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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.
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