Award-Winning Children's Book Author

Praise & Awards

Praise for Hena Khan

Hena Khan is a storyteller, first and foremost.
—Kirkus Reviews

For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can’t get better than this book. —R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder (on Amina’s Voice)

A middle grade author that can charm readers a leg up over the competition —Besty Bird

A writer who understands children, family, and culture —Kirkus Reviews

Positive narratives that counter the negatives in the media —Washington Post

One of the first American authors to bring Muslim characters to the fore in children’s books —Anadolou Agency

Ms. Khan…started writing children’s books more than a decade ago at a time when depictions of authentic Muslim characters were few —Christian Science Monitor

Her most recent book comes at a critical time, when many American Muslim kids are struggling with social stigma, fear and rejection. —Huffington Post

It’s Ramadan, Curious George by H.A. Rey and Hena Khan in 2016 [was] a turning point of sorts. ‘Not only did it sell well but retailers saw the potential of drawing new customers and are now more receptive to children’s books on Islam.’ —Publisher’s Weekly

National Awards

NCTE Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction Honor Title (Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun 2023)

Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature (Amina’s Song 2022)

Washington Post Best Book (Amina’s Voice 2017)

NPR Best Book (Amina’s Voice 2017)

Kirkus Best Book (Amina’s Voice 2017)

Goodreads Choice Award Finalist (Amina’s Voice 2017)

Cooperative Children’s Book Council Choices (Amina’s Voice 2017, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, 2013)

CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book (Amina’s Voice 2017)

NCTE Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction Recommended Title (Amina’s Voice
2017)

American Library Association Notable Children’s Books (Amina’s Voice 2017, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns 2013)

Middle East Book Award Honorable Mention (Crescent Moons and Pointed
Minarets 2018)

Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year (Amina’s Voice 2017, Power Forward 2018, and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns 2013)

PubWest  Book Design Awards Gold Winner (Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns 2013)

Parents’ Choice Approved Book (Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns 2013, Night of the Moon 2008)

Booklist Top Ten Religion and Spirituality for Youth Selection (Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets 2018, Night of the Moon 2008)

Junior Library Guild Selection (Drawing Deena 2023, More to the Story 2020, Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun 2022, Power Forward 2018, On Point 2018)

Starred Reviews

★ An uplifting graphic novel that celebrates female Muslim athletes and highlights how the teens’ faith, sport, and relationships intersect. —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW (We Are Big Time)

★ A lighthearted slam dunk. — Booklist, STARRED REVIEW (We Are Big Time)

★ A monumental achievement and exquisite testament to the power of collaboration and community, this novel moves beyond the reality of diversity into the necessity of it.   —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW (The Door Is Open)

★ A nuanced and quietly powerful story.  —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW (Drawing Deena)

★  An uplifting story about relationships, especially those that strengthen us and help us grow. —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW (Amina’s Song)

★ Khan excellently weaves together complex issues . . . Highly recommended for all collections —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW (Amina’s Song)

★ Khan nimbly incorporates details of modern life and allusions to Alcott’s classic—including financial troubles and a health scare—into a tale that is, fittingly, strongest in the moments when family dynamics are on display. —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW (More to the Story)

★ Middle-school-aged readers will find the challenges Jam faces at school and with family realistic and eminently understandable. —Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW (More to the Story)

★ This compassionate, timely novel is highly recommended for all libraries. —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW (Amina’s Voice)

★ Amina’s middle school woes and the universal themes running through the book transcend culture, race, and religion. A perfect first book for this new Muslim imprint. —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW (Amina’s Voice)

★ A universal story of self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. A welcome addition to any middle grade collection. —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW (Amina’s Voice)

★ A peaceful incantation. A view of a childhood focused not just on well-being, but on hope-to ‘count all your blessings’ and ‘find wonder’-as well. —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW (Like the Moon Loves the Sky)

★ A book that offers great representation and inspires readers to accept everyone just the way they are. —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW (Under My Hijab)

★ Cheerful, rhyming verses complement a parade of confident women athletes, doctors, artists, and students, each donning a hijab as colorful and unique as the women themselves. —Foreword Reviews, STARRED REVIEW (Under My Hijab)

★ A thoughtful, multilayered offering. —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW (Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets)

★ The Muslim holiday of Ramadan gets a vibrant, visually exciting treatment here…the upbeat tone of the writing is matched by Paschkis’ lively, jewel-like art. —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW (Night of the Moon)

Regional and State Lists

Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best (Power Forward, Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets, Amina’s Voice)

New York Public Library Best Book of 2020 (Like the Moon Loves the Sky)

Star of the North Award Nominee (Under My Hijab)

Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Intermediate Title (More to the Story)

Magnolia Book Award Nominee (MS) (More to the Story)

Lectio Book Award Finalist (TX) (More to the Story)

Just One More Page Recommendation List (More to the Story)

South Carolina Children’s Book Award Nominee (More to the Story)

Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN) (Power Forward, Amina’s Voice)

Oregon Battle of the Books List (Power Forward, Amina’s Voice)

Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee (NH) (Power Forward)

Sunshine State Young Readers’ Award List (FL) (Power Forward)

Bluestem Book Award Master List (IL) (Power Forward, Amina’s Voice)

Horned Toad Tales List (TX) (Power Forward)

Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Reading List (Power Forward, Amina’s Voice)

Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Junior Title (Amina’s Voice)

William Allen White Children’s Book Award Reading List (KS) (Amina’s Voice)

Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books of 2017 (Amina’s Voice)

Children’s Sequoyah Book Award Master List (OK) (Amina’s Voice)

Volunteer State Book Award Nominee (TN) (Amina’s Voice)

Texas Bluebonnet Master List (Amina’s Voice)

South Asia Book Award Highly Commended Title (Amina’s Voice)

Virginia Readers’ Choice Award (Amina’s Voice)

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee (MD) (Amina’s Voice)

Oregon Reader’s Choice Award Nominee (Amina’s Voice)

Beehive Award Nominee (Amina’s Voice)

South Carolina Book Award Nominee (Amina’s Voice)

Reviews, Awards and Lists per Book

“A lovingly told ode to libraries, Islamic intellectual history, storytelling, and the role of women in Muslim history.” The Horn Book

For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can’t get better than this book. R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wonder
This compassionate, timely novel is highly recommended for all libraries. Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
Amina’s middle school woes and the universal themes running through the book transcend culture, race, and religion. A perfect first book for this new Muslim imprint. Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
A universal story of self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. A welcome addition to any middle grade collection. School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Amina’s anxieties are entirely relatable, but it’s her sweet-hearted nature that makes her such a winning protagonist. Entertainment Weekly
… a gentle coming-of-age story universal in theme and original in context, and appealing to any reader who has just wanted to slow the world down. Shelf Awareness

Awards and Lists

A Washington Post Best Book of 2017

An NPR Best Book of 2017

A Kirkus Best Book of 2017

A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist

ALA Notable Children’s Books

Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee (MN)

CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children’s Book Council)

CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Junior Title

William Allen White Children’s Book Award Reading List (KS)

Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)

Oregon Battle of the Books List

Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books of 2017

Children’s Sequoyah Book Award Master List (OK)

Volunteer State Book Award Nominee (TN)

Texas Bluebonnet Master List

Bluestem Book Award Master List (IL)

Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Selection Title

South Asia Book Award Highly Commended Title

NCTE Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction Recommended Title

Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Reading List

Virginia Readers’ Choice Award

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee (MD)

Oregon Reader’s Choice Award Nominee

Beehive Award Nominee

South Carolina Book Award Nominee

A lovely sequel that does not require familiarity with the first book, this is an uplifting story about relationships, especially those that strengthen us and help us grow. School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Khan excellently weaves together complex issues of feeling torn between two parts of one’s identity, illness in the family, helping others, and finding out that growing up does not have to mean growing apart. Highly recommended for all collections Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
Readers will enjoy being along for the ride as Amina sorts through mild middle school turbulence and finds satisfying ways to express and share her true self… A sweet sequel. Kirkus Reviews

Awards and Lists

Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature

“A nuanced and quietly powerful story.” Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“A sensitive look at the effect of anxiety and the pressures of today (including social media) on young people’s mental health.” Horn Book
“This book is written with an authentic middle school voice and blends culture, realistic worries, and mental health in a way upper elementary school and young middle school readers will appreciate.” School Library Journal
“An effective reminder that everyone is a work in progress and that young readers have the power to courageously draw their future” BCCB
“Through candid first-person narration, Khan (Zara’s Rules for Living Your Best Life) examines adolescent anxiety and its various triggers and depicts adaptive coping mechanisms, including making the most of mentorship and support from one’s community.” Publishers Weekly
“[An] extremely relatable story.” Booklist
“A tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path. While her parents’ money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden.” International Examiner

A lighthearted slam dunk. Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
An uplifting graphic novel that celebrates female Muslim athletes and highlights how the teens’ faith, sport, and relationships intersect. Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
An inspiring sports story that focuses on more than the score. Kirkus Reviews

Khan nimbly incorporates details of modern life and allusions to Alcott’s classic—including financial troubles and a health scare—into a tale that is, fittingly, strongest in the moments when family dynamics are on display. Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
Middle-school-aged readers will find the challenges Jam faces at school and with family realistic and eminently understandable. Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW
A beautifully warm and deeply heartfelt story of sisters, family, and love that will move the reader from laughter to tears and to hopefulness. Inspired by Little Women, Khan’s More to the Story is a brilliant tribute to the original that both modernizes and enriches the story… Ellen Oh, author of The Spirit Hunter Series
…everything I could wish for in a modern interpretation of Little Women. The Mirza family is as endearing, funny, and loving as the March family, and I adored every word. Karina Yan Glaser, author of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
A delightful concept well executed, this volume is sure to find many fans. Kirkus Reviews

Awards and Lists

Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Intermediate Title

Magnolia Book Award Nominee (MS)

Lectio Book Award Finalist (TX)

Just One More Page Recommendation List

South Carolina Children’s Book Award Nominee

A charming contemporary story with a classic feel. Kirkus Reviews
Short chapters and appealing illustrations will keep emerging readers absorbed (and certain to brainstorm record-breaking activities of their own). A strong start to a series that readers will happily follow into the future. Booklist

Awards and Lists

NCTE Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction Honor Title

Junior Library Guild Selection

…fun, quick read … fresh and realistic. Kirkus Reviews

An excellent sports series for younger middle grade or reluctant readers School Library Journal
Zayd is a sympathetic protagonist, and his story is told with humor and artfully filled with interesting cultural matter Kirkus Reviews

Zayd is a sympathetic protagonist, and his story is told with humor and artfully filled with interesting cultural matter…Readers will cheer for Zayd and look forward to the next volume. Kirkus Reviews
A promising series opener featuring a welcome diverse main character that will appeal to plenty of sports-loving readers. Booklist

Awards and Lists

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)

Oregon Battle of the Books List

Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best

Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee (NH)

Sunshine State Young Readers’ Award List (FL)

Bluestem Book Award Master List (IL)

Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Selection Title

Horned Toad Tales List (TX)

Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Reading List

With just enough action to keep readers turning the pages and a sprinkle of age-appropriate realizations throughout, this small book is a great pick for elementary-age readers….A delightful follow-up from a writer who understands children, family, and culture. Kirkus Reviews
An excellent sports series for younger middle grade or reluctant readers School Library Journal

Awards and Lists

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Readers will enjoy watching Zayd grow in his game, his maturity, and his changing family life…A solid read about being your best self on and off the court, with an appealing Muslim protagonist. Kirkus Reviews
Zayd is a welcome character for young readers, who learns that one can be a team player even when facing personal challenges. Booklist

A lovely tale of father-son bonding set against the backdrop of jumu’ah prayers at the mosque. Kirkus Reviews
Combining childhood fascination with superpowers and cultural traditions, this is an accessible purchase for picture book shelves. School Library Journal

Exquisite, colorful mixed-media illustrations depict a setting that could be Iran (Amini’s ancestral homeland) and showcase the aesthetics of Islamic art, from textile patterns to architectural ornamentation. This concept book compliments the creators’ Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns (2012) and Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets (2018), about colors and shapes, respectively. . . . A creative, fun introduction to Islam. Kirkus Reviews

[Like the Moon Loves the Sky is] a peaceful incantation. A view of a childhood focused not just on well-being, but on hope-to ‘count all your blessings’ and ‘find wonder’-as well. Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
This beautiful, sweet, heartfelt message of love and hope for a child will resonate with many. Kirkus Reviews
A bedtime story that reassures children that they are loved. School Library Journal
[A] stunning visual statement celebrating the values of community, wonder, and love. Booklist

Awards and Lists

New York Public Library Best Book of 2020

This is a book that offers great representation and inspires readers to accept everyone just the way they are. School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Cheerful, rhyming verses complement a parade of confident women athletes, doctors, artists, and students, each donning a hijab as colorful and unique as the women themselves. Foreword Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
Informative and genuine, the book offers much to learn about the settings and situations of hijab. Kirkus Reviews
Cheerful, colorful images complement the affirming tone and message of this timely book. Booklist

Awards and Lists

2019 Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year

2019 Book Concierge List, NPR

2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List

2021 Star of the North Award Nominee (MN)

A thoughtful, multilayered offering. Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
A beautiful picture book that simultaneously explores shapes, Islam, and the cultures of the Muslim people. Kirkus Reviews

Awards and Lists

A Booklist Top Ten Religion and Spirituality for Youth Selection

2018 Middle East Book Award Honorable Mention

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018

The Muslim holiday of Ramadan gets a vibrant, visually exciting treatment here…the upbeat tone of the writing is matched by Paschkis’ lively, jewel-like art. Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
Sweet and visually striking, this is a good choice both for children who celebrate these holidays and for others seeking a bridge to their culture. Publishers Weekly

Awards and Lists

A Parents Choice Approved Book

2009 Booklist Top 10 Religion Book for Youth

The emphases are both the particulars of Islam and the universal concerns of all caring societies and religions…suitable for children of all faiths Publishers Weekly
A vibrant exploratory presentation Kirkus Reviews

Awards and Lists

An American Library Associate Notable Book

PubWest 2013 Book Design Awards Gold Winner

Parents’ Choice Approved Book

Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2013

CCBC Choices 2013

A groundbreaking new book that also tries to span the cultural chasm for a new generation. The New Yorker
To help overcome Islamophobia and foster mutual respect, acceptance and understanding, teachers, parents, community leaders and librarians can use books like these to educate children about Muslims while enhancing religious literacy. The Huffington Post

“A monumental achievement and exquisite testament to the power of collaboration and community, this novel moves beyond the reality of diversity into the necessity of it.” School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“This powerful collection of short stories celebrates the broad diversity of middle schoolers from the South Asian community.” The Horn Book
“A multifaceted celebration of a vibrant American community.” Kirkus Reviews

Twenty-two renowned authors, including Soman Chainani, Stuart Gibbs, Hena Khan, and more, dig deep into their childhood memories to share personal stories of hope in Brock’s optimistic anthology. Publishers Weekly

This special anthology about family traditions, sharing meals, giving presents, and delighting in the cultural uniqueness of people all over the world isn’t just for those who celebrate Eid; it’s for all who want to share and learn about the holidays. Booklist
The diversity within the collection is impressive, including several blended families and a recently converted one, and while the writing varies in style and quality, each story is engaging, full of emotion and thought. . . This thoughtful and uplifting volume will keep readers turning pages year-round; here’s to many more. Kirkus Reviews

Some stories, such as “How to Make S’mores,” by Hena Khan … really show how difficult and wonderful the middle school years can be… Kirkus Reviews
Readers will “totally” relate to the issues and perspectives presented in this well-curated collection. School Library Journal

As with the two previous anthologies from We Need Diverse Books, this collection admirably succeeds in making available to all readers a wider and more representative range of American voices and protagonists. Washington Post
Among its most notable entries are Hena Khan’s “Home,” in which a girl named Aleena grapples with the wonder and frustration of living with her newly adopted little brother… With central characters as diverse as the expansive, realistic worlds they inhabit, these accomplished stories triumphantly redefine the meaning of the word hero. Publishers Weekly

Wade and Cheryl Willis Hudson, founders of Just Us Books, offer this empowering anthology to counter today’s often-unsettling political climate for children of varying ethnicities, faiths, identities, and abilities … Hena Khan’s essay urges Muslim children to educate others about their heritage, and several authors draw on personal lessons from the civil rights movement. Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
Featuring contributions from such writers as Jacqueline Woodson, Ellen Oh, and Hena Khan, and an equally august lineup of illustrators, … every work packs an emotional punch. … A love song from children’s literature’s brightest stars to America’s Indigenous children and children of color, encouraging them to be brave and kind. Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
Addressing complex topics with sensitivity and candor, this a necessary purchase for all libraries serving children. School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
… will pull kids in; the wisdom they find inside will keep them engaged… Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW

Awards and Lists

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018

Jane Addams Children’s Book Award for Older Children Honor (2019)