Biographical Note:
Saadia Faruqi was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States when she was 22 years old. She writes the Yasmin series and popular middle-grade novels such as Yusuf Azeem Is Not A Hero. She was featured by Oprah Magazine as a woman making a difference in her community. Besides writing books for kids, Saadia also loves reading, binge-watching her favorite shows, and taking naps. She lives in Houston with her family.
Shazleen Khan is an award-winning London based Illustrator, Writer and Designer, specializing in Narrative and Sequential Illustration. Shazleen began self-publishing their graphic novel work Buuza!! in 2011 and has since gone on to achieve a First Class Bachelor's (hons) degree in Illustration (2017) and a Master's in Children's Books and Graphic Novels (2018). They currently work as a freelance Illustrator while doing part-time teaching work.
Review Quotes:
"A beautiful, realistic, and important story focusing on family and sibling bonds." --Kirkus, starred review
"[A]stirring and uplifting story of family and identity."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A relatable sibling story that approaches tough topics like discrimination with compassion and intention...heartwarming, funny, and bright." --Booklist
"A fine addition for collections seeking representation of discordant sibling relationships."-- School Library Journal
Publisher Marketing:
From Saadia Faruqi and Shazleen Khan comes a relatable, funny, and heart-wrenchingly honest graphic novel about Muslim American siblings who must learn how to stop fighting and support each other in a world that is often unkind.
It's hard enough being a kid without being teased for a funny sounding name or wearing a hijab.
It's even harder when you're constantly fighting your sibling--and Zara and Zeeshan really can't stand each other. During a family trip to Florida, when the bickering, shoving, and insults reach new heights of chaos, their parents sentence them to the worst possible fate-- each other's company! But when the twins find an ailing turtle, it presents a rare opportunity for teamwork--if the two can put their differences aside at last.
Review Citations:
- Publishers Weekly 07/10/2023 (EAN 9781250793805, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
- School Library Journal 08/01/2023 pg. 90 (EAN 9781250793805, Hardcover)
- Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2023 (EAN 9781250793812, Paperback) - *Starred Review
Contributor Bio:Faruqi, Saadia
Saadia Faruqi was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States when she was 22 years old. She writes the Yasmin series and popular middle-grade novels such as Yusuf Azeem Is Not A Hero. She was featured by Oprah Magazine as a woman making a difference in her community. Besides writing books for kids, Saadia also loves reading, binge-watching her favorite shows, and taking naps. She lives in Houston with her family.
Contributor Bio:Khan, Shazleen
Shazleen Khan is an award winning London based Illustrator, Writer and Designer, specializing in Narrative and Sequential Illustration. Shazleen began self publishing their graphic novel work in 2011 and has since gone on to achieve a First Class Bachelor's (hons) degree in Illustration (2017) and a Master's in Children's Books and Graphic Novels (2018). They currently work as a freelance Illustrator while doing part-time teaching work.