My Grandfather's Hat

Reach for this book when your child expresses curiosity about the 'old country' or asks how their grandparents navigated life before coming to America. It is a perfect bridge for families looking to discuss heritage, the immigrant experience, and the grit required to build a life from scratch. Through the true story of Habib Fakih, children are introduced to the realities of leaving home at a young age to support family, the risks of entrepreneurship in unfamiliar lands, and the importance of maintaining one's values across borders. While the memoir touches on scary and dangerous moments, it is ultimately a story of resilience and compassion. It models how a person can move through Lebanon, Palestine, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone while treating every neighbor with respect. For middle-grade readers, it provides a grounded, historical perspective on global citizenship and the deep bonds of family responsibility. It is an excellent choice for fostering gratitude and a sense of belonging within a larger ancestral narrative.