My Olive Tree

In this simple, touching picture book about the healing power of a loving community, a girl's grandpa and her neighbors help her grow an olive tree in a war-torn land.

A BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Salam's grandpa says that olive trees are strong and that their roots run deep in their Palestinian land. They connect everyone--from the farmer who presses the olives into oil to the baker who uses the oil in his taboon.

Salam plants her own seed and is eager to see it grow. She waits... she waters... she asks the seed to hurry... until finally...a sprout! But one day soldiers come and destroy everything in their path...including Salam's new olive tree. Salam is crushed--though she doesn't have to worry. Her grandpa gathers their neighbors and, together, they plant olive trees as far as the eye can see.

With spare, sensitive prose and gentle illustrations, debut author-illustrator Hazar Elbayya delivers a powerful story about the beauty of the olive tree and the importance of community in the face of hardship.★ "Hazar Elbayya’s affecting debut provides hope for peace, community, and freedom in a war-stricken time....To a child, this story is an excellent way to connect conflict with community." —Booklist, starred review

★ “A plea for peace that younger readers will clearly hear, pointing no accusatory fingers, but shining with steady resolve to endure.” —School Library Journal, starred review

"Elbayya’s hopeful debut offers a portrait of community and resistance." —Publishers Weekly

"A moving tale about the power of community and love." —Kirkus Reviews

“Elbayya shares a heartfelt story of identity and heritage, while celebrating family and the power of community. Her story will offer hope to many readers.” —Juana Medina, Pura Belpre Award-winning creator of Juana & LucasHazar Elbayya’s work is heavily influenced by her Palestinian roots. Born in Gaza, she recently was awarded a degree in Graphic Design from George Mason University. My Olive Tree is her debut.