Habibi (novel) facts for kids

Habibi is a young adult novel written by Naomi Shihab Nye. It was published in 1997. The story is about a 14-year-old girl named Liyana Abboud and her family. Liyana's father is Arab, and her mother is American. She also has a brother named Rafik. The family moves from their home in St. Louis, USA, to her father's original home in Palestine during the 1970s. The book is based partly on Naomi Shihab Nye's own life experiences, which means it is semi-autobiographical.

Awards and Recognition

Habibi received many important awards and honors for young adult books. These awards show that the book was well-loved and highly respected.

• It was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
• It was also an ALA Notable Book.
• The New York Public Library chose it as a Book for the Teen Age.
• The Texas Institute of Letters recognized it as a Best Book for Young Readers.
• In 1997, Habibi won the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. This special award is given every year to children's books that help promote peace and fairness for everyone.
• In 2000, the book also received the Middle East Book Award for Youth Literature.