Mariam's Dream

The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope

By: Leila Boukarim

Narrated by: Lameece Issaq

Mariam's Dream follows real-life freedom dreamer Mariam Al-Shaar, known around the world for building Soufra, a women-run kitchen in the Bourj Al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon.

This is a story about how one woman can make a huge difference.

Once Mariam decides to start a food business in the refugee camp where she’s spent her whole life, she must see her dream through.

She will need money.

She will need the right papers.

People will tell her it’s impossible.

They will tell her not to risk it.

But with the women of the camp behind her, she is determined to make it happen.

Discover the joys of cooking, the power of community, and the flavors of Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon in this poignant story written for anyone who has ever felt walled in and dreamed of something more.

“Food and words have long been an important part of Palestinian resistance. This uplifting book perfectly utilizes both while sharing a story of hope and liberation in the face of injustice.”—Hannah Moushabeck, award-winning author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine

©2025 Leila Boukarim (P)2025 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“Food and words have long been an important part of Palestinian resistance. This uplifting picture book perfectly utilizes both while sharing a story of hope and liberation in the face of injustice.”—Hannah Moushabeck, award-winning author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine

“Bravo! Mariam’s Dream teaches young readers what resilience means and works as an excellent, supportive example for kids’ own self-empowerment. At the same time, it blows apart stereotypes of subservient Arab women and the helplessness of refugees.”—Cathy Camper, award-winning author of Ten Ways to Hear Snow, Arab Arab All Year Long!, and the Lowriders series