Aisha Saeed author page

Aisha Saeed biography

Aisha Saeed is a Pakistani-American author known for her contributions to children’s and young adult literature. She is a founding member of the non-profit organisation We Need Diverse Books, which advocates for diversity in children’s literature.

Her debut novel, Written in the Stars, was published in 2015 by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book explores themes of arranged marriage and cultural expectations, drawing on Saeed’s own experiences and cultural background. Written in the Stars received critical acclaim and was listed as a Bank Street Best Book of the Year.

In 2018, Saeed published Amal Unbound, a middle-grade novel that tells the story of a young girl in Pakistan who becomes an indentured servant. The book was published by Nancy Paulsen Books and was well-received, earning a spot on the Global Read Aloud list and being named a 2018 Goodreads Choice Award finalist for Middle Grade & Children’s books.

Saeed has also contributed to anthologies, including Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women and Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices. Her work often focuses on themes of identity, culture, and social justice.

In addition to her writing, Saeed is an advocate for diversity in literature and has spoken at various conferences and events on the importance of representation in books. Her work continues to inspire readers and contribute to the conversation on diversity in children’s literature.

In 2020, Saeed co-authored Yes No Maybe So with Becky Albertalli, a young adult novel that explores themes of political activism and cultural identity. The book was published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins.