Today we’re featuring another non-fiction graphic novels. Arab in America is a semi-autobiography based on Toufic El Rassi experiences growing up in the United States. As you can imagine, many parts of his story are quite sad. Rassi shows the readers what it’s like to grow up in an increasingly hostile nation and how he manages to form an Arab identity.
Looking for more information? In 2013, Moraine Valley’s Arab Student Union hosted a student panel discussion on this very same topic. We have it available to stream and as a podcast. We also have many books in the collection about first generation Arab Americans such as:
- How does it feel to be a problem? : being young and Arab in America
- I’m glad I look like a terrorist : growing up Arab in America
- Becoming American? : the forging of Arab and Muslim identity in pluralist America
- From veils to thongs : an Arab chick’s survival guide to balancing one’s ethnic identity in America
- Beyond war : reimagining American influence in a new Middle East
Be sure to check out more information about our upcoming Graphic Novel Symposium happening in the library Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.