A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

A haunting, powerful, and crucial tale of culture and identity. Kirkus Star review

On the second page of this book the teacher answers the student with the most chilling words:

"Miss Baker, why isn't Palestine on the map?' Miss Baker looked at the map. 'I think there's no such place,' Miss Baker said."

Falasteen's family are from Palestine and so now she needs answers. Before I continue I need to talk about the name Falasteen. 

The name "Falasteen" is an Arabic name that refers to the historical region of Palestine. It is derived from the word "Filistin," which is the Arabic name for Palestine. The name carries cultural and historical significance, representing the land and people of Palestine.

Back at home Falasteen asks her grandpa about the school map. He takes out his notepad and draws a map with city names including the name of their home.

"Here is your map, omri,' he said. 'Your teacher needs teaching. You can show her this so all of your friends can learn too."

Next stop, Falasteen asks her grandma who is making delicious spinach pies. Grandma shares the memory of leaving their home. Falasteen's mother was a tiny baby.

"The soldiers came with their tanks and guns. ... They burned the fields and the olive trees."

But grandma has kept hold of her house key. (Try to find this book - The Key from Spain). Grandma gives her precious key to Falasteen. That night Falasteen talks to her mother. 

"Sometimes people live in countries. Sometimes countries live in people. Palestine lives in you and me."

Publisher blurb: At school, Falasteen and her classmates are tasked with finding their families' home countries on a map, but no matter how hard she looks, Falasteen can't find Palestine. Can a place exist if it's not on a map? Confused, Falasteen turns to her family for answers. Her grandfather, grandmother, and Mama encourage her to see their homeland from a different perspective, and each of their stories helps her understand her people's history and her own place in the world.

This is a timely book that helps answer a question that teachers and parents are likely to be asked today. It is not an easy question to answer but here the author handles it with a refreshingly matter-of-fact approach that will reassure as well as inform. Falasteen is a very recognisable child and her curiosity is normal. The family’s response is well handled. The illustrations are child friendly and engaging bringing life to the text. This is a story firmly grounded in reality and should be welcomed in every library. For adults the author provides further information at the end of the book. Books for Keeps

Further reading:

• Kids Britannica
• Globe Trotting Kids
• UNICEF "A child-friendly guide to the Gaza crisis"

A Map for Falasteen thematically explores the universal idea of identity and belonging. This would be a rich book to use while learning about these topics, but also these larger ideas are explored through this specific context — offering an opportunity to consider how it must feel to not find your home on a map. This creates a unique opportunity to empathy and understanding in young readers that home, who we are, is more than what could be defined on a map? Palestinian artist, Aliaa Betawi’s art enhances and compliments the narrative. The deliberate colours of the illustrations — warm tones of yellow and orange for present-day scenes, and cool blues for memories of Palestine — help the young reader move between the past and the present, but also offer a visual representation of hope and loss. They also incorporate meaningful aspects of Palestinian culture highlighting Falasteen’s enduring connection to her homeland. Source Instagram 

Awards:

• Jane Addams Foundation Honor Award
• 2025 California Book Award
• The Arab American Book Award
• The Muslim Book Reviewers Judges’ Award
• Kirkus Best Book of 2024 
• Booklist Editors Choice of 2024

I spied this book in Gleebooks and grabbed it with both hands because I am in the process of preparing a short video presentation (with Dr Robin Morrow) on the topic of "The Refugee experience through Picture Books" and I knew this could be a text we might include.

Maysa Odeh is a Palestinian writer who grew up between Amman, Jordan and the United States. Her debut picture book was written during the assault on Gaza in 2021, which sparked a conversation between herself and her inner child. A Map for Falasteen answers the questions she was too shy to ask as a child of Palestinian refugees. What is a homeland? Where do you find it? How can you be sure it’s there when you can’t see it? Maysa resides in California with her daughter who asks questions all day long in Arabic and English, and sometimes even in her sleep. Read this interview with Maysa about her book. 

Aliaa Betawi is a self-taught Palestinian artist based in Alexandria, Egypt who developed her craft by observing her gifted mother. She believes that every kid deserves a childhood filled with magical, joyful memories and this is what she works to give to all kids, including herself. A Map for Falasteen was her opportunity to capture a single elusive memory in Palestine, a memory she could not enjoy as a Palestinian child in exile.