Hena Khan is an award-winning picture book and middle grade author whose work includes an Islam-themed picture book for the Curious George books. Hena was tapped to write the first release of Simon & Schuster’s groundbreaking imprint Salaam Reads, where she wrote the highly acclaimed middle grade novel “Amina’s Voice”.
Hena and I discuss the inspiration behind “Amina’s Voice” and her universal story of self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. Hena walks us through how she introduces Islam to her young readers and we continue to talk about how important it is to have diverse representation in children’s literature.
Further into our conversation, Hena unpacks how she strengthens her character’s voice by knowing exactly what they want, and we touch on ways that writers can instill accountability to inspire a finished story. For those of you who are currently looking for writing groups to be a part of, Hena shares the specific characteristics of writing groups you should look out for when finding your perfect group.
In Amina’s Voice, a Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family’s vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community in this sweet and moving middle grade novel from the award-winning author of It’s Ramadan, Curious George and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns.
Hena Khan is a picture book and middle grade author. Her most recent middle grade novel is AMINA’S VOICE, the first release of Simon & Schuster’s groundbreaking imprint Salaam Reads. Hena’s picture books include IT’S RAMADAN, CURIOUS GEORGE, GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS, and NIGHT OF THE MOON. She has also written two middle grade choose-your-own-adventure style novels. Hena is a native of Rockville, Maryland, where she still lives with her family.