{"id":495,"date":"2024-09-25T13:02:44","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T13:02:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=495"},"modified":"2024-09-25T13:02:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T13:02:44","slug":"sixteen-books-that-celebrate-palestinian-voices-this-banned-books-week-by-m-o-yuksel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/?p=495","title":{"rendered":"Sixteen Books That Celebrate Palestinian Voices This Banned Books Week by M.O. Yuksel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"s3\">Soft censorship\u2014when\u00a0books quietly disappear from shelves and reading lists without any official ban\u2013 and shadow banning\u2014where\u00a0books\u00a0and their creators\u00a0are deliberately\u00a0suppressed\u2013 are\u00a0just as\u00a0harmful\u00a0as outright book bans. Instead of sparking debate\u00a0or activism, soft censorship\u00a0and shadow banning\u00a0works in silence, keeping important\u00a0books\u00a0out of readers\u2019 hands. This is especially\u00a0harmful\u00a0for books by marginalized voices, like those from Muslim and Palestinian authors, whose stories often challenge the status quo and\u00a0bring\u00a0much-needed diversity\u00a0to our shelves.<\/p>\n<p>For example,\u00a0my book\u00a0In My Mosque\u00a0was quietly removed from library shelves in Pennsylvania without ever being formally challenged.\u00a0Many others, including\u2014These Olive Trees\u00a0by Aya Ghanameh,\u00a0and\u00a0Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine\u00a0by Hannah Moushabeck and Reem Madooh have faced similar censorship,\u00a0robbing\u00a0readers\u00a0of\u00a0the chance to learn about diverse cultures and challenge harmful stereotypes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Even authors\u00a0are being\u00a0silenced, with\u00a0school visits\u00a0and\u00a0events canceled\u00a0because of\u00a0their ethnic or religious identity, or activism.\u00a0Censorship is a tool of dehumanization;\u00a0it actively strips away the humanity of the people whose stories are being\u00a0erased,\u00a0making\u00a0it easier for people to feel detached,\u00a0indifferent, or even to support harmful actions, knowingly or\u00a0not.<\/p>\n<p>With the\u00a0alarming rise of\u00a0Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab\u00a0racism, and misinformation, it\u2019s more important than everto support books that\u00a0offer\u00a0readers a fuller picture of the world. Books by Palestinian authors are powerful tools to counter harmful stereotypes and provide much-needed perspectives on identity,\u00a0history, and\u00a0culture.<\/p>\n<p>Banned Books Week is a time to stand up for all voices\u00a0at\u00a0risk\u00a0of\u00a0being silenced. By reading and promoting stories by Palestinian authors, we can help ensure these important voices are heard. Here are some\u00a0recently published\u00a0children\u2019s books by Palestinian authors to add to your TBR:<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Picture Books<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8633-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh<br \/>In the heart of Nablus, Oraib cherishes her family\u2019s connection to the olive trees outside her refugee camp. As war forces them to flee, she vows to preserve the legacy of these trees, symbolizing hope and resilience. Through her mother\u2019s stories, Oraib learns that even in displacement, her love for her home remains strong. A heartfelt tale of connection to land and culture.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8634-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck<br \/>As bedtime approaches, three sisters eagerly await their father\u2019s stories of Palestine.\u00a0Through his vivid memories, they experience the vibrant Old City of Jerusalem, feeling a deep love for a homeland they\u2019ve never visited. This touching story beautifully represents the connection of a Palestinian Christian family to their heritage, showing how memories can bridge the gap between past and present.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8635-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis<br \/>Dive into the rich tapestry of Palestinian culture with this vibrant nonfiction book! From traditional foods to iconic symbols, each page reveals fascinating anecdotes and memorable quotes. Explore the art of tatreez embroidery, the rhythm of Dabke dance, and the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish. This joyful celebration invites readers to embrace the beauty and diversity of Palestinian heritage.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8636-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A Map of Falasteen: A Palestinian Child\u2019s Search for Home by Maysa Odeh<br \/>Falasteen struggles to find Palestine on her school map, sparking a journey of discovery. With help from her family, she learns about her homeland\u2019s history through their stories. This beautifully illustrated book explores resilience, identity, and the idea that home is found in the heart, encouraging young readers to connect with their roots.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8637-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sitti\u2019s Key by Sahar Khader Ali<br \/>When Amal\u2019s grandmother visits after two years, she\u2019s eager for stories of Palestine. The discovery of an old key leads to a poignant tale of the Nakba, when her family was forced to leave their home. This tender book captures the importance of family history and the enduring ties to a homeland, making it a meaningful read for young hearts.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8638-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>My Garden over Gaza by Sarah Musa<br \/>Noura is a strong young girl caring for her brother and their rooftop garden in Gaza. Amidst the struggles of life under occupation, she faces the heartbreaking loss of something dear. This poignant story highlights resilience and hope, showing how love and nurturing can flourish even in the toughest circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8639-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sitti\u2019s Bird by Malak Mattar<br \/>Malak, a little girl in Gaza, balances school and play until violence disrupts her world. For 50 days, she and her parents face fear and uncertainty. Using her paintbrush as an outlet, Malak learns to express her emotions through art, showcasing the healing power of creativity in challenging times.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8640-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz<br \/>Join Musa and his family for their Friday treat after Jummah prayer: halal hot dogs! But unexpected obstacles arise in this delightful story that humorously captures Palestinian-American culture. With joy and laughter, Musa navigates the challenges of community and tradition, reminding readers of the little moments that make family time special.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8641-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sitti\u2019s Olive Trees by Ndaa Hassan<br \/>Join Reema as she harvests olives with Sitti, who shares tales of their ancestors\u2019 dedication to these cherished trees. This heartwarming story captures the beauty of olive-picking season in Palestine and the deep connection to culture, family, and storytelling, celebrating the importance of heritage through generations.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8642-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Baba, What Does My Name Mean? A Journey to Palestine by Rifk Ebeid<br \/>When young Saamidah is asked about her name\u2019s meaning, she embarks on a journey through historic Palestine with her baba. Through stunning illustrations, this lyrical tale showcases her cultural heritage while celebrating the determination to return home. The book includes thought-provoking discussion questions, inviting readers to explore identity and belonging.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Chapter Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult Books<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8643-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Farah Rocks by Susan Muaddi Darraj<br \/>Join Farah Hajjar, a brave Palestinian-American girl, in this charming early reader series. With her love for Greek mythology, her rock collection, and her little brother Samir, Farah tackles school drama, bullies, and friendship challenges. Full of humor and heart, these books celebrate resilience and family, making them perfect for young readers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8644-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Shiny Misfits: A Graphic Novel by Maysoon Zayid<br \/>In this hilarious graphic novel, Bay Ann believes she\u2019s finally in the spotlight after winning the talent show, until a viral video of her crush catches her off guard. As she struggles to reclaim her shine, the story explores themes of friendship and self-acceptance, leading Bay Ann to discover that collaboration might be the key to success.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8645-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj<br \/>Delve into the lives of three Palestinian immigrant families in America as their diverse experiences collide. With humor and emotion, the narrative weaves through themes of community dynamics, identity, and cultural stereotypes. A transformative trip to Palestine helps bridge generational divides, illuminating the richness of their heritage amid challenges.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8646-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ida in the Middle by Nora Lester Murad<br \/>Ida, a Palestinian-American girl, discovers a magic olive that transports her to her family\u2019s village near Jerusalem. As she grapples with identity and belonging amidst the challenges of being Palestinian, Ida faces tough choices that resonate with young readers. This coming-of-age tale beautifully intertwines culture, memory, and the search for home.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8647-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl\u2019s Fight for Freedom by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri<br \/>Ahed Tamimi\u2019s powerful memoir chronicles her life growing up amidst occupation in Nabi Saleh. From witnessing raids to her arrest after a viral confrontation, her story reveals the human cost of conflict. With unyielding resilience, Ahed sheds light on the fight for freedom in Palestine, inspiring readers to understand the complexities of resistance and humanity.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nerdybookclub.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/img_8648-1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Something More by Jackie Khalilieh<br \/>Fifteen-year-old Jessie, a quirky Palestinian-Canadian girl, navigates high school while keeping her autism diagnosis a secret. Obsessed with the nineties, she sets ambitious goals but finds herself caught between two very different boys. This contemporary romance explores identity and self-discovery, reminding readers that embracing their true selves can lead to unexpected joys.<\/p>\n<p>Visit\u00a0Books for Palestine\u00a0for more\u00a0suggestions:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/shop\/booksforpalestine\">https:\/\/bookshop.org\/shop\/booksforpalestine<\/a><\/p>\n<p>M.O. Yuksel lived on three continents before settling down in the Garden State with her family. She writes award-winning books for young readers, including picture books, IN MY MOSQUE, ONE WISH, RAMADAN KAREEM, and SAMI\u2019S SPECIAL GIFT. She has a passion for research and learning,and\u00a0she enjoys writing\u00a0about little-known historical figures, and diverse cultures. Visit her at:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.moyuksel.com\/\">http:\/\/www.moyuksel.com<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Soft censorship\u2014when\u00a0books quietly disappear from shelves and reading lists without any official ban\u2013 and shadow banning\u2014where\u00a0books\u00a0and their creators\u00a0are deliberately\u00a0suppressed\u2013 are\u00a0just as\u00a0harmful\u00a0as outright book bans. Instead of sparking debate\u00a0or activism, soft censorship\u00a0and shadow banning\u00a0works in silence, keeping important\u00a0books\u00a0out of readers\u2019 hands. This is especially\u00a0harmful\u00a0for books by marginalized voices, like those from Muslim and Palestinian authors, whose [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":496,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-495","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/495"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=495"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/495\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=495"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=495"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bookloves.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}