A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi
This 40 page OWN voice written and illustrated picture book for kindergarten to elementary, addresses the question and provides some answers that Palestinian diaspora children have faced for years, about the attempted erasure of Palestine by way of not labeling the country on maps. The book does not name the occupiers, so hopefully it will avoid bans and censorship, as it does not shy away from articulating the taking of land, theft of homes, and renaming of villages. The refrain is that “Palestine lives in you and me,” and that can never be taken away. That the book stays on level and is traditional published is quite impressive for the contents contained. I love that their are resources as the beginning for adults to learn more, that Isha prayer is mentioned, The Proudest Blue is in an illustration, that rohi, omri and habibti are woven in, and the Author’s Note is detailed.
The book starts with little Falasteen at school, the class has a new map of the world and everyone is taking turns telling about where their families are from. Let me pause here and say, this was my biggest, only real problem with the book, the illustration hints that the map is the rug, and the rug is just shapes of the continents, it is not a political maps that shows country boundaries, but I also read an e-arc so maybe something will change in the illustrations, but none-the-less, I note it here because it is the first page. Moving on, when it is Falasteen’s turn she doesn’t see Palestine and when she asks her teacher, her teacher tells her, “I think there is no such place.” I wish I could say this is extreme, but I’ve been hearing similar conversations from friends for over 30 years, at least in the book the teacher isn’t mean about it, just ignorant, real life sadly, is often much more aggressive. This is the catalyst though that prompts Falasteen to start asking her question.
When she gets home, she asks her Jido, who is tending the grape vines, why Palestine is not on the map, and he draws her a map to take to school the next day to share with her friends and teacher. He tells her, her “teacher needs teaching.” Let me pause again her, I was initially a little surprised at this tone, and SPOILER that at the end it doesn’t circle back to her teaching her teacher and class, but on the second reading, I was glad for it. No one should have to prove their existence, that is my bias of wanting to be accepted or palatable to an outside gaze. Teachers all the time get asked something they don’t know and if it on topic will go and find an answer, to dismiss little Falasteen intentionally or out of ignorance regarding her home country, is not something that needs outside approval, or that needs to be proven. Outside acceptance is not required in this example of reality.
She then asks her Teta who is cooking in the kitchen, why Palestine is not on the map. Teta tells her about when soldiers came with their tanks and guns, and burned their fields, and she had to leave with Falasteen’s mom in her arms to keep her safe. She shows her the key that she keeps from her home that was taken, and how she longs to return.
After Isha prayer, Falasteen asks her mother the same question. Her Mama tells her that some places don’t need a map to be found, and that “Palestine lives in you and me.” That even though Falasteen has never seen Palestine it is within her. When she tells her mother that her teacher told her it doesn’t exist, her mom explains that those that say it doesn’t exist, that make the maps, cannot erase them, their memories, their culture.
The remainder of the book is more hopeful and prideful of the places where Palestine is found and the hope that someday they can visit. I enjoyed the read, it is important, it is needed, and I hope you will preorder/order it to show your support.
