Families who loved The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels self-conscious about being different or expresses a desire to hide part of their family life to fit in at school. It is a tender resource for navigating the complex emotions of the immigrant experience, specifically the tension between home comforts and public identity. The story follows Kanzi, an Egyptian-American girl who feels embarrassed by her traditional lunch and her mother's hijab, only to discover that her heritage can be a bridge to friendship through a creative classroom project. This story is ideal for children ages 4 to 8, offering a gentle roadmap for moving from shame to pride. Parents will appreciate how it models a supportive teacher-student relationship and provides a tangible way for children to celebrate their family's roots.
