THE DAY SAIDA ARRIVED

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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2021 NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts

2020 Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist

A Bank Street College Education “Best Children's Books of the Year” (2020)

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“A lyrical, playful book about immigration, respect, learning, and friendship across cultures. Remarkably, the exchange between the two new friends presents the two languages and cultures as equal and the learning as reciprocal, offering a great resource for learning about immigration and cultural difference.” ―Kirkus Reviews

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“A beautiful reminder that keeping open hearts and minds to others will be one of the most important things we’ll ever do.” —Booksfor Diversity.com

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“Each child’s knowledge and competence is equally valued as the two embark on a balanced friendship . . . ” ―Publishers Weekly