Arab American Book Award

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 1:13pm by MariaK

On November 7, the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn presented the third annual Arab American Book Awards, celebrating "the publication and excellence of books that preserve and advance the understanding, knowledge, and resources of the Arab American community by celebrating the thoughts and lives of Arab Americans." This is the only award of its kind in the nation. The winning books for 2009 include:

In the fiction category, "A Map of Home" by Randa Jarrar -- presents the story of Nidali, a rebellious young woman, and her family's journey from Kuwait to Egypt, and ultimately, to Texas.

In the nonfiction category, "How Does It Feel to be a Problem? Being Young and Arab in America" by Moustafa Bayoumi explores the titular question through seven real-life accounts of young Arab American New Yorkers. Honorable mention "Palestine Inside Out: An Everyday Occupation" by Saree Makdisi depicts the everyday life of the thousands of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza.

Finally, in the young adult category, "Honeybee", a book of poems by Naomi Shihab Nye explores themes of love and cooperation.

Get a new perspective on the world, and on the Arab American experience. Don't miss these award winners!