Reem Faruqi

Reem Faruqi is an award-winning children's book author and poet based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her work often draws from her experiences growing up as a Muslim American and her Pakistani heritage. Faruqi's debut picture book, "Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story" (2015), received notable recognition including the ALA Notable award. The story follows a young Muslim girl navigating her first time fasting for Ramadan while at school in America. She has authored several other acclaimed works including "Unsettled," a middle-grade novel in verse about a young Pakistani girl adjusting to life in America, and "I Can Help," a picture book exploring themes of kindness and friendship. Her poetry and prose frequently address themes of identity, belonging, and cultural bridge-building. Faruqi's writing career began while teaching at an Islamic school, where she was inspired to create stories that would help children see themselves represented in literature. She holds a degree in English and Economics from Georgia State University.

Readers connect strongly with how Faruqi portrays cultural experiences and immigrant perspectives in her books. Review patterns show parents and educators value her work for opening discussions about diversity and inclusion. What readers liked: - Authentic representation of Muslim American experiences - Accessible writing style for young readers - Characters that help children feel seen and understood - Use of verse format in "Unsettled" - Educational value for classroom discussions What readers disliked: - Some found "Unsettled" pacing slow in middle sections - A few noted the picture books could have more complex plots Ratings: Goodreads: - "Lailah's Lunchbox" - 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) - "Unsettled" - 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) - "I Can Help" - 4.1/5 (400+ ratings) Amazon: - Most titles average 4.5-4.8/5 stars One teacher reviewer noted: "My students finally saw themselves in a book and their faces lit up." A parent wrote: "These books helped my children understand their classmates' cultures better."

Unsettled (2021) A novel in verse following a young Pakistani girl's move to Georgia and her navigation of middle school, friendship, and identity.

Amira's Picture Day (2021) A picture book about a Muslim girl who must choose between celebrating Eid and attending school picture day.

I Can Help (2021) A picture book depicting a student who initially helps a classmate with special needs but later succumbs to peer pressure to stop.

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story (2015) A picture book about a young Muslim girl explaining Ramadan fasting to her teacher and classmates in a new school.

Golden Girl (2023) A middle-grade novel in verse about a Pakistani-American girl pursuing her dream of competitive swimming while dealing with cultural expectations.

Milloo's Mind (2023) A picture book biography of Maryam Faruqi, the author's grandmother, who founded schools for girls in Pakistan.

Anisa's International Day (2023) A picture book about a young girl's experience during her school's International Day celebration.

Aisha Saeed writes stories about Muslim and Pakistani-American youth navigating family expectations and cultural identity. Her work includes novels in verse and middle grade fiction focusing on characters finding their voice.

Hena Khan creates stories centered on Muslim-American families and incorporates cultural traditions into contemporary settings. She writes across multiple age ranges and addresses themes of belonging and interfaith understanding.

S.K. Ali focuses on Muslim teens dealing with relationships, faith, and social pressures in North America. Her books feature characters balancing religious beliefs with modern life experiences.

Rajani LaRocca writes about Indian-American children exploring their heritage through food, family, and community connections. Her work spans verse novels and prose, often incorporating themes of science and math.

Linda Sue Park crafts stories about Korean and Korean-American experiences, emphasizing family relationships and cultural heritage. Her work includes historical fiction and contemporary narratives that explore immigration and cultural identity.