Authors Withdraw Book From Penguin Random House
Alana Hadid and Jenan Matari moved their book to a new publisher after disagreements over the manuscript.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Books
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In September 2026, authors Alana Hadid and Jenan Matari terminated their publishing contract for Displacement and the Palestinian American Story with Random House Children's Books. The authors withdrew the work following disputes regarding proposed editorial changes.
Why it matters
The authors argued that the publisher's interventions, including requests to alter references to 1948 Zionist militias and the inclusion of claims regarding October 7, misrepresented their intended historical narrative.
The original contract for the book, which is intended for readers as young as 10, was signed in November 2024.
The players
Alana Hadid
She is an author who collaborated on a manuscript detailing the Palestinian American experience.
Jenan Matari
She is an author who worked with Alana Hadid on a book covering the history of the Nakba.
Random House Children's Books
This is a division of Penguin Random House that specializes in publishing literature for younger readers.
Interlink Books
This is an independent publishing company that plans to release the authors' book in 2027.
The details
Hadid and Matari, who focus on the Nakba and the Israeli occupation, stated they could not reach an agreement with the publisher on the presentation of these historical events. The authors have since secured a new deal to release the project through Interlink Books.
Timeline
1948: Palestinian villages were destroyed during the Nakba.
October 7, 2023: Hamas-led attacks occurred in southern Israel.
November 2024: The authors signed a deal with Random House.
September 2026: The authors terminated the publishing agreement.
2027: Interlink Books plans to release the publication.
Industry Dynamics
This move follows a pattern set by authors like Saira Rao, who similarly ended a collaboration on the Race to the Truth series with Penguin Random House. Such departures highlight growing friction between creators and major houses regarding the editorial framing of politically sensitive history.
Readers interested in the work will need to look to Interlink Books for the upcoming 2027 release rather than a major publishing house. The shift confirms that the manuscript remains in progress and is slated for future distribution.
The takeaway
Authors often seek alternative publishing partners when they believe a major house is undermining the integrity of their narrative. Writers interested in controversial historical topics should carefully review editorial clauses before signing standard publishing agreements.
What happens next
Interlink Books is scheduled to release Displacement and the Palestinian American Story in 2027.
Further reading
Find more updates on the publishing industry in our Books section.
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