The Arabic Quilt

I absolutely loved reading this book for a few different reasons! Firstly, the writing is really well done. I loved that multiple Arabic words are seamlessly blended in throughout the story, and the entire rhythm of the writing is really soothing. Secondly, the theme of the story is beautifully accomplished. I've read a few different picture books that encourage unity and multicultural pride, and this one does it so, so well. I love how the author captures both Kanzi's anxieties about feeling different and her growth into being thankful/proud of her bilingual abilities and heritage. The progression is so sincere and natural that the message is made all that more lovely. Thirdly, I adore the illustrations. They're colorful and muted all at once, and I like how simple and yet detailed they are. I really appreciate when a picture book has great illustrations. Lastly, I'm also a huge fan of the glossary in the back that has the meanings for all the Arabic words. It really added to the book and gives another fun teaching moment if a parent or teacher is reading this with children. Highly recommend!

When Kanzi moves to a new town with her Mama and Baba, she is afraid of being different as an Egyptian-american. But when one girl makes fun of her mother for speaking Arabic, Kanzi is ready to share who she is instead of hiding. She brings the quilt her teita made for her back in Egypt to school, and soon, her show and tell turns into an inclusive activity of making their own class quilt out of paper.

This is a beautiful story about multiculturalism in the classroom. With her quilt, Kanzi opens up to her new school and her classmates open to her as well. The story is presented in easily understood language. It encourages inclusion and I will recommend this book to teachers and families.