These Olive Trees

Ayoung Palestinian refugee helps her mother harvest olives outside their camp.

The canvas tent in the Balata refugee camp near Nablus, Palestine, is the only home Oraib and her younger siblings have ever known. Before war broke out, Mama lived in Al-Tira, where for years the family cared for the

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olive trees. The family still relies on the trees—their trimmings are kindle for fire; the oil from the olives can be used to cook with and make soap. Ghanameh captures Oraib’s sadness when she learns war has found its way to Nablus and the family must pack their belongings and leave the olive trees behind. Oraib’s hope of returning is evident as she plants a pit, saying, “Wait for me. One day, when we’re older, I’ll return to you for harvest.” In this poignant yet child-appropriate perspective on warfare, Ghanameh’s hand-drawn illustrations full of green landscape and white tents bring to life the refugee experience. References to Palestinian culture can be found throughout, from endpapers with stitched, embroidered patterns to Mama’s thobe. In an author’s note, Ghanameh discusses how the book was inspired by her grandmother, who was born in 1953 shortly after the Nabka, or the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A sorrowful tale of the impact of warfare, infused with hope. (photographs) (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review

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