A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History Celebrates the Rich, Varied Cultures of Arab Americans

posted on: Feb 28, 2013

There are almost 4 million Arab Americans living in the United States. As prevalent as Arab Americans are in American society, much is misunderstood about this cultural group.

Serving to dispel stereotypes and explore the vibrant history of Arabs living in the U.S., A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History: More Than 50 Activities (Chicago Review Press, January 2013, ages 7-9) by Yvonne Wakim Dennis and Maha Addasi provides an extensive look at the people and experiences that have shaped Arab American culture. Chapters focus on Arab Americans of Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, Egyptian, Iraqi and Yemeni descent. More than 50 fun activities highlight distinct arts, games, clothing and food—kids will learn to dance the dabke, construct a derbekke drum, play a game of mancala, create Tabbouleh Salad, design a banner with Arabic calligraphy and much more. Along the way they will learn to count in Kurdish, pick up a few Syrian words for family members, learn a Yemeni saying and speak Iraqi phrases. Short biographies of notable Arab Americans from a wide variety of careers and backgrounds are featured throughout the text, including comedian Jerry Seinfeld, quarterback Doug Flutie, fashion designer Norma Kamali and activist Ralph Nader. Kids will come away from this exploration with a better understanding of how Arab Americans have helped build and protect this country and have remained a vital part of the nation’s fabric for well over 100 years.

Perfect for parents and educators looking to further kids’ multicultural appreciation, A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History will inspire children of all nationalities and promote a better understanding of the diversity of Arab American cultures.
Also available from the A Kid’s Guide series:
A Kid’s Guide to Native American History (9781556528026)
A Kid’s Guide to Latino History (9781556527715)
About the Authors:

Yvonne Wakim Dennis is a Cherokee and Syrian author, curriculum developer, social worker and multicultural consultant. She is the coauthor of the award-winning A Kid’s Guide to Native American History and Native Americans Today. She lives in New York City.

Maha Addasi is the author of The White Nights of Ramadan and Time to Pray, both ALA recommended books. She has been a freelance writer, news correspondent, television anchor and radio producer in Amman, Jordan. She was born in Kuwait and lives in Fairfax, Virginia.