![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Kanzi’s mother wears a hijab when she visits the school but not at home. Several details in the story are both accurate, progressive and noteworthy. ![]() Kanzi’s full quilt is seen on the end papers with very typical Egyptian borders and sailboats. Additional information about the quilting tradition in Egypt would have been helpful, although much of that is available online. The Arabic Quilt includes a glossary of Egyptian terms as well as English words derived from Arabic (zero, algebra, cotton). Children – including those initially teasing Kanzi – realize languages are a beautiful thing: “They can truly unite us.” That leads to a class quilt with each student’s name written in Arabic followed by another quilt with names in Japanese. On her first day in third grade in a new school, Kanzi hears teasing behind her back as her mother says, “habibti,” an Arabic term of endearment rather like “sweetie.” A thoughtful teacher provides support, encouraging Kanzi to bring the Egyptian quilt from her grandmother to share with the class. Egyptian-born author Aya Khalil has focused her picture book on immigrant children who may love the traditions of their family and homeland, but seek desperately to fit into their American world. ![]()
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