Lana Makes Purple Pizza: A Palestinian Food Tale

Lana’s Purple Pizza has quickly become a family favorite in our house! My kids—ages 6, 4, and 2—absolutely adore this whimsical and heartwarming story. The narrative is both fun and imaginative, sparking their curiosity with its focus on tradition and history. It’s not only entertaining but also beautifully rooted in a lesson about history that my older children are beginning to understand, making it a perfect blend of learning and enjoyment.What truly captivates my 2-year-old is the stunning illustrations. He can’t get enough of the vibrant, colorful images on every page. They’re so engaging and full of life that he’ll flip through the book over and over, pointing out all the details. It’s such a visual treat that I’m sure it will be a favorite for years to come.But the fun doesn’t stop at the story! We absolutely love the creative recipes at the end of the book. It’s such a unique touch that turns reading into an interactive experience. We've even brought the book to class story time and made our own purple pizzas! The kids loved getting involved in creating their own colorful, imaginative pizzas, and it was a fantastic hands-on way to tie the story into a fun, real-life activity.Lana’s Purple Pizza is a delightful mix of entertainment, education, and creativity. It’s the perfect read for young children, and I can’t recommend it enough for families looking to spark creativity and learning in a joyful way!

I bought this book for my son, and the joy on his face was absolutely priceless! From the moment we opened it, he was captivated by the beautifully illustrated pages. It was incredible to see Palestinian heritage so beautifully woven into a children’s book, but truly, any child—no matter their background—would adore this story.As a bonus, the recipe at the end was an absolute delight! I tried it myself, and let me tell you—it was AMAZING. This book is heartwarming, educational, and engaging—this is a must-buy for parents looking to gift their children something truly special!

I can’t recommend this book enough! Lana Makes Purple Pizza is a must-read for all families, but especially those with children from immigrant and second generation backgrounds. At a time when children stories about scholastically, literarily, and culturally underrepresented identities are in high demand and short supply, this book rises to the occasion and brings us into the household of a Palestinian family preparing Palestine’s national dish, msakhan - or purple pizza, as Lana calls it!Of course, it’s not simply about cuisine, but what that cuisine represents. The story of making purple pizza is front and center, but as Lana and her mother teach us, history, culture, and familial bonds - tenets crucial to a Palestinian household - are the key ingredients in this dish. The book includes beautiful illustrations that not only afford Palestinian American children the rare opportunity to see themselves in art, but help all children see Palestine free of bias. I cannot emphasize enough how revolutionary this is, and how much better off our children will all be for it.The world is rapidly changing, and Lana Makes Purple Pizza is a refreshing, heart-warming, and informative way to help ensure our children pick up where their parents left off in telling the narrative of who they are. My niece and nephew loved it so much they too wanted to make purple pizza! Luckily for us all, a tasty recipe is included in the book.

“Lana Makes Purple Pizza” is an incredible children’s book that beautifully illustrates the journey of a young Palestinian girl discovering her heritage. Through vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming story, Amanda Najib captures the essence of a Middle Eastern home so perfectly that it transforms the reader. Felt like I was there!This book isn’t just for children of Arab descent—it’s a universal story that every child, and even adults, can appreciate. A beautiful ode to culture, family, and self-discovery that will no doubt inspire your child to learn more about their own heritage. A must-read for all ages!

Beautifully written and illustrated. Moving story that both children and adults will enjoy (plus a great recipe for a follow-up activity!). A truly lovely work that will be a great addition to your bookshelf.

Lana Makes Purple Pizza is more than a Palestinian tale. Shared through the tenderness of a young child’s experience, this special book is a significant contribution to the preservation of intangible culture.As most Americans are lacking in their understanding of Palestinian history, this picture book offers a counter-narrative to mainstream media and allows readers proximity into the life of one Palestinian family. The genuine warmth and love that Palestinians have for others emanates from this book. Lana Makes Purple Pizza is a thread that links relationships between generations of people and places, while honoring the past and providing continuity for the future.As a teacher and literacy specialist, this is a book I have proudly added to my collection.

Could not have loved this book anymore. The story so beautifully gives voice to the experience of not just Arab immigrant culture but speaks to all those who carry their home through food. I’ve bought several copies for myself and friends as a gift and it’s been cherished by everyone! And the illustrations are so beautiful and vibrant

Lana Makes Purple Pizza is a fantastic story of love, culture, and perseverance. It's not surprising to see that this book and its author are receiving awards. It even comes with a wonderful recipe! This book is a great way to start conversations and to share traditions with your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.