These 10 children's books about Palestine introduce young readers to its history, heritage, and everyday life through engaging stories, symbols, and relatable characters. From picture books to memoirs, they explore themes like displacement, resilience, and family bonds. Here's a quick overview:
- We Are Palestinian by Reem Kassis: A detailed guide to Palestinian traditions and culture, featuring art, history, and key figures. Ages 9–12.
- These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh: A heartfelt story about family, displacement, and hope, centred on olive trees. Ages 3–7.
- Sitti's Key by Sahar Khader Ali: A tale of family history and the Right of Return, told through a grandmother's key. Ages 6–9.
- Salim's Soccer Ball by Tala El-Fahmawi: A boy's search for his ball highlights community life and values. All ages.
- Sitti's Bird by Malak Mattar: A child's perspective on war and creativity during the Gaza airstrikes. Ages 4–7.
- Farah Rocks Series by Susan Muaddi Darraj: A Palestinian-American girl's adventures, blending everyday challenges with heritage. Ages 8–12.
- Homeland by Hannah Moushabeck: Diaspora children's bedtime stories about their father's life in Jerusalem. Ages 5+.
- Sitti's Secrets by Naomi Shihab Nye: A Palestinian-American girl bonds with her grandmother in the West Bank. Ages 6–9.
- Tasting The Sky by Ibtisam Barakat: A memoir of childhood during the 1967 war, exploring life as a refugee. Ages 11+.
- The Shepherd's Granddaughter by Anne Laurel Carter: A girl's struggle to preserve her family's land amidst conflict. Ages 11+.
These books simplify complex realities, using symbols like olive trees and keys to connect past and present. They offer young readers a way to understand Palestine's history and culture while celebrating family, hope, and resilience.
10 Children's Books About Palestine: Quick Reference Guide by Age Group
These Olive Trees - Children's book - Family Love - Read Aloud (Author & Illustrator: Aya Ghanameh)
1. We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis
Reem Kassis crafted this beautifully illustrated 112-page encyclopaedia to safeguard Palestinian traditions for her daughters and children around the globe. The book serves as a rich resource on Palestinian heritage, blending history, art, and culture into an engaging narrative.
The content is organised into distinct chapters, each focusing on a vital piece of Palestinian identity. The Geography chapter introduces readers to 11 major cities, including Jericho - known as the world's oldest city, located 258 metres below sea level. In the Cultural Symbols section, iconic elements like tatreez embroidery, the keffiyeh scarf, and the traditional thobe dress take centre stage. The Creative Minds chapter celebrates influential figures such as poet Mahmoud Darwish, scholar Edward Said, and journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Other chapters delve into topics like Agriculture, Cuisine, Performing Arts, and History and Religion, offering a well-rounded exploration of Palestinian life.
"This wonderful book is really a love letter to Palestine itself, describing what it is that makes Palestinians an identifiable Arab nation and imparts to children the reasons they can take pride in their culture." - Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
The book was recognised as the Bookstagang Best Book of 2023 and boasts an impressive 4.9/5 rating on Bookshop.org, based on over 21,000 reviews. The School Library Journal praised it as a "valuable purchase for libraries" and a "lovely and accessible educational tool." Illustrated by Palestinian-Canadian artist Noha Eilouti, the book’s vibrant visuals - featuring landmarks, native plants, and traditional cross-stitch patterns - bring Palestinian culture vividly to life.
Recommended for ages 9–12 | £13.99 (hardback)
2. These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh
Aya Ghanameh's picture book, These Olive Trees, tells the heartfelt story of young Oraib, a girl living in the Al Balata Refugee Camp in Nablus during 1967. The narrative is deeply personal, inspired by the author’s own family history. Ghanameh drew upon the life of her grandmother, also named Oraib, to craft this tale, making it a poignant example of fiction rooted in real experiences.
At the heart of the 40-page book are olive trees, a powerful symbol of the enduring connection between Palestinian families and their ancestral land. Through Oraib’s eyes, readers gain insight into traditional olive harvesting methods, like the rhythmic "stomp stomp stomp" used to extract golden oil. However, the story takes a sombre turn when war forces Oraib’s family to flee once again, following their initial displacement during the 1948 Nakba. Unable to take the cherished olive trees with her, Oraib gathers olive pits, vowing to plant them elsewhere and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come.
"Olive trees are used to root this story of a Palestinian family's experiences to the past, and to branch into the future." - Inclusive Books for Children
Released by Viking Books for Young Readers on 22 August 2023, These Olive Trees has received widespread acclaim. It boasts a 4.9/5 rating on Bookshop.org and has been featured on "Must Read" lists by The New Arab, IBBY UK, and Inclusive Books for Children. Kirkus Reviews described it as a "poignant yet child-appropriate perspective on warfare" and a "sorrowful tale... infused with hope". The hand-drawn illustrations, rendered in earthy olive-green tones, complement the narrative beautifully, helping young readers aged 3–7 understand the emotional impact of displacement while keeping the content suitable for their age.
Recommended for ages 3–7 | £15.99 (hardback)
3. Sitti's Key by Sahar Khader Ali
Sahar Khader Ali’s Sitti’s Key brings the story of the 1948 Nakba - a tragic event that uprooted countless Palestinians - to life through the perspective of a young girl named Amal. When Amal’s grandmother, Sitti, comes to visit, she stumbles upon an old iron key. This key holds more than just memories - it unlocks her family’s history and sheds light on why symbols like this have been cherished across generations.
The book beautifully weaves together themes of storytelling and memory, using oral traditions to keep the connection to a homeland alive. Through Sitti’s heartfelt recounting, Amal learns the importance of the key, which represents the Right of Return - a deeply significant concept for many who long for a place they may never set foot in again. Like several other stories in this collection, Sitti’s Key uses a physical object to connect the past with the present.
"If you are looking for a picture book about the 1948 Nakba that explains it in a way that is suitable for young children, then Sitti's Key is a great choice." - Yousra Samir Imran, British Egyptian writer and author
The book, illustrated by Noor Alshalabi, has received widespread praise for its ability to present a complex historical event in a way that is both accessible and sensitive to its young audience. The New Arab described it as a "tender book" that is "easy to read".
4. Salim's Soccer Ball by Tala El-Fahmawi
Tala El-Fahmawi's Salim's Soccer Ball tells the story of young Salim, who embarks on a quest across his Palestinian village to find his lost favourite soccer ball. Written in a rhythmic, rhyming style, the book offers a glimpse into the warmth and strength of Palestinian community life. It also highlights cultural traditions such as tatreez embroidery and local farming, brought to life through Neveen Abu Saleem's illustrations. The story beautifully intertwines Salim's personal journey with the rich heritage of his community.
"In this story, Salim loses his soccer ball and embarks on a journey across his beautiful village in Palestine, learning lessons from members of his community along the way."
As noted by MuslimMatters, Salim's journey becomes a learning experience, teaching him the value of community bonds and shared wisdom.
Published on 7 April 2022 by Tablo Pty Ltd, the 58-page paperback also includes a discussion guide designed for parents and educators. This guide explores Palestinian heritage and community values, making the book suitable for readers of all ages. Emphasising the importance of neighbourly support, the book has resonated with audiences and is currently out of stock on several retail platforms.
5. Sitti's Bird by Malak Mattar
Sitti's Bird is a poignant picture book written and illustrated by Palestinian artist Malak Mattar. It draws deeply from her personal experiences as a child during the 2014 Gaza airstrikes. The story centres on a young girl named Malak, whose everyday life - school, seaside adventures, and cherished Friday visits to her grandmother (Sitti) - is abruptly upended when the bombings begin.
Confined to her home for 50 days with her parents, Malak finds solace and strength through painting, using it as a way to process her fear and trauma. Malak Mattar herself began painting at just 13 years old during the same 51-day Israeli military assault on Gaza. Her artwork, shared through social media, eventually gained international attention despite the restrictions on her movement in Gaza. This creative outlet serves as a profound symbol of resilience and hope, resonating deeply in the pages of her book.
"The struggles and the injustice I have witnessed in my life in Gaza inspired me to advocate for Palestine and Palestinian women through art and storytelling." – Malak Mattar
Aimed at children aged 4 to 7, the 32-page book uses the metaphor of a caged bird to reflect the constrained lives of Gazans. The New York Times Book Review commended the book for addressing the subject of war in a way that is both "sensitive and reassuring." It highlighted how the contrast between Mattar's whimsical, childlike illustrations and her vivid, moment-by-moment storytelling underscores the importance of creativity during times of crisis. Priced in the UK between £8.99 and £17.90, Sitti's Bird offers a thoughtful way to introduce young readers to the realities of Palestinian life under occupation.
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6. Farah Rocks Series by Susan Muaddi Darraj
The Farah Rocks series by the acclaimed Susan Muaddi Darraj offers a standout representation of Palestinian-American life in children's literature. This four-book series centres around Farah Hajjar, a spirited young girl whose last name - meaning "rocks" - pays tribute to her family's roots as Jerusalem stonecutters. Designed for readers aged 8 to 12 (Years 2 through 5), the books explore relatable childhood themes like bullying, friendships, and school challenges, all while beautifully incorporating elements that celebrate Farah’s Palestinian heritage.
In Farah Rocks Fifth Grade, the first book of the series, Farah faces off against Dana Denver, a new student who bullies her younger brother, Samir. The series is praised for its authentic depiction of Palestinian-American family life. Small but meaningful details, like Farah’s father playfully mispronouncing "pancakes" as "bancakes", and the inclusion of a hummus recipe at the end of each book, bring a sense of warmth and cultural pride. Booklist has highlighted the series for addressing a "glaring hole in representation" for Arab American children in early chapter books.
"Intimate cultural details - Farah's dad says 'bancakes' because 'in Arabic, the letters p and v don't exist'; the family has the surname Hajjar due to their Jerusalem stonecutter origins - add to the authenticity of the portrayal of the family's Palestinian ethnicity." – Kirkus Reviews
The series has received widespread recognition, including the 2021 Arab American Book Award in the children's category and a starred review from School Library Journal. It also boasts an impressive 4.9/5.0 rating on Bookshop.org, based on over 21,000 reviews. In the UK, you can find the books priced at £9.39 for paperbacks, £15.95 for hardbacks, and £7.99 for e-books.
What makes Farah Rocks truly special is its ability to balance universal childhood experiences with a celebration of Palestinian culture. Farah’s love for Greek mythology, her treasured rock collection, and her close bond with her brother Samir create a relatable and engaging protagonist. Through Farah’s journey, readers are invited to experience the richness and vibrancy of Palestinian-American life.
7. Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck
Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine is a heartfelt picture book that beautifully honours Palestinian heritage through the lens of personal storytelling. Released on 28th March 2023, this 40-page autobiographical debut by Hannah Moushabeck tells the story of three young sisters in the diaspora who eagerly gather to hear their father’s bedtime tales about his childhood in Jerusalem’s Old City. Moushabeck, a second-generation Palestinian American and head of Interlink Publishing - the sole Palestinian-owned publisher in the United States - draws inspiration from her own childhood memories of listening to her father Michel’s stories.
The book paints a vivid picture of Jerusalem, rich with sensory details: the rhythmic tapping of brass cups by juice vendors, the scent of argileh (hookah) wafting through windows, and the sweet taste of jellab. Reem Madooh’s illustrations add depth, featuring symbolic imagery such as homing pigeons and keys, which reflect the Right of Return. The narrative also highlights the diversity of Jerusalem by portraying a Palestinian Christian family and showcasing scenes of Sido (grandfather) and family cafés where intellectuals and poets gathered.
"Homeland does what decades of sad news stories have repeatedly failed to do for Palestine - humanize a beautiful people and place." – Naomi Shihab Nye, Author of Sitti’s Secrets
The book has earned widespread praise, including the 2023 New England Book Award and the Arab American Book Award. Kirkus Reviews called it a "stirring tale with details that evoke the senses" and a "beautiful tale of family, love for a lost homeland, and remembrance." It boasts an impressive 4.9/5.0 rating on Bookshop.org, based on over 21,000 reviews. Ideal for children aged 5 and up, the hardback is available in the UK for £13.99. The book also features educational elements, including a glossary of Arabic terms, an author’s note, and real family photographs, providing additional context and insight.
8. Sitti's Secrets by Naomi Shihab Nye
Sitti's Secrets is a beloved picture book and one of the first English-language children's stories about Palestine. It features Nancy Carpenter's evocative oil-painted illustrations and spans 32 pages. The story centres on Mona, a young Palestinian American girl who travels from the United States to a small village in the West Bank to visit her grandmother, Sitti (Arabic for grandmother). Despite Mona speaking English and Sitti speaking Arabic, the two form a deep connection through gestures, music, and shared daily experiences. This heartfelt tale beautifully illustrates how personal histories can bridge cultural divides.
The story draws from Naomi Shihab Nye's own experience of meeting her grandmother for the first time at the age of 14. Through Mona’s eyes, readers discover the "secrets" of her grandmother’s world - simple, everyday routines that hold profound meaning. Upon returning to the United States, Mona reflects on the connection she feels to her grandmother’s life and even writes a letter to the President, expressing that Sitti, like everyone else, wants peace.
"I love the word 'Sitti' for Grandma in Arabic...If grandmas ran the world, I don't think we would have any wars." – Naomi Shihab Nye, Author
This story continues the collection’s theme of celebrating intergenerational bonds, showing how small, cherished memories transcend language and geography. The book has received widespread praise, with School Library Journal calling it a "thoughtful, loving affirmation of the bonds that transcend language barriers, time zones, and national borders." Booklist also highlighted its importance, noting, "there are too few books like this one about Arabs and Arab Americans as people."
With a 4.8/5.0 rating from 121 reviews on Amazon, Sitti's Secrets is recommended for children aged 6–9. The paperback is available in the UK for around £6.23, making it an affordable and meaningful addition to any child’s library. It’s a wonderful way to explore Palestinian culture and celebrate the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
9. Tasting The Sky: A Palestinian Childhood by Ibtisam Barakat
Tasting The Sky is a moving memoir aimed at readers aged 11 and older. Published in February 2007 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War, this 192-page book recounts Ibtisam Barakat's childhood in Ramallah, beginning at age three during the 1967 conflict. The story opens in 1981, with 17-year-old Barakat detained at an Israeli checkpoint, before shifting back to her early years from 1967 to 1971.
The memoir paints a vivid picture of refugee life, as Barakat and her family were among the 200,000 Palestinians who fled to Jordan during the war. It describes the challenges of living under occupation, including their home being located within an Israeli training ground, where leaving during the day was forbidden for safety reasons. In a desperate attempt to protect her children, Barakat's mother sent them to an orphanage during this turbulent time.
Through the eyes of a child, Barakat portrays the devastation of conflict alongside moments of simple beauty. A poignant theme in the book is her discovery of "Alef", the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, which she describes as her "refuge" and "true home" amidst the chaos. Reflecting on the lingering effects of war, she writes: "When a war ends it does not go away... It hides inside us . . . Just forget! But I do not want to do what Mother says . . . I want to remember."
"In vivid, beautiful prose, Ibtisam Barakat transports readers into a place few Westerners have ever seen - the interior life of a young girl and her family in the occupied West Bank. This book... holds literature's great power: the power to humanize the 'other,' and to therefore change the way we understand our world." – Sandy Tolan, Author
The memoir has received widespread acclaim, earning the Arab American National Museum Book Award and being recognised as an ALA Notable Children's Book in 2008. It boasts a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon, based on 241 reviews, and received a starred review from Booklist. Available in the UK for around £7.99, this compelling book provides older children with an honest and accessible glimpse into Palestinian life and the refugee experience.
10. The Shepherd's Granddaughter by Anne Laurel Carter
The Shepherd's Granddaughter, published in December 2008 by Groundwood Books, is a compelling novel aimed at readers aged 11 and older. It tells the story of Amani, a young Palestinian girl living near Hebron, who aspires to follow in her grandfather's footsteps as a shepherd. However, her dreams are overshadowed by the growing threat of a nearby settlement encroaching on her family’s ancestral land and olive groves. Amani’s personal journey reflects a larger struggle to safeguard heritage amidst conflict.
The book weaves together traditional practices, such as shepherding and harvesting olives, figs, and lemons, with the grim realities of occupation. Readers are confronted with vivid depictions of poisoned livestock, uprooted orchards, demolished homes, and arrests during peaceful protests. Determined to help her family, Amani decides to learn English, seeing it as a tool to amplify their voices and protect their way of life - solidifying her role as a defender of her culture and traditions.
A secondary storyline introduces Jonathan, a Jewish American teenager living in a settlement. After witnessing the hardships faced by Palestinians, he transforms into an anti-occupation activist. Professor of Education Katharine Davies Samway notes, "Amani witnesses disagreements within her extended family around whether to trust Israelis who oppose the occupation and whether to engage in peaceful or armed struggle, which creates an additional context for critical thinking and discussion among students". Jonathan’s change of perspective highlights the potential for understanding and transformation, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
This novel has received several accolades, including the 2009 Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honour, and recognition as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Additionally, part of the book’s royalties supports the Children in Crisis Fund of the International Board on Books for Young People.
Conclusion
These ten books weave together elements of Palestinian history, traditions, and resilience - capturing the essence of symbolic olive trees, iron keys, and customs that strengthen ties to Palestinian heritage.
Through these stories, children are introduced to complex realities with compassion. They tackle challenging subjects like the 1948 Nakba and life under occupation, while also celebrating joyful moments, family bonds, and the everyday experiences of childhood. These narratives go beyond education - they encourage meaningful dialogue.
They open the door to conversations about justice, belonging, and shared humanity. By presenting age-appropriate ways to discuss difficult historical events, these books also showcase the creativity and strength of Palestinian children.
Beyond fostering understanding, these stories can inspire action. For those looking to show solidarity, Rebelwear UK's Free Palestine Collection (https://rebelwearstore.com) offers activist-themed apparel, starting at £19.99. These items allow supporters to visibly express their commitment while sparking conversations within their communities. By combining these stories with visible activism, readers can connect the enriching experience of learning with meaningful engagement in the broader fight for justice.
FAQs
What topics are often covered in children's books about Palestine?
Children’s books about Palestine often delve into themes of displacement and resilience, sharing heartfelt stories of families forced to leave their homes. Through these narratives, symbols like olive trees and seeds often appear, representing a deep connection to the land and a spirit of enduring hope.
These stories also shine a light on Palestinian culture and traditions, bringing to life activities such as olive harvesting, celebrating Eid, and the role of the Arabic language. Vibrant illustrations often depict scenes filled with traditional foods, clothing, and music, giving readers a vivid sense of daily life and heritage. Many books place a strong emphasis on family bonds and intergenerational storytelling, passing down memories and fostering empathy in young readers.
Themes of social justice are also prevalent, encouraging children to think about freedom, rights, and standing in solidarity with others. Through simple yet impactful storytelling, these books offer a meaningful way for children to engage with Palestinian history, culture, and identity.
How can these books help children learn about Palestinian culture and history?
These books offer young readers a window into Palestinian life, weaving together everyday moments - like harvesting olives, celebrating Eid, or playing beneath lemon trees - with pivotal historical events such as the 1948 Nakba. Through these relatable narratives, children can see how personal experiences intertwine with shared history.
Books like These Olive Trees delve into the deep connection between olive trees and the resilience of Palestinian families, while titles such as P Is for Palestine introduce traditional foods, clothing, and the Arabic alphabet, making every page a journey of discovery. By highlighting both joyful traditions and the struggles of displacement, these stories inspire empathy, instil pride, and provide a richer understanding of Palestinian heritage.
What do symbols like olive trees and keys represent in these stories?
In stories for Palestinian children, olive trees are more than just trees - they stand as powerful symbols of a lasting bond with the land, resilience in the face of hardship, and the heritage handed down through generations. Meanwhile, keys serve as poignant reminders of homes left behind and embody the unwavering hope for return. These symbols hold deep cultural and historical meaning, offering young readers a way to connect emotionally and thoughtfully with the Palestinian experience.