Mariam's Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
This picture-book biography tells the true story of Mariam Al-Shaar, a Palestinian-Syrian refugee who grew up in Burj El-Barajneh, a crowded camp on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon. Refusing to let camp borders define her future, Mariam turns her love of traditional cooking into Soufra, a small catering collective that grows into the camp’s first licensed food truck. With perseverance and community spirit, Mariam creates jobs for other refugee women, lifts local morale, and proves that big dreams can blossom in the most unlikely places.
Age
5-8
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mariam Al-Shaar
Discussion points
How did Mariam turn a challenge into an opportunity?
Why is sharing food such a powerful way to connect people?
What dreams do you have that could help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Look up Lebanese or Palestinian dishes online and cook one together.
Map Mariam’s journey to visualise distance and displacement.
Encourage children to identify community needs they care about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Turn skills into solutions
Explanation: Mariam uses her cooking talent to start Soufra.
Real-World Application: Children can identify their talents and imagine helpful uses.
Example Lesson: Work together for greater impact
Explanation: The cooperative model allows many women to earn income.
Real-World Application: Encourage group projects at school or in the neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Persevere through red tape
Explanation: Mariam keeps applying for permits despite rejections.
Real-World Application: Practice persistence with challenging tasks or hobbies.