Olive & Lemon Trees is a hopeful story about a Palestinian grandmother (Teta) who leaves her home to live with her daughter’s family in a safer country, told from the perspective of the eldest grandson. While the story touches lightly on the conflict in their homeland, it does so at an appropriate level for children, offering the opportunity for teachers and parents to have a conversation about the realities of unrest in war-torn countries.

The story recalls vivid anecdotes about Teta’s phone calls to the kids, pictures she’s mailed, and the foods they are preparing to help her feel more at home. Teta could be anyone’s grandma—an individual full of warmth and kindness—showing that regardless of our race or religion, we are all people living in this world, independent of historical tribulations and political prejudices placed upon us or that we place upon others.

The heart of the story lies in the recalling of Teta’s beloved garden, which sadly, no longer exists. Before it had been destroyed (presumably from conflict), Teta tended lovingly to roses, olive trees, and lemon trees. The once lush garden, a source of great joy, now represents life senselessly lost and one’s lack of ability to protect that which is good from damage caused by forces outside our control.

With enthusiasm, the family decides to plant new lemon and olive trees in the yard before Teta’s arrival as a surprise, hoping that with watering and patience, their grandmother will experience some comfort of home in this new place. In the spirit of “blooming where you are planted,” Teta exhibits overall acceptance but with a subtle longing for her true home, a place that is no longer safe.

Blending an extremely sensitive topic with consistently hopeful characters, the author depicts the resilience of humanity and proves that love is stronger than the persecutions we may face in life. The illustrator took great care to add vibrance and smiles to a family grateful to have their grandmother safely with them.

The back cover of the book serves as an inspirational note from the author and verbalizes her personal feelings about Palestine. This may require additional discussion in a classroom setting to help children understand this perspective from a balanced viewpoint and as a model of equitable inclusion.

In the end, Teta is safe in her new home and the trees are growing, but her family knows there is much to overcome still in their homeland as well as to accomplish on the world stage.

Olive & Lemon Trees is the kind of book we as a society should be sharing with our kids to help build bridges between what they overhear in a political arena and the reality families face when torn from their homes. We may never be able to explain why some things happen in the world, but we can instill hope, resilience, and the power of love in our kids as they grow up so they can carry those values into the future. The lessons of leading with love and mercy must begin with our children, and Olive & Lemon Trees initiates the conversation.

©2024 Angie Marie Carlson. All rights reserved.