Staff Picks
Exploring Arab American Heritage through Literature

03.31.25
National Arab American Heritage Month, celebrated every April, honors the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans.
First federally recognized by President Joe Biden in 2021, this month serves as an opportunity to recognize the diverse communities within the Arab American population and their significant impact on American society across various fields.
At the library, we provide a variety of books that reflect the complexities of the Arab American experience.
These resources not only highlight the challenges faced by these communities but also celebrate their vibrant cultures, which are an integral part of the American mosaic.
We invite you to visit the library this month to discover new works, enjoy literary classics, and deepen your appreciation for the rich cultural contributions of Arab Americans.
Here are 10 picks to get started:
When We Were Sisters
by Fatimah Asghar
Arab in America
by Toufic El Rassi
The Prophet
by Khalil Gibran
The Other Americans
by Laila Lalami
Flavors of the Sun: The Sahadi’s Guide to Understanding, Buying, and Using Middle Eastern Ingredients
by Christine Sahadi Whelan
Dearborn
by Ghassan Zeineddine
The Cat Man of Aleppo
by Irene Latham
The Turtle of Oman
by Naomi Shihab Nye
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
by Jeanette Winter