Every night, a father tells his three daughters stories about his life in Palestine: his home in Jerusalem, the juice vendor and the way he played melodies with his brass cups, his family’s café, and the last day he saw his grandfather. While tinged with heartache and loss, this picture book also depicts a joyful refugee family who has rebuilt a loving home. Back matter includes a glossary of Arabic words, an author’s note about how the story is based on her family’s experiences, and photographs of the author’s family.

Other Palestinian picture books about family stories: A Map for Falasteen, Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden, and Eleven Words for Love.

As the author notes at the end of this joyous picture book, olive trees comprise the livelihood of many Palestinian farmers and are extremely common in Palestine. When Ali visits his grandparents in Palestine, he gets to help with the olive harvest. His favorite tree is Silwa, a tree that his Seedo planted with his grandfather. He learns how to whack the tree to make the olives rain down, and watches as the olives are pressed into oil. When it’s time to return home, he brings a seed to plant his own olive tree. It’s a beautiful, intergenerational tale.

Other Palestinian picture books centering olives: My Olive Tree and These Olive Trees.

Musa’s favorite day of the week is Friday. After every Jummah prayer, a family member gets to choose a special treat. It’s Musa’s turn, and he wants halal hot dogs. His dad lets him go to the hot dog stand by himself, but one thing after another seems to go wrong! Will Musa be able to save the day with halal hot dogs for all? Kids will want their own halal hot dog after reading this funny picture book!

Other foodie Palestinian picture books: Lana Makes Purple Pizza and Cookies and Crescents.

In this quirky middle grade graphic novel, tween Bay Ann, a Palestinian American with cerebral palsy, longs for viral fame. But her arch nemesis and crush, Alyee Maq, wins EVERYTHING, and the one time she manages to win, he makes it all about him in a super ableist way. Bay Ann is determined to beat him and reach viral fame, despite her friends trying to convince her that he’s not worth the energy.

Other Palestinian middle grade fiction: Farah Rocks Fifth Grade.

This illustrated nonfiction book provides an overview of Palestinian culture for upper elementary and middle school ages. In seven chapters, Kassis explores poetry, food, religion, history, geography, and so much more. Fun facts and lots of illustrations break up the text. It’s a great introduction to Palestinian traditions.

Other Palestinian nonfiction for upper elementary and middle grade readers: Young Palestinians Speak: Living Under Occupation.