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“While both Leila and Afsaneh wanted to focus on a Middle Eastern perspective in the story, all people of all cultures have experienced a “long goodbye” as it’s a staple of every good party! …A part of the immigrant experience is having your family be your “community” or, vice versa, your found community becoming your “family.” It’s never specified in the story whether the people at these party are related to the Salwa and her sister or not, which was Leila’s intention, as it mirrors gatherings many immigrant kids and families have.”

—Publisher

From Salam to Yalla Bye!: A Guide to Middle Eastern Gatherings

Written by Leila Boukarim
Illustrated by Afsaneh Sanei
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

What happens when you’re invited to a Middle Eastern party?

A LOT!

Which is why your good friend Salwa will show how to make the most of every minute and navigate those tricky parts, step by step, from the joyful Salam! when you arrive until the longest goodbye in the history of goodbyes when you’re ready to leave.

Primary ISBN: 9781665959780
Publication Date: June 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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