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.
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.
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. 
Lists of recognized titles by categorySimply worded plot- or subject-driven text, accompanied by large images on most pages, intended for very young readers.
youth non-fiction |
2024 WinnersAward Winners
The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil; Illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan (Tilbury House, 2023) The Ferris Wheel by Tülin Kozikoğlu; Illustrated by Hüseyin Sönmezay (Crocodile Books, 2023) Honorable Mention The Blue Butterfly of Cochin by Ariana Mizrahi; Illustrated by Siona Benjamin (Kalaniot, 2024) Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love, by Randa Abdel-Fattah; Illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke (Candlewick, 2023) Honorable Mention The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman (Eedrman's Books for Young Readers, 2023) | ||||
