Middle East Outreach Council
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Middle East Book Award

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Middle East Book Award Seal
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.
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  • 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.

Download a List of all Middle East Book Award Winners (2000-2021)
File Size: 301 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Download the Press Release announcing the 2021 Middle East Book Awards
File Size: 141 kb
File Type: pdf
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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
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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.

submission guidelines

Are you a publisher or author hoping to submit your book for consideration? Click here for submission guidelines.

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THE 2021 MIDDLE EAST BOOK AWARD TEAM
E-Mail us!
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KATIE ASLAN
Co-Chair
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CRAIG CANGEMI
Co-Chair
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CHRISTOPHER ROSE
Nominations Coordinator

2021 Winners 

PICTURE BOOK
Winner
The Library Bus
, by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Honorable Mentions
Seven Special Somethings, by Adib Khorram, illustrated by Zainab Faidhi
Song of the Old City, by Anna Pellicioli, illustrated by Merve Atilgan
YOUTH NON FICTION
given in honor of Lisa Adeli
Winner
Drawn Across Borders, by George Butler
Honorable Mentions
Explore the Old City of Aleppo, by Khaldoun Fansa
Maryam's Magic, by Megan Reid, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
YOUTH LITERATURE
Winners
Everything Sad is Untrue, by Daniel Nayeri
Beni's War, by Tammar Stein
Honorable Mention
... Too Far From Home, by Naomi Shmuel, illustrated by Avi Katz

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  • Home
  • About
    • Lifetime Achievement Awards
    • Meeting Minutes
    • By-Laws
  • Book Awards
    • Picture Book
    • Youth Non-Fiction
    • Youth Literature
    • Submission Guidelines
  • News
    • Calendar
  • Annual Meeting
  • Resources
    • Join MEOC >
      • Institutional Members
    • Forum
    • Image Gallery