The Absence of Palestine in Children's Literature and Why This Matters

Much of US children’s literature either ignores, erases, or distorts Palestinian lived reality in the US and in Palestine/Israel, creating a significant absence of understanding and literacy about these topics for K-12 students and their parents. When teachers and librarians do teach about the narratives and history of Palestine, they often face severe pushback, censure, harassment and job loss, creating further pressure to avoid the topic altogether. If we are committed to an anti-racist, anti-colonial education and to growing empathy and knowledge in our young people about Palestinians in particular and Arabs in general, it is critical, particularly during these times of intense stereotyping and dis-information, to develop strategies to move forward.  I will elaborate on these realities, review a toolkit for teachers and librarians falsely accused of antisemitism, and discuss my Palestine-focused middle grade and young adult novels. (www.alicerothchildbooks.com) 

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Jerusalem Fund, 2425 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, United States