Mariam’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope
Written by Leila Boukarim
Illustrated by Sona Avedikian
Published by Chronicle Books
Mariam’s Dream follows real-life freedom dreamer Mariam Al-Shaar, known around the world for building Soufra, a women-run kitchen in the Bourj Al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon.
This is a story about how one woman can make a huge difference.
Once Mariam decides to start a food business in the refugee camp where she’s spent her whole life, she must see her dream through.
She will need money.
She will need the right papers.
People will tell her it’s impossible.
They will tell her not to risk it.
But with the women of the camp behind her, she is determined to make it happen.
Discover the joys of cooking, the power of community, and the flavors of Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon in this poignant story written for anyone who has ever felt walled in and dreamed of something more.
Primary ISBN: 9781797222332
Publication Date: April 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older
Community Represented: Palestinian/Palestinian American
Themes: Community Action, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Discrimination: Immigration Status, Genre: Historical, Refugee: War/Conflict, Religious Background: Muslim, Setting: Refugee Camp
Setting: Lebanon
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee Camp
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Written with Cultural Advisors
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