Karuna Riazi

Karuna Riazi is an American author of middle-grade fiction and young adult literature known for writing fantasy and contemporary stories featuring Muslim protagonists. Her debut novel "The Gauntlet" was published in 2017 by Simon & Schuster's Salaam Reads imprint, making her one of the early authors published under this Muslim-focused children's imprint. Riazi's work incorporates elements of Islamic culture and South Asian heritage while exploring universal themes of family, friendship, and personal growth. Her second novel "The Battle" (2019) continued in the same universe as "The Gauntlet," following different characters in a steampunk-influenced adventure story. Beyond her novels, Riazi has been an advocate for diverse representation in children's literature and has contributed to discussions about Muslim representation in publishing. She holds a degree in English Literature and has worked as a writing tutor while pursuing her career as an author. Her writing style combines action-adventure elements with cultural authenticity, making her books notable additions to the growing body of diverse middle-grade literature. Riazi resides in New York City where she continues to write and participate in literary events.

Readers appreciate Riazi's incorporation of Muslim and South Asian cultural elements into engaging middle-grade adventures. Reviews point to authentic representation and family dynamics as strengths, particularly in "The Gauntlet." Liked: - Fast-paced action sequences - Cultural details that feel natural rather than forced - Complex sibling relationships - Accessibility for non-Muslim readers while maintaining authenticity - Game-world building similar to Jumanji Disliked: - Some reviewers found pacing uneven in middle sections - Character development described as rushed in "The Battle" - Several mentions of predictable plot points Ratings: Goodreads: "The Gauntlet" - 3.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) "The Battle" - 3.7/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: "The Gauntlet" - 4.3/5 (100+ reviews) Notable reader quote: "Finally a book where Muslim kids can see themselves as heroes in an adventure story without their identity being the main conflict." - Goodreads reviewer

The Gauntlet (2017) Twelve-year-old Bangladeshi American Farah and her friends are pulled into a mechanical board game where they must defeat a sinister master of the game to save Farah's younger brother.

The Battle (2019) A sequel to The Gauntlet, where Ahmad must enter a virtual reality game called The Battle and complete three challenges to save his best friend trapped inside.

A Bit of Earth (2023) A contemporary retelling of The Secret Garden following Maria Latif, a Pakistani American girl who moves to her uncle's estate and discovers a mysterious garden while dealing with grief and family relationships.

Hena Khan writes middle grade novels featuring Muslim American protagonists navigating family, identity, and everyday challenges. Her books like "Amina's Voice" and "More to the Story" incorporate similar themes of culture and community as Riazi's work.

S.K. Ali creates contemporary YA stories centered on Muslim teens dealing with relationships and self-discovery. Her writing style and focus on authentic Muslim representation aligns with Riazi's approach to storytelling.

N.H. Senzai pens middle grade adventures that blend history, culture, and family dynamics. Her books incorporate themes of displacement and belonging while maintaining accessibility for young readers.

Saadia Faruqi writes chapter books and middle grade fiction featuring Pakistani-American characters in everyday situations. Her "Yasmin" series and longer novels deal with similar themes of identity and community as found in Riazi's work.

Roshani Chokshi crafts fantasy adventures drawing from mythology and folklore, with characters discovering magical worlds alongside their cultural heritage. Her work shares Riazi's emphasis on diverse representation in speculative fiction for young readers.