Books About Middle Eastern

The Best Middle Eastern Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about middle eastern? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria

Series

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Middle Eastern

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Other Words for Home

By Jasmine Warga

A girl leaves Syria for America, facing new challenges and discovering herself.

Newbery Honor (2020)Arab American Book Honor (2020)

342 pages· 30,125 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 35,455 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jude's world shifts when she leaves Syria for Cincinnati, leaving family behind. Navigating a new culture, she grapples with her identity as 'Middle Eastern' and the chaos of American life. Amidst the noise, Jude finds unexpected friendships and a chance to shine in a school musical. Can she find a place where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Everything Sad Is Untrue

By Daniel Nayeri

A refugee boy spins tales to claim his truth in a skeptical classroom.

Michael L. Printz Award (2021)

356 pages· 85,022 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 46,027 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In an Oklahoma classroom, Khosrou, known as Daniel, shares his family's harrowing escape from Iran. His classmates doubt him, but his stories weave a tapestry of ancient Persian history and personal resilience. As he recounts their flight from the secret police and life in refugee camps, Daniel fights to be believed. Can his tales, like Scheherazade's, save him and reveal the truth?

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2020

Farah Rocks Fifth Grade

By Susan Muaddi Darraj, Ruaida Mannaa (Illustrator) · Farah Rocks series

A new bully threatens Farah's plans, forcing her into a web of lies.

Arab American Book Award (2021)

144 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 262 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Farah Hajjar dreams of attending the Magnet Academy with her best friend, Allie. But when new student Dana Denver bullies her brother Samir, Farah's plans unravel. Determined to protect Samir, she devises a risky plan involving deception. As her lies grow, Farah must navigate the challenges of fifth grade and confront the bully. Will her secrets be her downfall, or can she outsmart Dana and secure her future?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2022

Nour's Secret Library

By Wafa' Tarnowska, Vali Mintzi (Illustrator)

In a war-torn city, two children create a secret library, finding hope amid chaos.

32 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 783 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a bomb-ravaged Syrian city, young Nour and her cousin Amir defy danger to build a secret underground library. As explosions echo above, they discover the transformative power of books to heal and offer refuge. Will their hidden sanctuary endure the turmoil, and can stories truly provide solace in the darkest times? Inspired by true events, this tale of courage and resilience reveals how imagination can light the way through adversity.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria

By George Jreije · Shad Hadid series

A boy discovers his alchemist heritage and faces a hidden evil at a mysterious academy.

304 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 544 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Shad Hadid dreams of opening an Arabic bakery, but his life changes when a shadowy monster reveals his alchemist lineage. Invited to the enigmatic Alexandria Academy, Shad hopes to learn about alchemy. Yet, the school seems oblivious to its existence. As he uncovers a lurking evil, Shad realizes he alone can thwart—or enable—their dark plans. With the alchemy world's fate at stake, can Shad protect his friends and confront the sinister threat?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Halal Hot Dogs

By Susannah Aziz, Parwinder Singh (Illustrator)

Musa's quest for the perfect Jummah treat faces unexpected hurdles. Can he savor his favorite halal hot dogs?

40 pages· 745 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 320 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Every Friday, Musa's family enjoys a special Jummah treat, but recent choices have been unusual. Now it's Musa's turn, and he picks halal hot dogs. However, his plan faces unexpected challenges. Will Musa overcome these obstacles to enjoy his favorite treat? Dive into a delightful tale of food, faith, and family traditions.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

By Saadia Faruqi

A young boy faces prejudice and heartache on the 9/11 anniversary while pursuing his robotics dream.

384 pages· 68,402 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,618 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Yusuf Azeem dreams of winning the regional robotics competition in Frey, Texas. But as the 20th anniversary of 9/11 looms, tensions rise in his Muslim community. With protests against a new mosque and 'Never Forget' banners everywhere, Yusuf must navigate prejudice and heartache. Can he maintain his joy and friendships amidst the turmoil?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Tryout

By Christina Soontornvat, Joanna Cacao (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Tryout series

Two friends face cheerleading tryouts and test their bond under pressure.

272 pages· 8,186 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,508 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Christina and Megan, eager to fit in, leap at the chance to join the cheerleading squad. As two of the few kids of color at their school, they face daunting tryouts and the challenge of maintaining their friendship amidst fierce competition. Will they succeed in their quest for acceptance, or will the pressures of middle school tear them apart? Dive into a story of courage, belonging, and the true test of friendship.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

City of the Plague God

By Sarwat Chadda · Book #1 in the Adventures of Sik Aziz series

A boy discovers his immortality and must save Manhattan from a deadly plague.

400 pages· 77,256 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,760 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Sik's life turns chaotic when Nergal, a god, believes he holds the secret to eternal life. With the city at risk of a devastating plague, Sik, alongside Belet, the daughter of a goddess, and a retired hero, Gilgamesh, must find the Flower of Immortality. Facing cunning demons and treacherous gods, they embark on a perilous quest to save Manhattan. Can they overcome their fears and the looming threat in time?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

The Arabic Quilt

By Aya Khalil, Anait Semirdzhyan (Illustrator)

A new school, a forgotten lunch, and a path to acceptance.

Arab American Book Award (2021)

36 pages· 1,040 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,127 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Kanzi, new to America from Egypt, just wants to fit in at school. But when her mother brings her forgotten lunch, teasing ensues. Wrapped in her grandmother's Arabic quilt, Kanzi finds solace and inspiration. Her poem about the quilt catches her teacher's eye, sparking a class project that bridges cultures. Can Kanzi's cherished memories of home help her find acceptance in this new world?

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