Diversity

WNDMG Wednesday- Author Interview with Marzieh Abbas

I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to author Marzieh Abbas. Marzieh is a celebrated award-winning author of so many books- from chapter books to picture books to beautiful board books. I have loved so many of her books, and my kids love them too!

And I am so excited to interview her about her debut gorgeous new middle grade novel in verse!

Her title is called “Aarzu All Around” which launched from Salaam reads/Simon Kids on July 29, 2025.

I love Muslim representation and verse novels, and I cannot wait to read this one!

About Aarzu All Around:

Description taken from online:

“Heartfelt and triumphant.” —Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor–winning Author of Red, White, and Whole

A cricket-loving Pakistani girl stifled by patriarchal expectations disguises herself as a boy to get a job to pay her sister’s medical bills in this “lyrical action-packed debut full of determination and grit” (Reem Faruqi, award-winning author of Golden Girl).

Living with her aunt and patriarchal uncle in Karachi, Pakistan, recently orphaned twelve-year-old Aarzu detests the way she and her younger sister get treated like extras and excluded from all the fun stuff. Aarzu dreams of playing cricket, just like her male cousins and the neighborhood boys in the streets, but her uncle will hear nothing of it. According to him, girls ought to master the art of making round rotis, not play sports.

When her sister requires urgent medical treatment but finances are tight, Aarzu decides to earn money herself. She hears of a part-time job at a bungalow near her school—but it’s only open to boys. Aarzu has no choice but to disguise herself as a turban-wearing boy to get the gig.

Now, Aarzu must find a way to balance school, work, chores, and secret cricket practices—all without burning out or getting caught by her uncle—or else her dreams of making the girls cricket team and her quest to save her sister will crumble around her.

Interview with Marzieh:

I loved getting to talk to Marzieh about her new book and I know you will enjoy meeting her and Aarzu as well.

MA: Thanks for having me, Shifa! I’m currently using one of your books as a mentor text, so it feels extra special to be here, chatting with you today!

SSS: Thank you!

First off- what a gorgeous cover. I loved how you included cricket. I actually don’t know anything about cricket, and I am sure so many readers will be learning a lot about it! Did you set off knowing you wanted to write a book about this sport? (side question: do you play!)

MA: I love the cover too! Chaaya Prabath is so talented, and I love that she read (and loved) the whole book despite having a brief for the elements I wanted on the cover. I’ve been extremely lucky with all the talented artists and teams I’ve gotten a chance to work with.

Coming to the second part of your question, I’ve been getting messages from readers about how much they enjoyed learning about cricket. There’s a short section where I explain how it’s played and who doesn’t love learning about a new sport?

Some background to why I chose to write about cricket: I was born, and grew up in the UAE till I was 12. When we moved to Pakistan I turned extremely patriotic— suddenly, I felt like I belonged and it wasn’t hard falling in love with cricket in a cricket-crazy nation. I mean, I used to watch the game with my Abu, my dad, even when we lived in Dubai, but experiencing the atmosphere in Karachi during a match is a completely different experience. The whole muhalla, or neighborhood, throbs with excitement! When I decided I wanted to set the book in Pakistan, I knew I wanted it to center around cricket. I never got to play, though. In school, we played baseball and netball, and growing up, there wasn’t a girls cricket team in Pakistan. I used to watch the neighborhood boys play and remember wanting to, but not being allowed (by the boys) to play. After I got married, I played with my nephews and nieces sometimes, but never with proper rules, always just for fun.

SSS: As a mom of three Muslim girls, I love Muslim representation to empower them and make them feel proud of themselves. And I love the hijab on the cover too! How was the process writing the hijabi and Muslim rep in the book?

MA: Oh, it came very naturally to me. I’ve been wearing the hijab since I was nine. Despite living in Muslim countries, I have often felt judged for my hijab. I purposely didn’t want all the girls in my novel to be hijabis, because I wanted to show we Muslims aren’t a monolith in our practices. I also wanted to show girls who were curious about Aarzu’s hijab, because not everyone understands the significance it holds in our faith, and this was an opportunity to showcase my faith and beliefs. I hated being questioned about my hijab when I was younger and honestly got tired of answering questions like ‘aren’t you hot in it?” or “can you hear us clearly?” Even though those questions sometimes came from a place of curiosity and concern. My favorite thing to do once I’ve finished a book is write the dedication and this is what I have down for Aarzu All Around:

For all the hijabis.

May our stories be celebrated,

Our voices heard,

And our dreams realized.

Ameen.

SSS: I love reading books set in other countries. How was it writing the book set in Pakistan? Was it fun to include details?

MA: It was! I found myself rediscovering sights and sounds I used to find fascinating when I was new to Pakistan. The bazaars and alleyways are a vibe and I wanted to capture all the beauty in the chaos for foreign readers! The flowers, the birds, the foods, the scents, everything!

SSS: I know your book is about girls overcoming misogyny, which is a problem not exclusive to Eastern society but is present unfortunately in different forms around the world! Can you tell us a little bit more about how Aarzu deals with this issue?

MA: Aarzu and her younger sister, Sukoon, have to deal with a misogynistic uncle, in whose house she stays after her parents pass away in an earthquake. While this may come across as a stereotype to readers who only read the book’s description, I go into a lot of detail in the book to make it clear that not all eastern men are the way that the media frames them to be. We often confuse cultural norms with religious rulings, which is really unfair to Islam. I wanted to make it clear that Islam gives a lot of respect to women, and our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) lived this in his dealings with his daughter, Fatimah, and other women. I also draw upon other stories from the Quran and the strength of women mentioned in several chapters of the Quran, and significant women in Islamic history—- it is their stories of strength and resilience that Aarzu uses to eventually come clean… sure she makes some mistakes along the way, hiding her choices (and thus lying), but all along she feels the prick of guilt because she knows her religion teaches her better. But, I had to keep her character real, flawed, and believable.

Link to order here.

Writing Process

SSS: When did you start writing the story and was the process a long one?

MA: I took about six months to write this novel. I was also simultaneously learning how to write this longer form– learning about where which beats in the story should fall and how to weave in backstory and all that fun stuff. So, no, I wouldn’t say it took long to write. I did spend a lot of time revising once i got the bones of the story down.

SSS: How is the process of writing a novel in verse different from picture books and chapter books?

MA: I feel writing longer form is challenging because of the number of threads and themes you have to keep track of. You also need to significantly develop side characters and keep track of what you reveal when. Since I was coming from a background of writing picture books (which are just 500ish words) and early reader chapter books (my Nadia & Nadir series), I needed a way to keep myself more organized. I set up a spreadsheet to keep track of the timeline as I revised and also used a wall in my house to colorful sticky notes for each act in the novel. This way I could move things around and add and subtract scenes as I revised.

SSS: Any advice for fellow middle-grade authors?

MA: I’d say find yourself 3-4 beta readers and do get feedback on your premise before you begin writing– it always helps to know what people think of your initial idea and what parts aren’t making sense and what parts are working. Once you start writing, I feel it’s good to hold off on feedback until you’re done with a first draft. With my current WIP I got feedback too early and now feel torn about which direction to go in. It’s back to the drawing board and some journaling for me to figure out what I really want my story to be about–what message do I want my readers to takeaway? What discussions do I want my book to spur?

Bonus!

SSS: Bonus question! Is there anything I haven’t asked that you’d like to share with us?

MA:How is it living on the opposite side of the globe to where your book releases?

Answer: It’s so tough! I don’t get to physically see my book on bookshelves and don’t get to do readalouds or booksignings. It isn’t always convenient to travel and connect with your target audience. Everything has to be virtual and isn’t as special as it would be in-person! Marketing and getting booked for author visits is also a struggle, because it’s so much easier to reach out if you live/can travel to different libraries and schools in your vicinity. My books also take a while to become available locally and so even though I have friends wanting to support my work, there’s a big lag. But I’m so grateful to be doing what I do.

SSS: What else can we look forward to from you?

MA: I have a new nonfiction picture book, THE CAMEL LIBRARY, A TRUE STORY FROM PAKISTAN, and a board book, RADIANT RAMADAN, releasing this year.

Thank you Marzieh for joining us!

For more Pakistani rep in MG books check out these two interviews, here and here!

 

About Marzieh Abbas:

Marzieh Abbas is a baker turned award-winning author. She loves adding magic to her creations, from a seven-layered rainbow cake to the books she writes for children all over the world. Her work is inspired by her Pakistani culture and Muslim heritage. Marzieh is a member of Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge and a graduate of the Lyrical Language Lab and Children’s Book Academy. She is the author of the popular chapter book series Nadia and Nadir and the middle grade novel Aarzu All Around. A Dupatta Is… is her debut picture book and she has several upcoming board and picture books. She occasionally writes under the name Marzieh A. Ali. Marzieh enjoys learning new skills, jumping rope, sipping chai, and observing nature. She dreams of owning a talking parrot someday. But until then, she lives in Pakistan with her husband and children who inspire her daily. You can find her on the web at MarziehAbbas.com.

Diversity in MG Lit #53 May and June 2025

Last week it was my great pleasure to attend the Children’s Institute, the annual

logo for Children's Institute 2025 in Portland

meeting of children’s booksellers. This year it was in Portland Oregon. It was my 4th Children’s Institute. As always I was inspired by the passion of children’s booksellers for the art of getting each child the just-right book. The kindness and generosity of booksellers makes me proud to count myself among their number.

And in the very same week there was another bit of good news from my home state. The Oregon Legislature passed a bill that makes it illegal to ban a book written by or about a person from a protected class as recognized by the Oregon constitution. These classes include race, ethnicity, immigration status, disability, and LGBTQ+ which accounts for all the books currently the focus of book bans.

Booksellers are brilliant at many things. One of the most important superpowers of the indies is the ability to boost the visibility of a debut authors. Online algorithms and big box stores are great at showing readers a book they’ve already bought, but terrible about helping readers find the vibrant new voices. Every year a committee of book sellers reviews all the debut titles and choses a dozen or so to include on the Indies Introduce lists in both adult’s and children’s books. Here is a link to this year’s Indie Next list for kids. And remember if you don’t see a title you want on the shelf at your local indie, ask them to order it for you. It’s easy, usually fast and if you pick up the book at the shop you don’t have to pay for shipping. Thank you Indie Bookstores!
Here are a few of the books that were featured at Children’s Institute.
book cover Scarlet Morning by ND StevensonScarlet Morning by ND Stevenson (Quill Tree Books HC) is the authors first venture into prose novels. It has so many elements that MG readers are going to love: pirates, a mysterious book, friendship, treachery, a daring voyage and a search for hidden truth. Best of all it has lots of lively black-and-white spot illustrations throughout to bring the adventure to life. It will publish in September.
book cover for The Golden Necklace by Mitali PerkinsThe Golden Necklace: a Darjeeling Tea Mystery by Mitali Perkins (Charlesbridge) will be available in October. It is set on a tea plantation in Nepal. Our heroine Sona is determined to win a scholarship to the best school in her community and also to solve the mystery of a missing inheritance so that her brother will not be blamed for the crime. This one has a handful of full page illustrations that bring the countryside of Nepal to life.
book cover Chloe Vega and the agents of magicChloe Vega and the Agents of Magic by Leslie Adame (Harper) is a debut title. Like so many mixed status immigrant families, Chloe Vega worries about her parents. Worries they’ll be deported. Worries that she is a financial burden on them. So when she learns that her parents are heirs to a magical power and have been taken, not by ICE, but by sinister magical forces, Chloe is determined to master her powers and save her family. This book comes out in September
book cover for Folk Remedy by YoshiotaFolk Remedy by Jem Yoshioka (Andrews McMeel) is a graphic novel set in 1920s Japan. It features characters from Japanese mythology. I appreciated the mix of historical and fantastical elements. The art has a muted palate with warm tones and a style that will feel fresh and interesting to readers who mostly look at American-made graphic novels. It will publish in September.
book cover RefugeeRefuge the graphic novel by Alan Gratz (Graphix) This book in prose form has been a best seller for years. It portrays the lives of refugees in 1939, Germany; 1994, Cuba; and 2015, Syria.  Understanding the refugee experience is vital to grasping the politics of our times. This graphic novel will make an important story all the more accessible. It will be available in September.
This list is based on books that were being promoted at the Children’s Institute in 2025. As always if you have a new diverse MG book

Seven Game Changing Stories from Diverse Voices

A Universal Language

I have the opportunity to work with students from all over the world. I volunteer with a program which supports students who have recently arrived in this country from countries such as Palestine, Peru, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sudan. Most of these middle schoolers don’t have the language skills to communicate well with each other in English. This does not matter when on the soccer field. Here, friendships, fun and competition are universal, as is the sharing of the canon of soccer heroes. Being part of a team, learning new skills and getting a taste of what competition involves, is an integral part of the middle school experience.

More Than a Sports Novel

This list of sports novels highlights stories with characters who are confronted with challenges on the field and off. From their athletic experiences, each of these characters learns how to face life problems, and while tackling their life problems they become better athletes. Each of these titles is more than a sports story

I was inspired by what Coach Martinez says to her players in Hena Kahn’s graphic novel, We Are Big Time: “. . . to value basketball is more than the score.” Middle-grade sports books are more than sports.

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui, Alfred A. Knopf, 2024.

“Some of them may not realize that this story is bigger than them. They’re just playing basketball. But they’ve shifted the conversation and what people think an all-Muslim team can be.”

When Aliya moves fromFlorida to Wisconsin, she joins the not-so-great basketball team at her new school, the Peace Academy. With a new coach, the team gains skills and the attention of the media. This gives the team a chance to break down stereotypes and inform the world about Muslim culture. Themes of friendships and jealousy within the team create a captivating story.

 

El Niño by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Joe Cepeda.

Ever since Kai’s sister’s disappeared he’s had difficulties swimming fast – his times are nowhere near the pool recordshe achieved two years ago. He joins the elite swim team his sister belonged to and discovers more about her disappearance. She was obsessed with a mysterious realm called the Library of Despair and Sorrow. Kai’s search for this mythical place parallels his journey of grief and self-identity. This swimming story with a twist of magical realism and climate themes, is unforgettable.

 

Seventh grader Hassan thought fasting would be easy-peasy, after all, this is his third year observing Ramadan. But waking up to eat before dawn, fantasizing about food all day, feasting at dusk and going to the mosque at night is a lot. Hassan is having difficulties with the intense soccer practices leading up to the playoffs, and getting his school work done. Initially Hassan keeps his teachers and friends in the dark about his religious practices, and they cannot support him. An unexpected person inspires Hassan to be more open about observing Ramadan. This graphic novel presents details about clothing, prayers, food and Muslim practices in an accessible way.

 

All or Nothing Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arrango, Random House, 2025.

Puerto Rican seventh-grader Vale, isn’t going to let her recent car crash keep her from being the top fencer she was before her car accident. This novel in verse gives us a deep understanding of the frustration, identity crushing and disappointment Val experiences as she struggles to regain her top status in fencing. She says, “fencing is what makes me me.” Val’s ready to jump back into competing, but her body isn’t. To make matters worse, the new Cuban American fencer seems to have it all. Val’s crush on the new girl complicates everything. This novel is a realistic look at the emotional journey of recovery.

 

On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim, Penguin Random House, 2025.

 

In this novel told in alternating points of view we learn how twins Phoebe and Dex haven’t been close since their father died of cancer two years ago. Their personalities are polar opposites, but both love to skate on the ice. Perfectionist Phoebe has her heart set on figure skating, but her dream is thrown for a loop when her skate partner is injured. Due to his practical jokes, laid back attitude, and a new hot shot goalie, Dex doesn’t make the ice hockey team. The twins team up and learn to skate together, and heal together. Phoebe’s realistic crush adds another element to this heartfelt family story.

Inside the Park by Andrea Williams, HarperCollins, 2025

As fun and suspenseful as Home Alone, this novel tackles family dynamics and brings the game of baseball to life. Twelve year old Pumpsie Strickland is having a batting slump. Not only that but he’s batting 0 among his siblings. He says, “I know the ranking of the five Strickland kids. I’m ot number one, two, three, or four. When Pumpsie and a chocolate Lab named Campy accidently get trapped in the stadium, he overhears some skullduggery. His favorite team, the Wildcats, is being threatened. It takes a whole lot of courage, and a ton of hot dogs, to save his team and his place in the family

 

May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao, Penguin Random House, 2024.

Yes, chess is a sport! This novel is packed with girl power. It also depicts the performance anxiety that is prevalent in so many sports stories. MayLi is the top chess player in her middle school, and her team is heading to Nationals. Her success has changed everything including her friendship with Ralph, her teammate and friend who has become jealous of her success. The attention May Li gets for being a successful girl player begins to affect her love of the game. MayLi’s new friendship with soccer goalie Marie, helps her realize she is not alone. Her struggles with chess are similar to Marie’s with soccer. MayLi learns she isn’t a pawn, she can make her own moves on the board of life.

 

Jen Kraar grew up chasing lizards in India, making up stories about the residents of the spirit houses in Thailand, and riding retired racehorses in Singapore. Jen explores themes of finding home in the middle grade novels and picture books she writes. As a manager at Pittsburgh’s beloved City of Asylum Bookstore, she builds a diverse collection of books and talks about kid lit with customers young and old.