Arab Children and Teens as Main Characters in Children’s Literature

What is it about?

Reading is a window to the world, its outward diversity yet underlying commonality. The common stereotyping of Arabs as "other" and dangerous permeates children's literature as well as the general media and culture. This paper examines a several children's books that feature believable, admirable main characters who are Arab or Arab American children or youth.

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Why is it important?

Parents and teachers can select well-written books like these with positive, complex characters who are Arab to initiate discussion and deeper thinking. Children who are not Arab or Arab American have the opportunity to make a new friend and discount pervasive negative stereotyping about Arabs. Arab and Arab American children can find a mirror of themselves, of their ethnicity, in the stories. These books are part of the larger grassroots movement, We Need Diverse Books.

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