Ep. 10 \ Showcasing Muslim Characters in Children’s Books with Sana Rafi
In this episode, we speak to Sana Rafi, a Pakistani American author who began her writing journey at the age of ten, but didn’t find her own voice as an author until she became a mother. It was then that she started writing picture books that reflected her experiences growing up as a immigrant who is Muslim and Pakistani. Her new picture book, A Mermaid Girl, draws on these inspirations as it depicts the first time a young girl wears a burkini. In our conversation, we talk about about how Sana discovered her voice writing children’s books; how her identity as a practicing Muslim shapes her body of work; what kind of impact she wants to have on future generations of young readers; and so much more.
Show notes:
- Salaam Reads
- A Mermaid Girl
- Elizabeth Gilbert
- Muslim Storytellers Fellowship from the Highlights Foundation
- LUMS
Sana follows:
- Highlights Foundation
- GoRead.pk
- Joanna Ho
- Sabaa Tahir (All My Rage author)
- We Need Diverse Books
Follow Sana:
