Amman:Unbesieged Minds, a children's book published by Jabal Amman Publishers and authored by Shireen Sabanegh, has secured the 2026 International Award for Arabic Children's Literature in the Chapter Book category. This achievement further underscores the publisher's commitment to delivering quality literature for young readers.
According to Jordan News Agency, the book's accolade at the award's 18th edition is noteworthy as it places the work on one of the Arab world's most esteemed platforms for children's literature. Unbesieged Minds narrates five true stories of children from Gaza who transform the adversities of war into creativity and innovation, highlighting literature's power to preserve testimony and communicate with young audiences effectively.
Author Shireen Sabanegh emphasized that the book is a quest for peace, reason, and justice, expressing that winning the award is a testament to their voices transcending borders. She dedicated the honor to the resilient children of Gaza and all those who see literature as a catalyst for change. Sabanegh also reiterated the book's role as a documentation project, expressing gratitude for the recognition alongside other talented creators.
Sinan Sweis, CEO of Jabal Amman Publishers, expressed pride in receiving the award, noting it amplifies the stories of Gaza's children and aligns with the publisher's mission to preserve their narratives. The book's profits and prize money are allocated to supporting children's education in Gaza, aiming to provide real learning opportunities and inspire continued pursuit of dreams.
The book, intended for children aged 9-12, presents human stories of resilience a girl who revives her grandmother’s home with the aroma of coffee, children who illuminate their surroundings with scrap materials and solar energy, a boy who powers his father's sewing machine with a bicycle, and another who invents recipes during wartime scarcity. These narratives showcase young minds devising significant solutions, highlighting creativity as a means of resilience.
An official launch event at the Children's Museum in Amman, attended by HRH Princess Dina Mired, celebrated the book's achievements. Princess Dina praised the book for its exceptional ability to give a voice to Gaza's children, emphasizing its message of hope and creativity amid adversity.
Jabal Amman Publishers and its partners are donating the book's profits and prize money to support children's education in Gaza, inviting individuals and institutions to support the initiative by purchasing the book. Unbesieged Minds is available online through Jabal Amman Publishers.
Founded in 2007, Jabal Amman Publishers is recognized for promoting reading culture and education in the Arab World, aiming to empower readers with knowledge and independence through high-quality Arabic content. The International Award for Arabic Children's Literature, established in 2009, celebrates excellence in children's and young adult literature in the Arabic language.