Honor our Arab-American community members by recognizing and celebrating Arab-American Heritage Month, which takes place annually during the month of April. Established in 2022 by the Virginia General Assembly, Arab American Heritage Month “commemorate(s) and celebrate(s) the essential contributions, sacrifices, and accomplishments that Arab Americans, with roots in 22 diverse Arab countries, have made and continue to make in the Commonwealth” (House Joint Resolution No. 82).
Explore Arab American heritage by perusing this curated sample of works of Young Adult fiction written by Arab Americans and highlighting Arab heritage. These works highlight diverse perspectives and unique stories, preserving histories, and celebrating cultures, identities, and legacies from the Arab diaspora. Since Arab American identity spans multiple countries, cultures, and lived experiences, these books are selected to reflect that. The characters and authors come from many backgrounds with varying traditions and cultures as there is no one Arab American experience.
Whether reading these works during the month of April, or beyond, these authentic, inspiring, and relatable stories will provide both identifiable “mirrors” for the small (but growing) population of Arab American youth in our community as well as “windows” for those from other backgrounds. Get to know the characters by metaphorically walking alongside them as they embrace self-discovery, explore their cultures, figure out where and how they fit in, find self-affirmation, and more.
Additionally, if you would like to know more about Arab American Heritage Month and Arab book rep, check out some of the resources linked below.
Resources
- Arab American Heritage Month 2025
- Why We Need Arab American Heritage Month
- Cartoonist Huda Fahmy on the Highs & Lows of Being Arab American
- Huda Fahmy at the 2023 National Book Awards Finalist Reading
- Arab Rep Books!
