Kanzi’s family has moved from Egypt to America, and on her first day in a new school, what she wants more than anything is to fit in. Maybe that’s why she forgets to take the kofta sandwich her mother has made for her lunch, but that backfires when Mama shows up at school with the sandwich. Mama wears a hijab and calls her daughter Habibti (dear one). When she leaves, the teasing starts.
That night, Kanzi wraps herself in the beautiful Arabic quilt her teita (grandma) in Cairo gave her and writes a poem in Arabic about the quilt. Next day her teacher sees the poem and gets the entire class excited about creating a “quilt” (a paper collage) of student names in Arabic. In the end, Kanzi’s most treasured reminder of her old home provides a pathway for acceptance in her new one.
Aya Khalil is a freelance journalist and educator. She holds a master’s degree in Education with a focus in Teaching English as a Second Language. THE ARABIC QUILT is based on true events growing up, when she moved to the US from EGYPT at the age of one. Her articles have been published in The Huffington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, The Post & Courier, Toledo Area Parent, and more. She’s been featured in Yahoo!, Teen Vogue, Verona and more. www.ayakhalil.com
Read Aloud Tips
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This book reflects on the experiences of immigrants in America. This can provide the starting point to discuss what this experience may be like, if students themselves are immigrants or have family who are immigrants. Encourage students to share about these thoughts or memories.
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April is Arab American Heritage Month where the heritage and culture are celebrated. April would be an ideal time to introduce this book and have a day of celebration appreciating the Arab culture and various traditions.
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Shine a spotlight on the Arab Americans who have found a new home and life in America. For example, those in congress or other positions of leadership.
“In the end, Kanzi’s most treasured reminder of her old home provides a pathway for acceptance in her new one.” – Goodreads