by Maysa Odeh
illustrated by Aliaa Betwai
“Sometimes people live in countries.
Sometimes countries live in people.
Palestine lives in you and me.”
Falasteen’s teacher unrolls a huge map of the world and then asks each child to identify where their family is from. The children begin to share their stories with pride but, when it’s Falesteen’s turn, she can’t find Palestine. Her teacher says gently, “I think there’s no such place”. Falasteen is confused. And so, she decides to ask each of her relatives why she can’t locate Palestine on a map. Jido/ Grandpa draws her her very own map to take back to school, a country in the shape of an ancient tooth. Grandma/Teta pauses kneading her spinach pies to gently drape a key around Falasteen’s neck, telling her it’s the key to their family home. Asked the same question, her Mama shows Falasteen all of the many, many ways that Palestine lives inside her and every Palestinian, from the bread Teta bakes to each cross-stitch in the thobe she wears for Eid. And so, Falasteen, beaming with a new pride, clutches her key and looks forward to introducing her peers to her homeland the very next day.
A moving and surprisingly hopeful story about the violent displacement of a population. Soft illustrations surround a clear, carefully considered text. Moments of contemplation and sadness, framed against a background of deep night blues, give way to spreads dipped in sunshine as Falasteen grows and flourishes in her identity. The text’s referencing of Palestinian culture is layered up by the artwork’s incorporation of traditional patterns, motifs and iconography, puling through a powerful, rich thread of nostalgia and legacy. A book which carries all of the strength, conviction and resonance of memories and heritage that can be summoned up to counteract erasure.
An author’s note explains that her inspiration is her mother’s family’s own displacement from Huwara. Additional notes provide context on the history of the Palestinian people, including an explanation of the Nakba. Palestinian author and illustrator, based in California and Alexandria respectively.
‘An engaging, informative book about a child of the Palestinian diaspora’ (Darren, Teacher & Higher Ed. Tutor, Letterbox Library reviewer).
‘Maya Odeh’s book fills a gap in representations of the Palestinian diaspora, offering a much-needed insider’s perspective. The author’s note provides vital personal and historical context, making this an invaluable teaching tool.’ (Kirkus 2024) Age 4-8, Paperback 30pp
Themes: Refugees and Migration