Short lesson on borrowed words in the English language (importance of bilingualism).Kanzi's mother helps the class with an activity that bridges a pathway of diversity between cultures. The next day, her teacher sees the poem and invites Kanzi to bring the quilt to school. That night, Kanzi covers herself in her beloved Arabic quilt her teita (grandma) had given her and writes a poem about the quilt. Her nightmare comes true when the teasing begins once a classmate hears Kanzi's mom speaking Arabic. When Kanzi moves to the United States from Egypt, she is afraid of being different.There is also a video version of the book on GetEpic as well! It really added to the book and gives another fun teaching moment if a parent or teacher is reading this with children.The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil is a book that you can find on GetEpic (perfect for virtual learning). Lastly, I'm also a huge fan of the glossary in the back that has the meanings for all the Arabic words. I really appreciate when a picture book has great illustrations. They're colorful and muted all at once, and I like how simple and yet detailed they are. The progression is so sincere and natural that the message is made all that more lovely. I love how the author captures both Kanzi's anxieties about feeling different and her growth into being thankful/proud of her bilingual abilities and heritage. I've read a few different picture books that encourage unity and multicultural pride, and this one does it so, so well.

Secondly, the theme of the story is beautifully accomplished. I loved that multiple Arabic words are seamlessly blended in throughout the story, and the entire rhythm of the writing is really soothing. I absolutely loved reading this book for a few different reasons! Firstly, the writing is really well done. It really added to the book and gives another fun teaching moment if a parent or teacher is reading this with children.

The arabic quilt an immigrant story