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April is Arab American Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the rich cultures, stories, and contributions of Arab Americans in our communities and beyond.
One meaningful way to celebrate at home is through reading together. From joyful picture books to powerful stories of identity, resilience, and belonging, these titles offer windows into diverse experiences and traditions.
We’ve put together a family-friendly reading list with grade-level suggestions to help you get started. Explore the list and find your next read!
Primary Grades (K–2)
Gentle storytelling, strong visuals, and accessible themes.
- In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel
- Nadia’s Hands by Karen English
- Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan
- My Olive Tree by Hazar Elbayya
- The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story by Rebecca Hickox
Focus: family, traditions, identity, and cultural celebrations.
Upper Elementary (Grades 3–5)
More complex narratives, cultural exploration, and early biography.
- Tunjar! Tunjar! Tunjar!: A Palestinian Folktale Retold by Margaret Read MacDonald
- Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz
- The Light of Home by Diana Farid
- We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis
- Milloo’s Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women’s Education (recommended for grades 4–5)
Focus: heritage, perseverance, community, and global awareness.
Middle Grades (6–8)
Stronger themes of identity, resilience, and real-world challenges.
- Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh
- Hope Is an Arrow: The Story of Lebanese American Poet Kahlil Gibran by Cory McCarthy
- Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck
- My Name Is Bana by Bana Alabed
Focus: biography, immigration, identity, and global conflict (age-appropriate exposure).