Habibi
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2000
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4.3 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- cross-cultural understanding
- family and heritage
- first love
- prejudice and tolerance
- belonging
- peace and conflict
About this book
When 14-year-old Liyana moves with her family from St. Louis to her father’s homeland of Jerusalem, she must navigate a new language, culture, and the tensions of a divided place. As she finds her voice through writing and everyday moments, she also discovers unexpected friendship and first love across cultural lines. Rich in sensory detail and everyday humor, the story invites readers to see people beyond labels. Perfect for middle school and early high school readers who enjoy character-driven stories about identity, family, and hope.
Setting: St. Louis and Jerusalem/the West Bank, contemporary 1990s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Habibi right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Habibi. The reading level is AR 4.3, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, cross-cultural understanding, family and heritage.
How long does it take to read Habibi?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Habibi takes around 7.8h to finish. The book has 70,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Habibi have an AR quiz?
Yes — Habibi has an AR quiz available, worth 9 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Habibi?
Habibi has an AR reading level of 4.3, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.