My Olive Tree by Hazar Elbayya
ISBN: 0593810228
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

A young Palestinian girl learns all about olive trees from her grandfather; how they connect so many people in their community, how the olives are used in so many ways, and how they have come to represent peace, connection, and resilience. She decides to plant some seeds to grow her own olive tree, but it is unfortunately stomped on as soldiers pass through her town.The girl’s grandfather encourages her not to lose hope and tells her he will share the story of her tree with others. Not long after, the child comes upon a new grove of olive trees planted by her friends and neighbors.

Lovely, muted illustrations grace the pages of this incredible book. Elbayya’s author’s note gives readers more context, as well as a sense of the resilience and desire for peace. A timely selection, the hopeful messaging in this picture book is highly recommended for all libraries, although the text is intended for grades 1-2.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta.