A Map for Falasteen: A Palestinian Child's Search for Home

by Maysa Odeh, Aliaa Betawi (Illustrator)

A young Palestinian girl living in diaspora struggles to find her homeland on a map in this gentle and heartfelt picture book.

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.

Filled with beautiful, inspiring illustrations and thoughtful back matter that outlines key terms and historical moments, this is a story of family, resilience and home always being where the heart is.

★ "[A Map for Falasteen] fills a gap in representations of the Palestinian diaspora, offering a much-needed insider’s perspective. . . . A haunting, powerful, and crucial tale of culture and identity." — Kirkus, starred review

★ "While Falasteen learns of the destruction of Palestine, she also learns that she can turn to people and experiences to find the country itself. . . . With descriptive text and beautiful illustrations, this timely book is heavy with sadness yet buoyed by hope. A powerful read-aloud that will invite important discussions." — Booklist, starred review

★ "Betawi renders Falasteen's immediate surroundings in yellows and oranges that give way to deep-blue remembrances, while Odeh sensitively narrates this double debut about a family's culture and homeland." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Genres: Picture Books, History, Childrens, Middle East, Family, War, Cultural

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Sunny Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not me crying at work again

[Daryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read a lot of picture books for work and normally don't log them (even though i could) BUT i really felt like i needed to give this one a review. what a beautifully heartbreaking, well-crafted story about a little girl who can't find her country on a map. the illustrations were stunning and the message cut right through to my heart. i really urge EVERYONE to pick this up, because there is so much we can learn from children's literature, and we owe it to the children of palestine to keep their home on the map.

[Kurt Neumaier · Rating 5 out of 5]

You should read this picture book

[Imane Labzagui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook, and though I feared that the experience would be lacking (since this is initially a picture book), it exceeded all my expectations. The narrator and the quality of the production elevated the reading experience, and exceptionally conveyed the meaning and feeling of the story in as little as 10 minutes.

I will be purchasing the picture book as I believe this story is important to share with all young readers.

Above all, it is impossible to dislike this book and its story if you believe in the following : FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE…


Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Macmillan Young Listeners for the ARC in exchange of a honest review.

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Map for Falasteen" by @maysaodeh, illustrated by @aliaabetawi, is perhaps one of the most important picture books of the year.

When Falasteen looks for her family's country on the map - she can't find it! She turns to her family for answers... and they tell her the full, rich, heartbreaking story of Palestine, its people, and its places... and create a map of her very own to the land they hold as home in their hearts.

This beautiful book doesn't use euphemisms or hide reality from children - it clearly expresses the violent colonialism of the Zionist project, and the devastating consequences on the people and the land of Palestine.

There is also powerful backmatter that explains it all very clearly for adults, to better explain the details to young ones who want to know more.

This book should be an immediate purchase for everyone: families, schools, and masajid.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so important. I would love to see the illustrations that are no doubt gorgeous in this picture book at some point when I can get my hands on a physical copy, but I was fortunate enough to read this as an audiobook and experience this own voices story about a young Palestinian girl. As Falasteen’s mama reminds her, “Palestine lives in you and me.” The attempts to erase Palestine, the Palestinian people, and Palestinian history will not succeed. From the river to the sea, Palestine WILL be free. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely with beautiful illustrations. I got this from the library, but will probably pick up my own copy for my children's book collection.

[Mahbuba| bilkandbooks on IG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A map for Falasteen is a beautiful yet bittersweet story that follows little Falsteen, a young Palestinian girl who wants to know more about her homeland and why she can’t find it on a map.

She asks the questions that some people may be afraid to ask but with the help of her family she is able to understand her heritage and history a little more.

Whilst this may be a children’s book the writing was so poetic, I bawled my eyes out throughout the whole book. The illustrations were beautiful and I loved all the details that brought the Palestinian culture to life. Definitely suggest this book to everyone of all ages!

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and I really appreciate when an audiobook has really great production value. I loved the background noises like chalk tapping against the chalkboard and background voices of children. This book, while not long (obviously, it’s a kid’s book), got me choked up by the end.

Ceasefire NOW & free Palestine!

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Macmillan Young Listeners for this eAudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me cry.

A story filled with the sights, sounds, smells, flavours, and memories of one family's homeland in Palestine.

This book reminds us that Palestine is in food, and clothing, and in hope, in the past and our present, and within us all.

No matter what anyone says about Palestine, it still exists. No map can erase memories, history, and a people.

[Julia Stadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently came across A Map for Falasteen on the Jane Addams Peace Association's instagram page, which has been an incredible resource for discovering new books! I borrowed a print copy from my local library. This book has received several honors including the 2025 Arab American Book Award for Children's Literature, an honor from the 2025 Palestine Book Awards, and an Elementary Honor from the Carter G. Woodson Book Awards.

A Map for Falasteen was written by Maysa Odeh and illustrated by Aliaa Betawi, both of Palestinian heritage. This book was published in 2024, featuring a young Palestinian girl named Falasteen. One day at school, her teacher shows a map of the world and asks for everyone to share where their family is from. Confused, Falasteen asks her teacher why Palestine is not on the map, and her teacher replies that it doesn't exist. Falasteen then turns to her family who share stories, memories, and personal maps that reveal their history and identity. Falasteen then discovers that her home is not just a place on a map, but lives inside her and her family.

I think this book would work well for grades 1-3. This book can be used to discuss the people, places, and memories that are important to Falasteen. After reading, students can create their own personal maps, writing and/or drawing the special people and places in their lives. This activity can also be extended as a school to home project by encouraging students to talk with their families about where they are from. Students can gather stories, memories, or even photos to bring back and share with the class.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her teacher asks the students to find where their family is from on the world map, Falasteen sees that Palestine is not on their map. The teacher says it must not exist then. But Falasteen's family knows better. When she asks her grandpa (Jido) about this, he draws her a map of Palestine from his memory, including their home and other significant locations. After this, she asks her grandma (Teta), who tells her about the soldiers who came and how they ran away to stay safe. Although the lands were burned and villages re-named, Teta kept their house key on a necklace, and now gave this key to Falasteen.
Finally, Falasteen asks her mom about Palestine. Mom replies, "Sometimes people live in countries. Sometimes countries live in people. Palestine lives in you and me."
"There are people who say it doesn't exist. That we don't exist. But their maps can't erase us." She tells Falasteen that Palestine lives in every Palestinian, in the words they write, in their past, present, and legacy.
This story treats Palestine as a character itself, showing a family mourning its loss. Helping children cope with this kind of grief is something that is unfortunately needed and important for displaced children around the world.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Map for Falasteen is a truly magnificent picture book, and it is incredibly needed. The story is that of Falasteen, a young girl who shares a name with the Arabic word for Palestine, who tries to locate her family's home country on a map, but cannot find it, and is told by her teacher that Palestine does not exist. She knows that before she was born this was her family's home, so she goes home that day and asks her grandfather then her grandmother and then her mother about Palestine and gets a different answer from each. It is a beautiful story of Palestinian identity in the diaspora, the history of Palestine for the last 75 years, and the unending hope that some day Palestinians will be given the right of return. The author's note at the end of the book reveals some of the author's personal story as well as a number of details about the history of Palestine since Israel. Highly recommended.

[Gayatri Sethi Desi Book Aunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This #newpicturebook is luminous, artful & life giving in every way! This is a timely and essential story told with deep care & thoughtfulness. It is mind & heart opening in every way. The illustrations are exceptionally expressive.

Educator note: The author's note & end pages are vital learning & conversation starters for all ages.
Imagine the uplifting & freeing discussions that will be generated by this tender & moving yet also informative & relatable story!

Highly recommend for every preschool class

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falasteen's teacher asks all the students to find where their families came from on her big map, but Palestine isn't listed there. Falasteen is confused, so she asks her family, and she learns a bit about the history of the wars and terror that sent her family far from their homeland.

Beautifully told. A good way to introduce children to historic Palestine and what it means to be a refugee.

[Thea N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio and it was a beautiful story of the Palestinian people. The reader was lovely and I can’t wait to read the physical copy so I can see the pictures.
Thank you Macmillan audio and NetGalley for the arc. This releases October 2024

[Sasha4Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley Book:
“From the olive groves to the sea.” - A Map for Falasteen: A Palestinian Child’s Search for Home by Maysa Odeh book narrated by Dalia Ramahi which has been published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR).

[Kaitlyn (ktxx22) Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful sad picture book. One that if you’re struggling with the explaining the ongoing genocide in Palestine to your children it might be beneficial to read this book from a humanity perspective.

[Jaxine Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art and beautiful message and done in a way that's full of emphathy and understanding and you can tell this is a story for not just for the author's inner child, but for the Palestinian whether young or old. Please give this a read if you see the book regardless of age.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 if I may be super honest, the tone of storytelling could be more warm to better convey more heart wrench?? Incredibly hard subject to write about though especially maybe to children so huge creds to that, also character designs very cute

[Maleeha Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words except that I love this so much.

[beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read so many picture books for work and rarely log them but this one is different. This is such a beautiful picture book, the words along with the illustrations have moved me to tears

[Ambar Sahil Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘There are places, hayati, you don’t need a map to find…’

It never ceases to amaze me how children's literature can often grapple with weightier issues with such eloquence and so much heart. “A Map for Falasteen” exemplifies this beautifully, addressing themes of identity and exile even as it starts a crucial conversation about the idea of home.

During a classroom assignment, little Falasteen is unable to find her homeland, P@lعst1ne, on a map. When she asks her teacher, she is told that the place probably doesn't exist. Confused and stung, she returns home to ask her family if what her teacher said is indeed true. What ensues is a conversation that delivers an emotional suckerpunch in the most elegant, understated way: it is compassionate, humane, respectful—and will probably induce some amount of sobbing.

Written by Maysa Odeh, with artwork by Aliaa Betawi, “A Map for Falasteen”brilliantly reminds us that little children don't deserve our condescension: that even if they might not have a working understanding of the world, they are far more insightful than we give them credit for. And in doing so, this book equips us with the tools to navigate such important conversations when kids ask us uneasy questions.

That books like this exist is a miracle—and a balm, especially in such antagonistic times. The story is delicately crafted; the artwork has just the right amount of whimsy and wonder; and it manages to leave you with a sense of hope and a feeling of tenderness. Totally recommend this!

[Valeria Meraz C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet, beautifully illustrated picture book to deal with a very serious topic in a child appropriate manner that teaches empathy. I can imagine this would resonate with children and families of refugees all over the world.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I heard of it’s getting banned by a library in the US, and there’s nothing I love more than reading a banned book 😆 It’s a beautiful and important story of a child’s search for their home and history.

[Sharon Ahern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally log the children’s books I read, but this one is special. I picked it up because I saw it on a banned books list. As a retired educator and librarian, I make it a point to read as many banned books as possible. Rather than being banned, it should be added to every public library and elementary school library. All children need to see themselves in the books they encounter in school and at the library.

[Juuso · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Palestine lives in every Palestinian who cannot return,' Mama said. 'She is in millions of hearts that beat like dabke drums. She is in every cross-stitch of the thobe you wear for eid. She is in the bread Teta bakes on Sunday morning. She is in the zaatar we put in our tea. She is Haifa and Yafa and Ramla and Lydd. She is Nassrah, Nablus, Jerusalem and Jenin. She is Gaza, most of all, and her dear, laughing children playing soccer by the sparkling sea.'

A Map for Falasteen from Maysa Odeh (author) and Aliaa Betawi (illustrator) is a beautiful children's book. This story is about Falasteen, who is asked about her ethnic background and no matter how hard she looks on a map, she can't find Palestine on it. This pushes Falasteen to start asking the people around her about Palestine.

A Map for Falasteen is a picture book that fits well for children of all ages and is a great way to start conversations about being displaced and about Palestine and Palestinians. I truly hope that this book with it's breathtaking art, all kinds of audience but especially Palestinians who are starting to teach their kids about Palestine.

Mama nodded. 'There are people who say it (Palestine) doesn't exist. That we don't exist. But their maps can't erase us,' she replied, her voice calm and clear.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Map For Falasteen, written by Maysa Oder, and narrated by Dalia Ramahi is such an important book for these times! One day at school, Falasteen and her class are asked to find the places their families are from on a map. When Falasteen asks for help finding Palestine, she is told that it does not exist. Falasteen is lucky to have lovely family members in her life who are able to help her learn the truth, that “There are places you don’t need a map to find.” Not all places can be found on a map, but she is told that Palestine lives in her and her family. She is proud to have the opportunity to share the map her Grandpa draws for her, as well as the house key her Teta gives her, from her previous home in Palestine. She knows that this will help teach her teacher and friends about homes, maps, and Palestine.
Again, I think that this is such an important book for our current climate. Teachers, children, and families can learn from this book, that there are so many different types of homes and histories, and that we can all learn from each other. Thank you to NetGalley, and to the publisher, author, and narrator of this book for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nanny B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of a family who became refugees.
The story is compelling on it's own with beautiful illustrations.


I guess my concern is from the "Author's Notes":
I understand this story is based on the author's family history. My problem is the blame placed on Israel alone. It's a one sided story, which to be expected when stories are passed down through generations.The author did not give background for Israel' response to the Holocaust before1948 or the retaloatoon of the attack in 1967 that lead to the 6 Day War when explaing more detail in the Author's notes at the back. It only expressed the situation from Palestinian point of view.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this children's picture book. The production of this audiobook is beautiful. The narrator read this in a way that I would not be able to convey to my children myself. Since becoming a mom, I have constantly turned towards books to immerse my children into the many cultures, identities, viewpoints and perspectives that exist. This is a needed book, words written for children and adults alike, explaining a slice of the historical context of what has occurred to the people of Palestine and how the Palestinian diaspora is impacted.

I do wish that the audiobook version also included the author's note as some of the other reviewers have mentioned the physical book includes.