The HRC will host two discussions about human rights topics and other subjects raised in the book. The discussions will be on June 18 and June 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Roseville Library, 2180 North Hamline Ave.

Using the graphic novel genre, Lebanon-born Toufic El Rassi tells about his experience growing up as an Arab in America. From childhood to an adult, Arab in American discusses prejudice and discrimination Arabs and Muslims experience in American society. El Rassi recounts his experiences after the 9/11 attacks and during the implementation of new security and immigration laws that followed. The book follows an average Arab-American struggling with his identity in an increasingly hostile nation.

El Rassi was born in Beirut in 1978. He immigrated to Chicago a year later as his family escaped the civil war in Lebanon. He is a college lecturer in history and political science, writer, and graphic novelist and commentator on Middle Eastern affairs.

The summer book reading program was developed by HRC Youth Commissioner Gabriel Cederberg. Arab in America is one of the books on the Roseville Area High School’s a summer reading list. For more information or to register please contact carolyn.curti@cityofroseville.com or register on the Roseville Library website. Refreshments will be served.