ALT Graphic featuring the cover art for Henna Is... A young, brown-skinned girl with short, dark hair holds her open hands facing up. Intricate henna tattoo designs swirl on her palms, fingers, and into the air above her. She is wearing a deep teal shirt with darker teal collar and cuffs.

ALT “Creating a fun escapist story of adventure with characters that just so happen to be Muslim was therapeutic. We so rarely get to be in stories like that.” — Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

ALT “The most meaningful part about writing this story was the opportunity to share a slice of the incredible diversity within the Muslim community. The most personal part was sharing an inside view of what it looks like to deal with anxiety. As someone who deals with anxiety, I would have loved to have seen this experience reflected in the pages of a book as a child.” — Aisha Saeed

ALT “I loved writing a story that centers Muslim kids in a fun, joyful adventure.” Huda Al-Marashi

ALT “It's been my deepest wish to move beyond narratives that center the "otherness" of Muslim characters. Of course we should still honor those journeys—but it's time to expand expectations; if we don't, it tells young readers that you'll be forever marginalized, and not an active participant in this beautiful world. This was our opportunity to send young Muslim characters—with agency—on a fun adventure!” — S.K. Ali