10 Most Promising Authors Empowering Young Readers
The children’s literature landscape in the United Arab Emirates is constantly evolving. New authors are emerging, and previous ones are continuing to achieve authorial milestones. All the writers who focus mainly on children’s literature contribute to the authorial industry.
Each author comes from a dynamic background and is making a significant effort to shape the future generation. They provide young readers with life’s important lessons through relatable characters and eye-catching illustrations. Their books act as windows to diverse cultures and perspectives for young readership.
In this blog, we’ve highlighted ten inspiring children’s book authors who are positively impacting the next generation’s minds. Continue reading to celebrate their contributions to the Emirati literary landscape.
Top 10 Children’s Book Authors Transforming the Literary Scene
1. Aya Khalil — from the USA
Aya Khalil is an award-winning author who stands out in the USA’s authorial industry due to her picture and board books. She possesses a master’s degree in education. Her various insightful articles have been published in The Huffington Post, the Christian Science Monitor, and Motherly.
Aya and her work have also been featured in Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, Oprah Daily, and more. Though she has written various books, ‘The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story’ and ‘The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale’ have made the most sales. She ensures that characters in her work have Arabic names and personality traits.
Aya also showcases happy stories that have Arab characters and authentic immigrant tales.
2. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Philadelphia-based educator Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is one of the best children’s book authors. She often represents black Muslims as protagonists in her work to promote their culture and ethnicity. It creates a deep love for her in the hearts of black Emirati citizens.
Numerous trusted voices in literature, such as the American Library Association, School Library Journal, and NPR have recognized Jamilah. They have critically praised her work, and honestly, her work is worth all the appreciation.
Jamilah mainly focuses on children’s literature and fiction. Her compelling and meaningful storytelling, when combined with Luisa Uribe’s catchy illustrations successfully makes a mark. Your Name is a Song, Salat in Secret, Abdul’s Story, and Mommy’s Khimar are a must-read for children and their parents.
A worth a read if you want to acquaint your child with Islamic teachings
3. Ibtihaj Muhammad –the USA
Ibtihaj Muhammad is an all-rounder. She is considered multi-hyphenate due to her prominent contributions as an American saber fencer, entrepreneur, activist, and writer. She has become a big name as she is the first woman to wear a hijab while competing for the US in the Olympic Games. She also won an Olympic medal due to her best performance.
Ibtihaj has also won many other medals, such as 2016 Olympic bronze medallist and 5-time Senior World medallist. She has also published good quality books, including ‘Ibtihaj Muhammad: Muslim American Champion Fencer and Olympian.’
Ibtihaj has published engaging children’s books, like ‘The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family’ and ‘The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship.’ She aims to empower Muslim kids all around the world, particularly in the USA. She has also successfully achieved her authorial objective.
4. Nicola Dewhurst
Nicola Dewhurst is from Lancashire, UK. We’ve included her in this list because she has been teaching primary classes for the past 16 years across Dubai and the UK. Her passion for educating young minds encouraged her to write children’s books.
But she loves exploring and seeking new experiences. The United Arab Emirates has taught Nicola Dewhurst many new things that she subtly exhibits in her writings. As she has been reading since early life, writing naturally came to her, and she has been excelling in this profession.
So far, Nicola’s ‘Little Turtle Swim Away’ and ‘Dave Gets a Haircut’ are the page-turner. Her upcoming children’s book ‘Moany Dad’ has the potential that no children won’t be able to put down. It will become more buzzworthy in the United Arab Emirates as the coming book. lets readers peak into the UAE lifestyle.
5. Zanib Mian — from the UK
Zanib Mian champions diversity and inclusion in children’s literature with her impeccable skills. She is a former science teacher who turned into a trailblazing author. She has become a prominent figure in the children’s reading genre. Her dedicated efforts have been recognized by BBC’s CBeebies Bedtime Stories and The Guardian.
Mian’s books have helped her polish her storytelling and message delivery in literature. Through publications like ‘Meet the Maliks Twin Detectives the Emerald Emergency,’ she ensures that all young readers relate to her stories. Whether you’re from the UK or elsewhere, you will be able to connect with her tales.
As the founder of Sweet Apple Publishers, she has launched a platform for wide-ranging narratives that resonates on a global level. Her work is not just entertaining, but transformative, therefore translated into multiple languages. Her undeniable voice that calls for a revolution and diversity makes her a best-seller.
6. Dana Al Balooshi
Dana Al Balooshi is a well-recognized teenage Emirati author and innovator who is known for her passion for space. She has become a role model for countless young girls in the United Arab Emirates as she actively discusses women’s challenges. She secured the title of youngest Emirati to undergo training courses at NASA at the age of nine.
Dana even received nine certificates in space engineering — a proud accomplishment for her parents and fans. One of her stand-out works is ‘Amazing Women of Arabia,’ written when she was only thirteen years old. She has shared different stories of the extraordinary Arab women who inspired her.
Dana’s impressive list of women includes successful ballerinas, politicians, aviators, businesswomen, scientists, and sportswomen. Anyone who wants to celebrate girl power and become aware of women’s role in the UAE’s success should read this book.
7. Giselle Onanian
Giselle Onanian is a popular for best-selling children’s books and a proud mother of two children. She has used her writing power to inspire the younger generation. As she has been an expat herself, she explains the expat journey of children through her book series. She is a master at conveying feelings that are tricky through words, such as being away from family.
She shares her personal experience of finding a new home in a different country through her work. Her most famous work is her well-loved series, Alfie and Oak. It is to help children, as well as her readers, navigate life’s tricky questions easily through entertaining storytelling.
8. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is an Emirati politician and royal who is currently ruler of Dubai. He serves as the prime minister and vice president. He has been working actively for the betterment of his citizens, including adults and children.
One of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s notable contributions to kids’ development is through his book. He wrote different stories in his publication, ‘My Little World’ based on his real-life experiences. These tales teach readers dreaming big has no limits. He has targeted mainly children, aged around six to nine to encourage reading.
9. Maryam Al Serkal
Maryam Al Serkal is a famous Emirati poet and author of children’s books. Her life is full of unstoppable love for rhyming and words. She studied journalism and pursued a career in public relations due to her devotion to writing. She currently lives in Dubai with her beloved husband and two kids.
Maryam attracted immense attention to herself with her debut book, “Mira’s Curly Hair.” It is a picture book for kids that teaches them an important lesson — self-acceptance. She conveys an interesting yet meaningful story about a little girl who doesn’t like her curly hair texture initially.
Maryam wants it to be smooth and straight like her mother’s. Some unpredictable events occur that gradually teach Maryam to embrace her natural hair. She has dedicated this book to those who are struggling to accept how they are. Thus, promoting self-acceptance.
10. Hilda Youssef
Hilda Youssef, hotel proprietor by profession, is seeking her love for children’s books. Her personal and professional challenges have allowed her to publish highly anticipated books.
Hilda calls herself an avid storyteller and dreamer, and she is curious about where her journey is taking her. She is also a keen lover of books, which allows her to publish five-star reads.
Final Words
Children’s books play an important role in a child’s growth. By creating diverse characters and sharing authentic cultural experiences, these writers are not just entertaining kids but also sending an important message. Their work brims with valuable lessons of kindness, acceptance, and understanding.