Books About The Middle East · 140 titles considered

The Best The Middle East Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the middle east? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Middle East

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)

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

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 35,356 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Unsettled

By Reem Faruqi

A girl navigates a new life in America, facing cultural challenges and sibling rivalry in her quest for belonging.

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,802 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Nurah moves from Karachi to Georgia, struggling to fit in with her accent and attire. In the pool, she finds solace and ambition, aiming to outshine her brother, Owais. But a moment of betrayal alters their paths. As Nurah battles bullies and self-doubt, she discovers her strength and the courage to stand up for herself. Will she find her place in this unfamiliar world, or will her choices haunt her? Dive into this heartfelt tale of family, identity, and the quest for belonging.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2018

Cat Detective

By A. B. Greenfield, A. B. Greenfield, Sarah Horne (Illustrator) · Ra the Mighty series

A royal cat and beetle sidekick hunt a thief in ancient Egypt.

240 pages· 28,792 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 824 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In ancient Egypt, Ra, a pampered palace cat, and Khepri, a diligent dung beetle, embark on a comedic quest to solve a jewelry theft. With a young servant girl wrongly accused, Khepri urges Ra to embrace his inner detective. As they unravel the mystery, Ra discovers the thrill of justice, earning the title 'Protector of the Weak.' Can this unlikely duo clear the girl's name and catch the real thief? Dive into a world of humor and history with this mismatched pair on their first adventure.

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.

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 45,689 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2018

Amal Unbound

By Aisha Saeed · Book #1 in the Amal Unbound series

A young girl's dream is shattered by a powerful family's control. Can she reclaim her freedom?

240 pages· 39,370 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 19,046 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Amal, a twelve-year-old with dreams of teaching, finds her life upended after offending a powerful family in her Pakistani village. Forced into servitude, she must navigate a world of complex hierarchies and hidden dangers. As she uncovers the lengths the Khan family will go to maintain their grip on the village, Amal realizes that her freedom and her family's safety depend on her courage to challenge the status quo. Can she rally the other servants and defy the oppressive rule, or will fear keep them all in chains?

Sale price

$2850

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2012

I Am Malala

By Malala Yousafzai

A girl defies the Taliban for education, surviving a deadly attack.

327 pages· 90,914 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 635,501 ratings

$30.00Save 5%

Summary: In a Taliban-controlled valley, a young girl dares to demand education. Shot for her defiance, she survives against all odds, becoming a global symbol of peaceful protest. Her journey from a remote village to the United Nations challenges a world that often silences women. Can one voice truly inspire change?

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Refuge

By Anne Booth, Sam Usher (Illustrator)

A family flees through the desert, seeking refuge from danger.

32 pages

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 259 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus embark on a perilous journey through a foreign land, escaping Herod's soldiers. As they seek refuge, they rely on the kindness of strangers. Will they find safety in a world that feels increasingly hostile? This poignant retelling of the nativity story invites readers to reflect on the timeless struggle of seeking sanctuary and the modern implications of displacement. Discover a fresh perspective on a classic tale, where the stakes are survival and the hope for a new beginning.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

Yaffa and Fatima: Shalom, Salaam

By Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Chiara Fedele (Illustrator)

Two neighbors must overcome hardships and cultural differences to save their friendship.

24 pages· 420 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 505 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In a tale of enduring friendship, two neighbors—one Jewish, one Muslim—face personal hardships that test their bond. As they navigate their struggles, can they find a way to support each other despite their cultural differences? This retelling of a timeless folktale explores how friendship can bridge divides and overcome any obstacle.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Song of the Old City

By Anna Pellicioli, Merve Atilgan (Illustrator)

A girl's journey through Istanbul reveals the power of sharing gifts.

40 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·3.7/5 Goodreads · 206 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In the vibrant streets of Istanbul, a young girl embarks on a day filled with unexpected gifts—from sesame rounds to boat rides. As she explores from the Galata Bridge to the Grand Bazaar, she discovers the joy of sharing these treasures with others. Each encounter becomes a chance to spread kindness, turning her journey into a celebration of generosity. What will she give away next, and how will it change those she meets? This heartwarming tale invites readers to experience the magic of giving in a city where East meets West.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers

By Uma Mishra-Newbery, Lina Al-Hathloul, Rebecca Green (Illustrator)

A girl defies tradition to soar in a world where only boys can fly.

40 pages· 1,139 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 372 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In a land where only boys can fly, Loujain dreams of soaring through the sky. Inspired by her father's daily flights, she yearns to see the vibrant sunflower fields from above. Despite societal rules and classmates' taunts, Loujain's determination leads her father to teach her the art of flying. As her dream takes flight, she inspires other girls to challenge the norms. This enchanting tale, rooted in real-life activism, celebrates courage and the pursuit of freedom, urging readers to envision and strive for change.

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The Middle East Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about the middle east for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$999

Egypt

Ages 0–4 · 2022

Explore Egypt's vibrant culture through sights, sounds, and tastes.

Sale price

$995

My First Book About Prophet Muhammad

Ages 0–5 · 2020

Discover the inspiring character and beliefs of Prophet Muhammad.

Sale price

$995

Good Night Taj Mahal

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Explore Agra's wonders through a child's eyes in this enchanting journey.

View all the middle east board books

Browse by age

The Middle East Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the middle east for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Bábo

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A playful day of rug-washing reveals family bonds and cultural traditions.

Sale price

$1995

Rumi

Ages 4–7 · 2024

Discover how loss led a young poet to find love everywhere.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

Homeland

Ages 5–8 · 2022

A father shares stories of a homeland his daughters have never seen.

Sale price

$1799

Nour's Secret Library

Ages 6–10 · 2022

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

Sale price

$1395

My Beautiful Birds

Ages 6–10 · 2017

A boy's journey from war-torn Syria to healing, guided by unexpected feathered friends.

Sale price

$1599

I am Malala Yousafzai

Ages 5–9 · 2022

A young girl defies danger to fight for education and women's rights worldwide.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1895

Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx

Ages 5–9 · 2017

A young girl must brave ancient Egypt to rescue her father from the Sphinx.

Sale price

$1599

Zaha Hadid

Ages 4–7 · 1921

Discover how a young dreamer reshaped the world with her architectural vision.

Sale price

$1799

The Cat Man of Aleppo

Ages 4–8 · 2020

In war-torn Aleppo, one man's mission to save abandoned cats becomes a beacon of hope.

Sale price

$899

Free as a Bird

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl defies danger to champion education and equality.

Sale price

$1899

Itzhak

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy's love for music overcomes life's challenges, leading to global acclaim.

Sale price

$1895

Miracle Man

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Witness Jesus's miracles and the ultimate sacrifice that changed faith forever.

View all the middle east picture books

Browse by age

The Middle East Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the middle east for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$599

The Mission to Find Max

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A brother's disappearance, a cursed crown, and a race against time in Egypt.

Sale price

$1199

The Terror of the Southlands

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A young pirate must prove her worth and find a missing enchantress to save magic.

Sale price

$1499

A Barrel of Laughs, a Vale of Tears

Ages 8–12 · 1995

A prince's quest turns perilous, revealing unexpected truths and love.

Sale price

$1699

Shadow

Ages 10–14 · 2010

A boy's quest to reunite with his lost dog amidst war and captivity.

Sale price

$799

Yatimah

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A filly's peaceful life shatters when her brother is stolen, revealing her true destiny.

Sale price

$895

The Last Quest of Gilgamesh

Ages 7–9 · 1995

A king's quest for immortality leads to peril and revelation.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

The Red Pyramid (Graphic Novel)

Ages 10–14 · 2012

Siblings must stop an ancient god from destroying the world.

Sale price

$699

Journey to Jericho

Ages 6–10 · 2018

Two siblings travel back in time to ancient Israel and help the Israelites conquer the city of Jericho

Sale price

$699

Malala

Ages 6–10 · 2018

A girl risks everything for the right to education in a world of extremism.

Sale price

$699

Who Is Malala Yousafzai?

Ages 8–11 · 2015

A young girl fights for her right to an education in a war-torn country.

Sale price

$599

Who Was Jesus?

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A biography of Jesus Christ, from his birth to his death and resurrection, and the impact of his teachings on his followers and the world

Sale price

$1995

Boy, Everywhere

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A boy's life is upended by war, leading to a perilous journey to safety.

View all the middle east chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about culture Books about refugees Books about ancient civilizations Books about bravery Books about fitting in Books about freedom Books about immigration and emigration Books about kindness

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Middle East

Great books, picked for their age.

The Middle East Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

The Middle East Picture Books

The Middle East Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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