Key facts
- A book on Palestine for young readers was pulled from Random House before its release.
- Authors Alana Hadid and Jenan Matari objected to edits that they said sanitized their views.
- Disputes centered on passages about Palestinian history, Israeli occupation, and the October 7 Hamas attacks.
- The authors plan to release the book through Palestinian-owned publisher Interlink Books.
- The book was intended for Random House's 'Race to the Truth' series for ages 10-13.
A book on Palestine for young readers, co-written by Alana Hadid and Jenan Matari, was pulled from Penguin Random House just before its scheduled September 2027 release following editorial disputes. The authors objected to edits they claimed sanitized and misrepresented their views on Palestinian history, Israeli occupation, and resistance.
Hadid and Matari, who had signed the deal in November 2024, stated that Random House introduced changes after the manuscript was thought to be finalized. A spokesperson for Random House said the process followed standard procedures and that the publisher supported the authors' decision to withdraw the book.
The book, intended for the 'Race to the Truth' series for ages 10-13, aimed to provide historical accounts from marginalized groups. The authors plan to release it through Interlink Books, a Palestinian-owned publisher.