Description
Book Synopsis: A father and his daughters may not be able to return home . . . but they can celebrate stories of their homeland! As bedtime approaches, three young girls eagerly await the return of their father who tells them stories of a faraway homeland—Palestine. Through their father's memories, the Old City of Jerusalem comes to life: the sounds of juice vendors beating rhythms with brass cups, the smell of argileh drifting through windows, and the sight of doves flapping their wings toward home. These daughters of the diaspora feel love for a place they have never been, a home they cannot visit. But, as their father's story comes to an end, they know that through his memories, they will always return. A Palestinian family celebrates the stories of their homeland in this moving autobiographical picture book debut by Hannah Moushabeck. With heartfelt illustrations by Reem Madooh, this story is a love letter to home, to family, and to the persisting hope of people that transcends borders.
UNIVERSAL MESSAGE: There are so many people who long to return to their homelands but are unable to. This story will resonate with immigrant families and refugees of all ethnicities and origins, as well as anyone who yearns for home.
INTERGENERATIONAL STORIES: This sweet father-daughter story celebrates the bedtime ritual of storytelling, promoting intergenerational sharing and modeling learning about family trees and family histories. A perfect read-aloud for Father's Day!
PRAISE: "Hannah Moushabeck has written a marvelous, utterly transporting story describing the gentle power of precious transmitted memory and the wistfulness of immigrants, particularly those in exile from an occupied or altered place. Homeland does what decades of sad news stories have repeatedly failed to do for Palestine—humanize a beautiful people and place. I wish my father were alive so I could give him this book."—Naomi Shihab Nye, award-winning author of Habibi and Sitti's Secrets
"Like many picture books about immigration, Homeland creates a tapestry of both love and loss reinvented in a story by a granddaughter. This one, in particular, rings with truth while the drum's heartbeat holds a family and its history together."—Jane Yolen, author of Owl Moon, Eeny Up Above, and others
“Homeland brings a rich, beautiful, intimate picture of Palestine to life that is rarely seen in American media. The details are absolutely delectable, and the storytelling is playful, yet deeply moving perfection.” —Phoebe Wahl, author, and illustrator of Little Witch Hazel
Perfect for: Anyone looking for Palestinian or Arab books for kids Readers seeking immigrant or refugee stories or diverse picture books Father's Day gift giving to dads, grandparents, uncles, and friends with a heartfelt connection to their homelands Readers with a passion for memoirs and stories that illustrate the immigrant experience
Details
Step into the vibrant world of Palestine with "Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine." This captivating picture book tells the heartwarming story of a father and his daughters, bound by their shared longing for their homeland. As bedtime approaches, the girls eagerly anticipate their father's return, as he regales them with tales of the Old City of Jerusalem. Through his vivid memories, the sights, sounds, and smells of Palestine come alive, fostering a deep connection to a place they have never been. This beautifully illustrated love letter to home, family, and the enduring hope of people will touch the hearts of immigrants, refugees, and anyone who yearns for their roots.
Experience the power of intergenerational storytelling with "Homeland." This poignant father-daughter narrative highlights the bedtime tradition of sharing stories, providing a wonderful opportunity for families to bond and explore their ancestral heritage. Celebrate Father's Day by cuddling up with this tender read-aloud, and let the richness of family history unfold before your eyes.
"Homeland" has garnered high praise for its ability to humanize the Palestinian experience. Acclaimed author Naomi Shihab Nye expressed her admiration for this transporting story, emphasizing its capacity to transmit cherished memories and capture the essence of a people facing displacement. Jane Yolen, renowned author of heartwarming tales, reinforces the authenticity and emotional resonance of "Homeland," drawing attention to its unique portrayal of love and loss within a family's journey.
Don't miss out on this enchanting portrayal of Palestine. "Homeland" opens doors to a world rarely seen in American media, offering readers an intimate, authentic, and beautifully detailed picture of this captivating land. For those seeking diverse stories, immigrants yearning for connection, and individuals touched by the immigrant experience, "Homeland" is a must-read.
To immerse yourself in the tales of Palestine and embark on a heartwarming journey, get your copy of "Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine" here.
Fiction - Medieval Mayhem (Middle School Mayhem)
