By Tamar LaSure-Owens, NJEA Consortium Design Team Ambassador
In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, my Triumphant Third Grade class has been engaging in meaningful learning experiences that highlight the resilience and contributions of Arab American individuals and stories. This month, our classroom was fortunate to receive the powerful picture book Lost and Found Cat by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes, thanks to the NJEA PDII Transform Conference.
The book tells the incredible true story of Kunkush, a beloved family cat who travels from Iraq to Norway with a refugee family fleeing war and danger. This emotional journey of separation and reunion resonated deeply with my students—not only because many of them have pets of their own, but also because of the book’s powerful themes of hope, courage, and survival.
As part of our critical thinking and classroom discussion, students took a closer look at the word smuggler. They explored how the term often carries negative connotations, yet in certain historical and humanitarian contexts, it can represent acts of bravery and resistance. This led us to draw powerful parallels between Kunkush’s story and the history of the Underground Railroad. We discussed how conductors like Harriet Tubman “smuggled” freedom seekers to safety, and how both stories reflect the shared human desire for freedom, safety, and dignity.
These cross-cultural and historical comparisons encouraged students to think critically about justice, compassion, and how people across time and place have worked to protect one another. Through Lost and Found Cat, we not only celebrated Arab American Heritage Month, but also created a learning environment where students could see the connections between literature, history, and their own lives.
We are proud to uplift Arab American voices and experiences in a way that offers our students both a window into the world and a mirror reflecting their own values and curiosities.