Since our Central Minnesota area has become home to many Somali immigrants, we want to learn more about their culture and experiences in order to build understanding and community with our new neighbors! Here are some books to help:

Soo Fariista/Come Sit Down: A Somali American Cookbook by Wariyaa. “Somali Americans celebrate a shared heritage at mealtime. No matter what country they first called home, no matter how they found their way to Minnesota, members of this community come together over shaah, kackac, and halwad (that is, tea, beignets, and sweets). Realizing how quickly traditions can change in a culture on the move, Somali American students set out to preserve their culinary legacy by interviewing family members, researching available and alternative ingredients, and testing kitchen techniques. In Soo Fariista / Come Sit Down, seventy recipes for everything from saabuuse (stuffed pastry) to suqaar (sauteed meat) to canjeelo (flatbread) to shushumow (fried sweet dough) honor memories and flavors from East Africa with adjustments for American realities.”

From Somalia to Snow by Hudda Ibrahim
This book “gives readers an invaluable insider’s look into the lives and culture of our Somali neighbors and the important challenges they face. In providing a great understanding of Somali culture, tradition, religion, and issues of integration and assimilation, this book also focuses on why thousands of Somali refugees came to live in this cold, snowy area with people of predominantly European descent.”

Through My Eyes by Tammy Wilson
“After being caught in Somalia’s horrific civil war, Zamzam escapes with her mother, sister, and brothers to America. But when she arrives, she learns that she has to deal with biases and stereotyping she isn’t prepared to handle. Zamzam dreams of making a difference in this world, and she wants to be seen as a person who has value.  Through My Eyes is a story of compassion, empathy, and the importance of eliminating stereotypes to promote social justice. Join eleven-year-old Zamzam as she navigates her way through her new country while embracing her Somali values.”