Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist (2020)


Two girls forge a forever-friendship by learning each other’s language. The Day Saida Arrived demonstrates the power of language to build bonds beyond borders.

What
happens when a new friend arrives who doesn’t speak your language? A
young girl searches for the words to help her friend feel welcome and
happy in her new home, and along the way learns about differences and
similarities in countries and words. The two forge a strong bond while
they each learn the other’s language, exploring the world around them.

A
joyous, lyrical text—including English translations and pronunciations
and the complete Arabic alphabet—offers an accessible, fresh approach to
talking about immigration. Paired with lushly vivid illustrations, The Day Saida Arrived demonstrates the power of language to build bonds beyond borders. Printed on FSC-certified paper with vegetable-based inks.

Illustrated by: Sonja Wimmer
Translated by: Lawrence Schimel