The Watertown Free Public Library recommended two pro-Palestinian children's books for summer reading, igniting backlash from community members. Maysa Odeh's "A Map for Falasteen" and Hannah Moushabeck's "Homeland" received criticism, with some asserting they promote antisemitism. Rachael Sack strongly opposed the library's choices, citing concerns about their age-appropriateness and negative themes. In response, Moushabeck defended the titles, asserting their importance and calling criticisms unfounded. The library confirmed that all titles listed were voluntarily suggested for summer reading and not mandatory.
The library featured Maysa Odeh's "A Map for Falasteen: A Palestinian Child's Search for Home" on its list for second-graders and suggested Hannah Moushabeck's "Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine" for first-graders. Community members felt the award-winning books were age-appropriate while others decried their content as antisemitic. Rachael Sack questioned the recommendation saying it incites fear and sadness, asking why a book depicting Israel as an oppressor was chosen for children.
Moushabeck responded to the outcry on social media, stating that the books deserve to be on recommended lists and that accusations against them are examples of anti-Palestinian racism. She emphasized that a summer reading list is voluntary, not mandatory.
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