Middle East Book Award, given by the Middle East Outreach Council

The Middle East Outreach Council established the Middle East Book Award in 1999 to recognize books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to understanding of the Middle East. For purposes of this award, the Middle East is defined as: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Books that are nominated for awards are judged on the authenticity of their portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on their characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience. A committee of MEOC members, including teachers, librarians, outreach coordinators, and other educators select award winners (and, if deemed appropriate, honorable mention titles) in three categories.

Picture Book
Youth Literature
Youth Non-Fiction, given in honor of Lisa Adeli

The Middle East Book Award, along with our sister programs (the Américas Award, the Children’s Africana Book Award, the Freeman Book Awards (East/Southeast Asia), and the South Asia Book Award), is pleased to recognize exemplary titles in globally focused literature for younger readers.

List of all Middle East Book Award Winners (2000-2023)
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2023 Middle East Book Awards Press Release
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Lists of recognized titles by category

Picture book

Simply worded plot- or subject-driven text, accompanied by large images on most pages, intended for very young readers.

youth non-fiction
Given in honor of Lisa ADELI

Reference or other non-fiction —e.g., biography—intended for K-12 audiences or their teachers

YOUTH LITERATURE

Plot-driven books (with or without illustrations); collections of poetry; and/or memoirs appropriate for young adult readers in middle and high school.