Staff Reviews
Homeland is a moving story about three sisters who learn about the birthplace of their father’s family. At bedtime their father tells them stories of visiting his grandparents in the Old City of Jerusalem in Palestine. He and his grandfather stroll through the streets and greet the many vendors and shop owners. Colorful artwork depicts the variety of wares for sale, including olive oil soap with rose water, za’atar, and embroidered textiles. They visit the very busy family café and lend a helping hand. As the three sisters become sleepy, they ask to see the key to the family’s home. And as they turn off the light they hope for return to their homeland. One of the first picture books to tell the story of Palestinian refugees and beautifully illustrated with a glossary. The author’s note describes the forced removal of her father’s extended family in May 1948. This book is an important addition to children’s literature.
— From
Joan's Picks
Description
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
