. This portrayal of
a family in Bahrain illustrates similarities and differences between the
lifestyles of children in Bahrain and the U.S.
Joha and the Three Merchants. (Beirut: Librarie du Liban)
32pgs/hardcover. $8.50 AMIDEAST. The traditional
character of Joha "the fool," outwits three dishonest merchants.
Johnson-Davies, Denys. Folk Tales of Egypt. (Cairo: Hoopoe Books,
1993) 48pgs AMIDEAST/$6.50 These tales were
adapted from those traditionally recited by Egyptian story-tellers.
Johnson-Davies, Denys. Goha. (Cairo: Hoopoe Books, 1993) 48pgs
AMIDEAST $6.50/AET $5.00. A collection of 27 short stories revolving
around a traditional Arab character known as Goha "the fool."
These humorous tales relate Goha's adventures as he outsmarts those he
encounters.
Johnson-Davies, Denys. Stories from the Arab Past. (Cairo: Hoopoe Books).
AMIDEAST. 48pp., grades 2-6. 21 short stories illustrating themes of
kindness, generosity, honesty, adapted from classical Arabic literature.
Judar and His Two Brothers. (Beirut: Librarie du Liban)
32pgs/hardcover. $8.50 AMIDEAST. Set in Egypt and
Morocco, this is the story of an honest, trusting character, Judar. After Judar
is twice cheated by his dishonest brothers, a friendly magician comes to his
aid.
Kessler, Christina. One Night. (NY: Philomel Books, 1995) 32pgs/hardcover.
$15.95 AMIDEAST. A shepherd boy among the Tuareg people of North
Africa longs for a blue turban like those worn by the men. To realize this dream,
he must first prove his worth to his father. This story provides a glimpse into
a rapidly vanishing nomadic lifestyle.
Khaled and Aida. (Beirut: Librairie du Liban) 32pgs/hardcover. $8.50
AMIDEAST. Set in the Sahara Desert, this story celebrates strength of will
and character. Before marrying Khaled, Aida is determined to prove herself his
equal.
The Kingdom of Justice: Stories from the Life of Umar. Grades 4-7/47 pgs.
$12.00 with audio cassette. AWAIR. Islamic values, law and justice
(equality before the law, the presumption of innocence) are conveyed through
seven stories based on historical accounts of Islam's first century.
Lovejoy, Bahia and Cohen, Barbara. Seven Daughters and Seven Sons. (William
Morrow, 1994). 220pp., 6-7th gr., $4.95. AWAIR. “Rich, unique, and
authentic” novel based on an Iraqi folktale. Portrays a poor girl disguised
as a man making her way in the world, upholding the dignity of her family.
Addresses stereotypes of gender and class. “Beloved by the culture it portrays
for the truths it imparts about their value system.” Especially good for
studying Islam.
Macdonald, Fiona. Ibn Tulun The Story of a Mosque. Illus. Joan Ullathorne.
(London, England: Hood Hood Books.) Ages 9-12/48pgs. Gives a detailed
history of the mosque of Ibn Tulun in the heart of Cairo, how it was built,
and the lives of those who built and used it at the time of the Abbasid Empire.
Full of fascinating facts and illustrations.
The Magical Gourd. (Beirut: Librairie du Liban) 32pgs/ hardcover.
$8.50 AMIDEAST. This tale is set in the eastern Syrian desert. It
relates an impoverished thornseller's experience with a most unusual gourd.
The Man Who Never Laughed. (Beirut: Librarie du Liban) 32pgs/
hardcover. $8.50 AMIDEAST. Rather than appreciate his
fortune in wealth and love, a young Syrian is overcome with greed for more.
Ultimately, this greed leads him to lose all that he has.
Marston, Elsa. The Cliffs of Cairo. (2nd edition, 1998). 158pp.,
middle-high school. $5.95. AMIDEAST. An American family moves to
Cairo. The daughter explores the city and its vibrant culture, its modern
and medieval dimensions. The family gets entangled in international art
smuggling.
Marston, Elsa. Free as the Desert Wind. (1996). 32pp., grades
2-6, $6.95. AMIDEAST. Omar accompanies his father on the camel drive
from Sudan to Egypt.
Mathews, Mary. Magid Fasts for Ramadan. (NY: Clarion Books, 1996)
$15.95 AET $11.00. Islamic practices and beliefs are introduced
through this story set in contemporary Egypt during the month of Ramadan.
Magid, a young Muslim, disagrees with his family's assertion that he is too
young to fast. By secretly fasting, he learns that forgoing food and drink
can be a difficult responsibility.
Nye, Naomi Shihab. Sitti's Secrets. (NY: Four Winds Press, 1994)
32pgs/hardcover. AMIDEAST ($15.00)/AWAIR ($15.95)/AMEU ($14.50)/AET
(10.95). Set in a small West Bank village, this is the story of a young Arab
American girl and her Palestinian grandmother. After meeting for the first time,
they transcend differences in age, language, and culture to form a unique
friendship. Local traditions and some Arabic words are introduced.
Nye, Naomi Shihab. Habibi. (NY: Simon and Schuster, 1997) Grades 6 and up/ 259
pgs. $16.00
When fourteen-year-old Liyana Abboud’s family moves from St. Louis, Missouri
to Jerusalem her whole world shifts. She discovers a grandmother that she has
never met before, aunts and uncles in a West Bank village and a history much
bigger than she is.
Nye, Naomi Shihab, ed. The Space Between our Footsteps: Poems and Paintings from
the Middle East. (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1998) Ages 8 and
up. 19.95 Nye brings together the work of 130 Arab poets and
artists, some of whom have never been published before, who offer a medley of
voices and visions to create a glorious tapestry of a place rich with history
and culture -- the Middle East.
Pitkanen, Matti. The Children of Egypt. (1991). 30pp., grades 2-6.
Portrays the diversity of lifestyles among the children of Egypt.
Profilet, Cynthia. Kamal's Quest. (Sterling Press, 1610 E. County
Line Rd., Ridgeland, MS 39157; 601-853-3728) $15.95 + $3.50, shipping and
handling. Kamal, a young camel who has lost his mother, is befriended by
kind Arabs in Bahrain. This beautifully illustrated story presents a positive
look at Arab society.
Prince Jamil and Leila the Fair. (Beirut: Librarie du Liban)
32pgs/hardcover. $8.50 AMIDEAST. A king in the mountains
of southern Arabia loses his kingdom after insisting on chopping off his
wife's hair. His sincere regret allows him to redeem himself and regain his
land.
Shedd, Carol, ed. Are You Listening? Voices from the Middle East. (Harvard
University, 2000 edition) 205pp., $17.50, middle-high school. AMIDEAST.
Anthology of 22 stories and memoirs, selected for cultural richness and appeal
to young adults. Includes teaching guide and curriculum units for each story.
Comprehensive bibliography on themes of each story.
Shefelman, Janice Jordan. A Peddler’s Dream. Illus. Tom Shefelman.
(Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1992) A young Lebanese-American man overcomes
many hardships as he travels the countryside by foot to seek his fortune.
He eventually becomes owner of a large store and is able to provide a secure
life for his family. This tells of an experience by many Arab immigrants
in the 19th century.
Stickles, Frances. The Flag Balloon. (Washington, DC: American
Educational Trust, 1988) Grades 2-6/40 pgs. AET $7.95 (2 for
$9.95). In defiance of soldiers, a young Palestinian girl makes and flies
her flag in the Occupied Territories.
Tahan, Malba. The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures.
(W. W. Norton, 1993) Grades 5-adult/244 pgs. $9.95 AWAIR.
34 gracefully told stories, each with a mathematical puzzle to solve, set in
the 10th century Islamic world. Depicts Arab and Muslim contributions
to the history of mathematic, ("Arabic" numerals and algebra, for
example).
Travellers and Explorers. (Iqra Trust, 1992) Nicely illustrated and packed with
information about Islamic travellers and explorers during the Middle Ages.
The following books are all published by Amana Books and teach important lessons
in Muslim ethics and morals:
Jamaal series, 1st-2nd gr/24pgs. $3.95. These teach about Ramadan (First
Fast), the importance of obeying one’s parents (The Axe) and about dental
hygiene (Miswak). Jamaal learns religious lessons at the zoo (Crocodiles Pray),
at home (Jamaal’s Jam) and discovers the meaning of everyday Islamic words (Bismillah).
In other books, he learns patience (Snowed In), good behavior (Bad Day, Good
Day), courage (The Attic) and perseverance (Tomatoes).
Fatimah series, 3rd-4th gr/46 pgs. $6.95. Fatimah learns about equality
(Applesauce), patience (Chicken Pox), and how to start and run a business,
thereby showing that women are equal to men (Big Business).
OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Abbas, Jailan. Festivals of Egypt. (Cairo: Hoopoe Books, 1995)
48pgs. AMIDEAST $7.50/AET $5.00. Offers an overview of Islamic,
Coptic Christian, and secular festivals celebrated in modern-day Egypt. Attention
is given to the historical role these festivals have played in uniting Egyptian
society. Easy recipes for festival foods are included.
Alshalabi, Firyal M. Ahmed's Alphabet: A Bilingual Story for Arab Students Learning
English. (Rubeian Publishing, 1995) 35 pgs. $16.00 AET $10.00.
Ahmed introduces himself, his family, culture and background. Good also
for non-Arab children.
Ameri, Anan and Ramey, Dawn, eds. Arab-American Encyclopedia (Detroit: Gale
Press, 1999) Designed for middle school, but can be used much more widely. Chapters
include discussion of Arab-American history, immigration, organizations, politics,
civil rights and cultural stereotyping, religion, literature, music, family
life and all other aspects of the community. Highly recommended.
Briggs, Jack, ed. Fostering Friendships: A Study Guide to Iraq. (American
Friends Service Committee, 2000) 175+ pp, $35. For elementary/middle school
teachers. Study notebook covers geography, history, culture of Iraq, Iraq
today, the children of Iraq. 29 page resource list. Appendices on
the Arab world, Arab stereotyping in the media, and the Gulf crisis. The
culture and history provide a perspective from which to evaluate U.S. actions
in the regions. Looks at the cost and results of the Gulf War and sanctions
on Iraq, offers alternatives based on Quaker values of nonviolence and a Middle
East method of reconciliation.
Engelbert, Phillis. American Civil Rights Almanac (Detroit: Gale Press, 1999)
presents a comprehensive overview of the history and current status of the civil
rights of various racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Includes a
section on Arab-American civil rights and a brief biography of Arab-American
Senator James Abourezk.
Harik, Ramsay and Marston, Elsa. Women in the Middle East. (Franklin Watts,
1996). 224pp., 6-8th gr., $22.95. AWAIR. Accurately portrays the
diversity of women in the region. Goes behind the stereotypes and
oversimplifications. The first book on this topic for middle school.
Haskins, Jim. Count Your Way Through the Arab World.
(Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books) Grades 2-4. $4.95. In
addition to an introduction to counting in Arabic, this book provides background
on Arab countries and societies.
Hippocrene Children’s Illustrated Arabic Dictionary. (New York:
Hippocrene Books, 1999).
Muslim World Coloring Books. 4 books, 28 pages each. $3.95
Sound Vision. Drawings depict people, lifestyle, architecture and art.
Naff, Alexa. The Arab Americans. (Chelsea House, 1988) Grades
5-8/110pgs. $12.95. AWAIR Covers the early immigrants from
Syria-Lebanon beginning in the 19th century, the process of assimilation, the
post-World War II immigrants from across the Arab world, and the resurgence of
ethnic awareness.
Rodseth, Lars; Sally Howell; and Andrew Shryock. Arab World Mosaic: A
Curriculum Supplement for Elementary Teachers. (Dearborn, MI: ACCESS,
1994) 209 pgs. $20.00 and $5.00 shipping. Lesson plans,
exercises and stories of the Arab world based on the life experiences of Arab
immigrants. Covers the person, family, community, holidays and folktales.
Designed to be used with The Day of Ahmed's Secret, Nadia the Willful, Sami and
the Time of Troubles, Sitti and the Cats, and Sitti's Secret.
Shabbas, Audrey; Carol El-Shaieb; and Ahlam Nabulsi. The Arabs: Activities
for the Elementary School Level. (AWAIR, 1991) Grade K-7/60 pgs.
$16.00. Hands-on projects and exercises. Cook, weave, macrame, sing,
dance, recycle, play games, tell stories.
Shabbas, Audrey. A Medieval Banquet in the Alhambra Palace. (AWAIR, 1994)
176pp., $29.95, middle-high school. Muslim Spain and its culture and society.
Outline for enacting a “medieval banquet” where students can integrate their
knowledge of the Arab/Islamic world at its height.
Sheen, Dennis. A Child's Picture Dictionary, English/Arabic. (NY:
Adama Books, 1985) Grades K+/39pgs. $9.95.
Soghikian, Juanita W. Lands, Peoples and Communities of the Middle East.
(Spring Valley, CA: Middle East Gateway Series, 1991) Grades 4-6/80pgs.
$12.00. 30 lessons on culture; geography; urban, rural and nomadic life in
19 countries.
Teacher’s Guide: Muslim Holidays. (1997). 36pp., all grades.
AMIDEAST. Background, significance, celebration, and calendar of holidays
“Young Voices from the Arab World.” Video, 30 min., 5-8th gr., $35. AWAIR/AMIDEAST.
Excellent introduction to Arab society and culture through the everyday lives of
5 young people in Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait and Morocco. Home,
school, workshop, entertainment. Has teacher’s guide.
APPENDIX
Amana Publications
10710 Tucker Street, Suite B
Beltsville, MD 20705-2223
(301) 595-5777; FAX: (301) 595-5888
American Educational Trust (AET)
1900 18th St. NW
Washington DC 20009
(800) 368-5788
American Friends Service Committee/Literature Resources
1501 Cherry St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1479
1-888-588-2372 FAX: (215) 241-7275
plems@afsc.org
Americans for Middle East Understanding (AMEU)
475 Riverside Drive, Rm. 570
New York, NY 10115-0241
(212) 870-2053; fax: (212) 870-2050
AMEU@aol.com
AMIDEAST
1730 M Street Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 776-9600; FAX: (202) 882-6563
inquiries@amideast.org www.amideast.org
Arab World and Islamic Resources and School Services (AWAIR)
1865 Euclid Ave., Suite 4
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 704-0517 FAX: (510) 704-0741
awair@igc.apc.org www.dnai.com/~gui/awairproductinfo.html
Clarion Books
215 Park Ave. South
New York, NY 10003
(212) 420-5889; FAX: (212) 420-5855
www.hmco.com/trade/
Council on Islamic Education
PO Box 20186
Fountain Valley, CA 92728-0186
(714) 839-2929 FAX: (714) 839-2714
Donnelly/Colt,
Box188,
Hampton, CT 06247
(860) 455-9621; FAX (800) 553-0006
DK INK
52 Church St.,
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 329-1987; FAX (781) 329-1428
Harvard University
Center for Middle Eastern Studies
Teaching Resource Center (HARVARD)
1737 Cambridge Street, Room 514A
Cambridge, MA 02138
Hippocrene Books
171 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10016
(212) 685-4371 FAX: (212) 779-9338
hippocre@ix.netcom.com
Hood Hood Books
(Their materials are available in the U.S. from AMIDEAST. Call for prices
and a full catalogue of Hood Hood books.)
Middle East Gateway Series
16105 E. Carmel Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
(602) 837-7006
Middle East Outreach Council
c/o Mary Martin
MEC, 838 Williams Hall
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305
http://link.lanic.utexas.edu/menic/meoc
A national network of information and resources on the Middle East.
Includes organizations and university-based Middle East studies programs which
engage in educational outreach.
Sound Vision
843 W. Van Buren, Suite 411
Chicago, IL 60607
(800) 432-4262
These organizations also have many other excellent teaching resources on the
Arab world. Ask for their catalogues.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is an Arab-American civil
rights organization. It was founded in 1980 by former Senator James
Abourezk to defend Americans of Arab descent from discrimination, stereotyping
and hate crimes. Its program of “Reaching the Teachers” encourages
Arab Americans to become more involved with their local schools. It works
directly with teachers to offer consultations and provide lesson plans,
bibliographies, and information materials.