Children's Book Suggestions | Middle Eastern & North African Heritage Month 2025

Celebrate Middle Eastern & North African Heritage Month with these books featuring a variety of the region's cultures. To find more books, view last year's picture book and chapter book lists.

Updated March 14, 2025
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Looking for the Eid moon
Abaza, Sahtinay
Paper Book
Sara can't wait for Eid, the Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. It's a wonderful holiday with festive decorations, special foods, and family and friends getting together. But Eid won't begin until the crescent moon is spotted.

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Esma Farouk, lost in the Souk
Boersen, Lisa
Paper Book
Esma's adventures in Morocco bring familiar family chaos to an extraordinary place. A vibrant, fun picture book celebrating multiculturalism. Esma is excited to be visiting family in Morocco. She can't wait to explore the souk - a giant market full of incredible acrobats, delicious...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

The boldest white : a story of hijab and community
Muhammad, Ibtihaj
Paper Book
In this call to bravery from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, Faizah learns to overcome her fears and stand in front of the crowd in this beautiful celebration of family, fencing, and community.   Faizah loves being part of the community at her mosque, and...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Drawn onward
Nayeri, Daniel
Paper Book
In this enthralling and emotional palindrome picture book by Daniel Nayeri and Matt Rockefeller, a young boy grieving the loss of his mother embarks on a lushly fantastical adventure that illuminates what remains when our loved ones are gone. All alone He was not so...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

The month of Ramadan
Inda Ahmad Zahri
Explore Ramadan through the eyes of a child in this graceful and authentic story that illuminates the sense of belonging that this month of fasting, prayer, and reflection brings. This month is different from the others. It starts with the sighting of a new crescent moon. 'Slow down, be kind to...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Safiyyah's war
Khan, Hiba Noor
Paper Book
Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II, this breathtaking tale of suspense, compassion, and courage stars an extraordinary young heroine readers will never forget. "A riveting read for children and adults alike." -...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Daughters of the lamp
Lewers, Nedda
Paper Book
A USA Today Bestseller · A stunning middle grade fantasy inspired by Arabian legends about a girl who becomes the guardian of Ali Baba's treasure. Believe in fairy tales. Sahara Rashad lives by logic. Loves science. And always has a plan....

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Kareem between
Safadi, Shifa Saltagi
Paper Book
This award-winning, heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh-grade Syrian American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle school. "The exact type of book I would've loved, and needed, as a kid." --Jasmine Warga,...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)


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