Displacement and the Palestinian American Story

A Young Reader’s Guide to Palestine and the Palestinian American Story

For generations, Palestinians have carried the pieces of a story that you can’t find in textbooks, on movie screens, or on television. The story of Palestine and its people is often missing from the pages of books, distorted into something unrecognizable, or spoken about only through someone else’s lens, leaving many people struggling to understand current events, global responsibility, and why Palestine is an important part of solidarity movements across the world.

As a result, lots of people don’t know much about Palestine or think of it as a faraway place, embroiled in a conflict “too complicated” to understand. But Palestinians have a rich history and culture that is deeply rooted in the land. Their futures were forever changed when Israel was established there, creating one of the largest, longest-lasting refugee populations in the world. Today, millions of Palestinians are scattered across the globe, still carrying the trauma, the keys, and the hope of return.

Palestinian American storytellers Jenan A. Matari and Alana Hadid have written this book so that young Palestinians can access the history that reflects their families’ experiences, and for anyone interested in understanding Palestine and the Palestinian diaspora perspective: past, present, and future.

Supported by illustrations, personal stories, and key themes, Understanding Palestine for Young Readers is an accessible guide to Palestine’s history, geography, culture, global impact and the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Alana Hadid is a human rights activist, producer, and storyteller. She is a recipient of DAWN’s 2025 Integrity Award and the former creative director of Watermelon Pictures. Her work centers Palestinian narratives, free expression, and the power of storytelling as a tool for justice. 

Jenan A. Matari is an award-winning Palestinian American storyteller. Her work centers on narratives of resistance, resilience and culture, weaving the struggles of Indigenous peoples globally into her advocacy for Palestinian liberation.

• Publisher: Interlink Publishing
  
• Publish Date: TBD
  
• Pages: 192
  
• Language: English
  
• Type: Paperback
  
• EAN/UPC: 9781623714895
  
• Dimensions: 6x9 inches | 0.38 pounds
  
• BISAC Categories: Kids