Lake View Elementary School on Madison’s North Side hosted award-winning children’s book author Maysa Odeh on Wednesday as the school kicked off its celebration of Arab Heritage Month during the month of April.
Students had been reading Odeh’s books during their library time before her visit to the school today and had been learning about the acclaimed author and preparing thoughtful questions for her visit.
“For months, our school community looked forward to welcoming author Maysa Odeh, whose visit was made possible through the Wisconsin Book Festival and the Jane Addams Book Association,” Shannon Furman, the Lake View Community School librarian, tells Madison365. “In preparation, students read her books and made meaningful connections to their own lives, particularly those whose families have come to our community from around the world.
“The visit was truly magical. Odeh shared stories from her life, her writing journey, and her cultural background, offering students a powerful and deeply personal perspective,” Furman continued. “Her presence was especially meaningful for Muslim students, who saw their identities and experiences reflected in a published author —an opportunity that left many feeling inspired, affirmed, and full of possibility. Each student received a copy of A Map for Falasteen, generously provided by the Jane Addams Peace Association, as well as a journal from the Madison Public Library to encourage them to begin their own writing journeys.”
Thanks to the support of the Wisconsin Book Festival and the Jane Addams Peace Association, every student received a copy of A Map for Falsteen, which has been the recipient of the Jane Addams Foundation Honor Award, the 2025 California Book Award, the Arab American Book Award and the Muslim Book Reviewers Judges’ Award. It is also a Kirkus Best Book of 2024 and a Booklist Editors’ Choice of 2024.
Community members will have a chance to meet Odeh and view her book, A Map for Falasteen, at a free event tonight at Madison Central Library at 7 p.m. as a part of the Wisconsin Book Festival. For more information, click here.
