Mariam's Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope

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.

"Food and words have long been an important part of Palestinian resistance. This uplifting picture book perfectly utilizes both while sharing a story of hope and liberation in the face of injustice." --Hannah Moushabeck, award-winning author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine

"Bravo! Mariam's Dream teaches young readers what resilience means and works as an excellent, supportive example for kids' own self-empowerment. At the same time, it blows apart stereotypes of subservient Arab women and the helplessness of refugees." --Cathy Camper, award-winning author of Ten Ways to Hear Snow, Arab Arab All Year Long!, and the Lowriders series

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY BOOK FOR CHILDREN: Founded in 1948, Bourj Al-Barajneh has housed refugees from Palestine, Syria, and Iraq. Many have lived in this camp their entire lives--including Mariam Al-Shaar. To know Mariam's story, which grabbed international attention through the award-winning documentary Soufra, is to be reminded that one person can change the world. This picture book is a perfect resource for anyone eager to learn more.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN: More than the story of just one woman doing something extraordinary, this is the story of a woman building and leading a community of women to share their talents, connect to their roots, and do good for their community. This moving story of one refugee and how she mobilized others is a powerful way to start conversations about displaced communities around the world.

INFORMATIVE CONTENT: As part of her research, the author traveled to Lebanon to visit Soufra and meet Mariam in person. The book includes an author's note about this research, a discussion of refugees and refugee camps, a visual glossary of all the delicious food featured, and a select bibliography for curious readers.

Perfect for:

• Parents and gift-givers seeking stories of inspirational women
• Educators looking for books about the refugee experience
• Readers eager for stories about Palestinians, their food, and their displacement around the world
• Anyone seeking multicultural and diverse children's books for classroom or home library reference

Author: Leila Boukarim
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 04/01/2025
Pages: 44
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.24h x 11.33w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9781797222332
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 01/27/2025
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2025
Booklist 04/01/2025 pg. 74

About the Author
Leila Boukarim spends her time writing stories that inspire empathy and encourage meaningful discussions. She has written ten books for children, including Lost Words. When she heard about Mariam Al-Shaar and Soufra in 2018, she knew she had to meet her and write her story. Leila was born in Lebanon and raised in several countries. She now lives in Berlin, Germany, with her husband, her two kids, and her cat/office mate, Dill. You can visit her at leilaboukarim.com.

Sona Avedikian is an Armenian illustrator born in Beirut, Lebanon, and currently based in Michigan. She loves creating vibrant work and often takes inspiration from her heritage, as she did for Lost Words. You can find more of her work at sonaavedikian.com.