Habibi is a 1997 young adult novel by Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye is a poet, songwriter, and novelist. She was born to a Palestinian father and American mother. Although she regards herself as a "wandering poet", she refers to San Antonio as her home.-Career:...

. It tells the story of 14-year-old Liyana Abboud and her family, her Arab

Arab

Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...

 father, American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 mother, and brother Rafik, who move from their home in St. Louis to Mr. Abboud's native home of Israel

Israel

The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...

. It is semi-autobiographical.

Habibi deals with a wide range of themes (most common in YA books) that include change, family values, war and peace, and love. The title is an Arab word for 'beloved'.

Plot summary

Liyana Abboud lives a quiet, normal life in St. Louis, with her Arab father, her American mother, and her younger brother, Rafik. Liyana's life suddenly changes dramatically when her father, Poppy, announces that he has decided to move the family to his homeland of Palestine. Liyana is more upset than the others about leaving, but, of course, leaves with her family to Palestine.

Liyana is instantly caught up in a world of new family members, conflict, and a new culture that has her very confused and frustrated.