Kids' books and activities for learning Syrian history and culture

The world is an amazing and complex place. But when it comes to learning about other countries and cultures, too often we expose kids to stereotypes and limited information. A while back, a reader requested that I create a book list and activity post about Syria. But when I searched for books, almost everything I found (which wasn’t much) was about Syrian refugees.

While I wanted to include the refugee crisis, I also wanted children to be able to learn about other aspects of Syria’s history and culture.

Then, author Nushin Alloo got in touch with me about a new children’s book written for just that purpose. Today, I’m thrilled to review Alloo’s book, along with other children’s books and activities that will teach kids important aspects of Syrian culture.

Children’s Books about Syrian History and Culture

The Adventures of Laila and Ahmed in Syria by Nushin Alloo and Shadia Kassem

As a former U.S. diplomat to Syria and the daughter of a refugee, Nushin Alloo was troubled that most Americans only think of war when they think of Syria. She founded the nonprofit Beauty Beneath the Rubble to change the stories children are told about places in conflict. The Adventures of Laila and Ahmed in Syria is her first book.

The book has the format of a picture book but feels more like a chapter book. It’s a light-hearted adventure. Ten year old Laila dreams of being a great traveler, just like her grandfather Ibn Battuta. He visited more than 40 countries, and Laila is eager to do the same – starting right now.

In contrast, her younger brother Ahmed is a homebody. When the two children discover their grandfather’s travel journal, it magically transports them to Syria. As they solve Grandpa’s series of rhyming clues, they visit some of Syria’s most important historical sites.

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At first, only Laila is interested in learning about the places they visit, such as the Great Mosque of Aleppo with its tall minaret. Ahmed only wants to find out what there is to eat and drink in this new place! (Spoiler alert: lots of delicious treats.)

Soon Ahmed discovers that Laila isn’t the only one who has a knack for solving Grandpa’s clues. The clues take them across the country, from the giant waterwheels of Hama to the ancient city of Palmyra and the famed Church of Saint Sergius.

By the end of their magical trip, both children know that they are in fact adventurers who will continue to explore the world.

Since the story was divided into short chapters, I read the book to my 6 year old over two nights. He tends to roam the room while I read to him, but he made sure to circle back and carefully study the beautiful paintings throughout the book. Illustrator Shadia Kassem, who is a Syrian refugee, created intricate paintings that brought the ancient sites to life. (Recommended for ages 5 – 10)

Beauty Beneath the Rubble will use all proceeds from the sale of the book to fund other educational materials and support displaced refugees.

Learn more about the Syrian historical sites featured in the book here.

Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam by Diane Stanley

This illustrated biography of Prince Saladin, the first sultan of Syria, is a much needed antidote to one-sided stories about the Crusades that children in the west usually learn. Forty years before Saladin was born, bloodthirsty European barbarians invaded and conquered his native land.

Saladin was thrust into power at a very young age, but he dreamed of stopping fighting among Muslims so that they could take on the Christian invaders. The engaging history includes many detailed illustrations that bring the Crusades to life in a child appropriate way. (Recommended for ages 9+)

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Margriet Ruurs and Nizar Ali Badr

Nizar Ali Badr is a Syrian artist who captures refugee stories of love, joy, anguish, and commitment by creating stone images. Badr is not even able to preserve his stone creations with glue because it has become too expensive in his war-torn country. Instead he photographs them, and then often takes them back apart. Children’s book author Margriet Ruurs worked with Ali Badr to tell the story of one Syrian refugee family in Stepping Stones.

The bilingual English-Arabic story shares the journey of a little girl named Rama and why their family had to leave Syria. The sculptures show them carrying heavy packs among “a river of strangers in search of a place to be free.”

The family eventually finds a home among new neighbors who “welcomed us with open arms.” Given the many places Syrian refugees have not been able to find welcome, I agree with Teaching for Change that adult readers should tell children that while we wish refugee families always find welcoming homes, sometimes that is sadly not the case. (Recommended for ages 6 to 10, bilingual English and Arabic)

Escape from Syria by Samya Kullab, Jackie Roche, and Mike Freiheit

This graphic novel helps young adults understand how civil war in Syria caused a refugee crisis, through the story of one family who flees to Canada.

Before the war, 13 year old Amina led a happy life in Aleppo, living in a comfortable home with her parents, grandfather, brother, and cousin. In just a few pages, the sparse narration and emotion filled drawings help readers understand how the war started. When a bomb goes off near their home, Amina’s family joins thousands of other Syrians on a journey to Lebanon.

Life there is incredibly difficult, as Amina’s family faces discrimination, poverty, and a lack of affordable care after her little brother contracts meningitis. Her parents must make choices that seem impossible, as they argue about whether it’s more important to be able to return to their homeland someday or to find safety now. (Recommended for ages 12+)

Children’s Activities to Explore Syrian History and Culture

Explore Nizar Ali Badr’s stone art

Before writing Stepping Stones, Margriet Ruurs first found Ali Badr’s art on Facebook. You can see his most recent creations on his Facebook page.

Make rose water

Syria does not have an official national flower, but the damask rose, or Damascus rose, is beloved by many people there. You can make rose water from dried damask rose petals.

Learn two different methods of making rose water, and different ways in can be used around your home, in this post from Wellness Mama.

Make Syrian Pistachio Truffles

Want to make something in the kitchen that’s delicious and that kids can help create? Try this pistachio truffle recipe from A Crafty Arab.

Syrian Flag Pinwheel Craft

You can also find this simple pinwheel craft, based on the design of the Syrian flag, at A Crafty Arab.

Responding to the Syrian Refugee Crisis

In 2016, the United Nations estimated that about 5 million Syrian refugees were living outside the country, with another 6 million people displaced within the country. Since the pre-war population of Syria was about 22 million people, this is a staggering number.

Kid World Citizen has pulled together a number of resources for teaching children about Syria’s refugee crisis.

Kids can fundraise for organizations that are assisting Syrian refugees, such as Oxfam or the United Nations High Commission on Refugeees, or an organization resettling refugees in your community.

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