My journey started in Kuwait, where I grew up in a mixed Arab and American community with Arab friends who shared the same traditions and foods as my family. I also had American friends who taught me how to build the perfect hamburger, how to furnish a dollhouse, and everything anyone needed to know about Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
Our neighborhood celebrated the national, traditional, and cultural holidays, both Arab and American, like Eid, Thanksgiving, and Easter. I was an Arab Muslim girl who helped untangle Christmas tree lights, sang in the choir, and, one year, played the piano to accompany the choir. I loved it all. When I attended college in the United States, I brought this sense of intercultural exchange and shared it with my college friends, some of whom visited me in the Arab world.
Years later, I had the opportunity to immigrate to the United States and make America my home. My children were born here. I wanted to keep the balance of Arab and American in their life, which grows ever more challenging. Arabs, Arab Americans, and Arab cultures are often treated in a very negative way in the United States. The idea behind A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History was to bring to light real Arab American culture and the people who have contributed to the fabric of the United States.
—Maha Addasi
My dear friend and coauthor of many books, Arlene Hirschfelder, and my wonderful husband, Roger Dennis, pushed me to write A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History. Over the years, I had become more angry and dismayed at the untruths and stereotypes aimed at Arabs and Arab American people. For most of my life, I have addressed racism directed at all groups, but particularly First Nations peoples. I am fortunate to be both Indigenous American and Arab American, two of the most misrepresented peoples in history! Through my books, I have tried to set the record straight about Native peoples; it is time to do the same regarding Arab Americans. Much like the Hollywood Indian, who was violent and not too smart, Arab Americans are portrayed as unrealistic and unpleasant characters. None of these portrayals resemble anyone in my family or community, people who are hard working, brilliant, loyal, and deeply spiritual citizens. My very Syrian grandparents would be proud that I wrote a book that tells a bit about their history in America, and my very Cherokee/Sand Hill grandparents would be proud that I walk in balance and honor all of my ancestors.
—Yvonne Wakim Dennis