World Book Day: children’s books by Palestinian authors

We’re facing a humanitarian crisis like we haven’t seen in at least a decade. At the time of writing, more than 30,000 Palestinian men, women, and children have been killed since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. It’s easy to point fingers right now, but there is a bottomline.

In 2023, UNICEF estimated there to be 2,405,756 Palestinian people under the age of 18. In Gaza itself, almost one million are children younger than 18 years, while 40% are under the age of 14. Why are we showcasing these statistics? Well, on World Book Day, we’re reading children’s books for hope, empathy, and a better world.

Read: #ReadPalestine week: 300 publishers support free book cause

Writers and translators at ArabKidLitNow have recommended some of these children’s books below by Palestinian authors, focusing on present-day Gaza and the West Bank, as well as exploring historic Palestine and its profound cultural legacy. The team at Hadi Badi, an initiative that aims to promote children’s and young adult literature and creative learning in Arabic worldwide, have also put together a short list of resources.

Children’s books by Palestinian authors

• Sitti’s Bird: Gaza Story by Malak Mattar. This picture book is for all ages, looking at the heartwarming story of how a little girl in Gaza finds strength and hope through her painting.
• We Are Palestinian by Reem Kassis. This is another picture book for all ages. From culture and food, to music and literature, We Are Palestinian is a celebration of Palestinian heritage.
• Early Reader: The Little Green Drum by Taghreed Najjar. ArabKidLit’s Ekram Abdelgawad reviewed Najjar’s other book “A Strange Adventure.” But the Al Salwa Publishing House founder is well-known in this area and has written many children’s books. This early reader book, aimed at six- to eight-year-olds, explores Samia’s story during Ramadan, a time when she has to be strong and brave.
• Code Name Butterfly by Ahlam Bsharat. Aimed at 11-year-olds and above, Ruth Ahmedzai Kemp says this coming-of-age novel looks at the “tense but hopeful space between an ordinary adolescent’s worries…and the very specific fears of life under military occupation in the West Bank.”

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• Ida in the Middle by Nora Lester Murad. Another book aimed at tweens and above, Ida faces bullying for being Palestinian, struggles with her identity, and then magically experiences life in her ancestral Palestinian village, prompting tough choices.
• Trees for the Absentees by Ahlam Bsharat. The second book by Bsharat is also targeted at 12 and above. In occupied Palestine, university student Philistia navigates young love and complex realities, connecting with her roots through traditional rituals amid ongoing conflict.
• Easter in Ramallah: A story of childhood memories by Wafa Shami. For five- to seven-year-olds, this story explores centuries-old Easter traditions among Palestinian Christian and Muslim families, filled with colour, music, love, and childlike wonder.

These books are just a drop in the ocean, as there are many Palestinian authors contributing to children’s literature. Check out Social Justice Books’ comprehensive list, so that we allow kids to experience other cultures.

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