Mariam’s Dream

The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope

Leila Boukarim, Sona Avedikian

$26.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Chronicle Books
08 May 2025

People & places (Children's&YA); Social issues (Children's&YA)

women-run kitchen in the Bourj Al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon.

This is a story about how one woman can make a huge difference.

Once Mariam decides to start a food business in the refugee camp where she’s spent her whole life, she must see her dream through.

She will need money. She will need the right papers. People will tell her it’s impossible. They will tell her not to risk it.

But with the women of the camp behind her, she is determined to make it happen.

Discover the joys of cooking, the power of community, and the flavors of Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon in this poignant story written for anyone who has ever felt walled in and dreamed of something more.

“Food and words have long been an important part of Palestinian resistance. This uplifting picture book perfectly utilizes both while sharing a story of hope and liberation in the face of injustice.” —Hannah Moushabeck, award-winning author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine

“Bravo! Mariam’s Dream teaches young readers what resilience means and works as an excellent, supportive example for kids’ own self-empowerment. At the same time, it blows apart stereotypes of subservient Arab women and the helplessness of refugees.” —Cathy Camper, award-winning author of Ten Ways to Hear Snow, Arab Arab All Year Long!, and the Lowriders series

By: Leila Boukarim
Illustrated by: Sona Avedikian
Imprint: Chronicle Books
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 279mm, Spine: 10mm
ISBN: 9781797222332
ISBN 10: 1797222333
Pages: 44
Publication Date: 08 May 2025
Recommended Age: From 5 to 8 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Leila Boukarim spends her time writing stories that inspire empathy and encourage meaningful discussions. She has written ten books for children, including Lost Words. When she heard about Mariam Al-Shaar and Soufra in 2018, she knew she had to meet her and write her story. Leila was born in Lebanon and raised in several countries. She now lives in Berlin, Germany, with her husband, her two kids, and her cat/office mate, Dill. You can visit her at leilaboukarim.com. Sona Avedikian is an Armenian illustrator born in Beirut, Lebanon, and currently based in Michigan. She loves creating vibrant work and often takes inspiration from her heritage, as she did for Lost Words. You can find more of her work at sonaavedikian.com.

Reviews for Mariam’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope

“Food and words have long been an important part of Palestinian resistance. This uplifting picture book perfectly utilizes both while sharing a story of hope and liberation in the face of injustice.” —Hannah Moushabeck, award-winning author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine “Bravo! Mariam’s Dream teaches young readers what resilience means and works as an excellent, supportive example for kids’ own self-empowerment. At the same time, it blows apart stereotypes of subservient Arab women and the helplessness of refugees.”—Cathy Camper, award-winning author of Ten Ways to Hear Snow, Arab Arab All Year Long!, and the Lowriders series