Happy Thursday Critters! I hope this post finds you all healthy and well as we head into the holiday season! Today, I’m thrilled to have debut author and doctor, Saira Mir, stop by Critter Lit! Her debut book MUSLIM GIRLS RISE: INSPIRATIONAL CHAMPIONS OF OUR TIME, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, features a collection of 19 Muslim women who’ve made history. These stories are inspiring, incredible, and share some of the amazing contributions that Muslim women have made.
So without further ado, please welcome Saira Mir!
Where do you live?
I'm a Florida native transplanted in the DC Metro Area. I enjoy living a stone's throw away from museums and national landmarks.
When did you know you wanted to write books for children?
My older sister and I dreamt of writing a book together when we were college students. She would write, I would illustrate. Fast forward 10 years, I finally did it, but solo. My sister is still my biggest cheerleader and critique partner.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
I sought out Muslim female biographies to inspire and build my young daughters' self-confidence, but there was little available. I knew this had to change and began researching how to fill this gap.
Can you share a bit about your process?
My first step was brainstorming the book's structure and a list of my personal heroes. Once I had a preliminary draft, I queried agents and connected with Saba Sulaiman at Talcott Notch. I couldn’t wish for a more supportive agent. She helped push the manuscript further. In the process, I interviewed women I've looked up to my whole life! It was surreal! Once the manuscript was polished and on submission, we received offers within weeks. My daughter needed these women's stories and my experience with publication showed that the world did too.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I tap into the things that bring me joy: science, South Asian culture, family, social issues, food, and art. I also think about how I want my children to grow. There's such a huge need for social justice kidlit. I'm thrilled to see more books focused on teaching future generations about self-love and equity.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
Snacks, Spotify, and solitude. With pandemic parenting, I don't think I'll have the luxury of solitude anytime soon. I write in fits and starts between tiny elbow pokes and baby spit-up. It's unglamorous, but my hope is that my kids are watching me push through it all and they’ll grow to do the same.
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
I'm honored to be in a wonderful debut picture book group, The Soaring 20s. I’ve learned so much from this talented crew. We created a beautiful bookish gift guide for the holidays! You can find it on our website. I’m also a member of a published Muslim kidlit group founded by Saadia Faruqi, Jamilah Thompson-Bigelow, Reem Faruqi, and Aya Khalil. Its membership has grown in the past months, which is a heartening reflection of publishing. Both groups are special because they offer support and inspiration that extends beyond writing.
Dream project to work on?
I’d love to couple my background in women’s health with kidlit. I’m an OBGYN by training and provide grade school sexual health education. I love challenging antiquated societal norms so that children can live healthy, happy, empowered lives.
Tell us about your debut book.
Muslim Girls Rise introduces young readers to the diverse and important contributions of modern-day Muslim women. Through short, information-rich biographies and vibrant illustrations, readers discover role models whose childhood events shaped who they are today. These are women readers may not have known, but whose stories they will never forget.
Interior art from MUSLIM GIRLS RISE: INSPIRATIONAL CHAMPIONS OF OUR TIME by Saira Mir, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Interior art from MUSLIM GIRLS RISE: INSPIRATIONAL CHAMPIONS OF OUR TIME by Saira Mir, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Interior art from MUSLIM GIRLS RISE: INSPIRATIONAL CHAMPIONS OF OUR TIME by Saira Mir, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
What’s up next for you?
I'm working on a book that has yet to be announced. It’s a story close to my heart, a celebration of family love that endures through loss. I hope it brings caregivers and children comfort during difficult times.
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
Labyrinth. It’s 80’s perfection: fantasy, pop music, David Bowie, elaborate costumes, and goblins. I vividly remember watching it on videodisc at my friend’s sleepover. Now I’m going to jam to the soundtrack! Thanks for the nostalgia!
Huge thank you to Saira for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on your fantastic book! We can’t wait to see what you do next!
SAIRA MIR is a southern-born, Pakistani-American Muslim author and physician. She’s always on the hunt for sunny reading spots and former Top Chef contestant restaurants. She has four beautiful children and hopes to add a cat into the mix soon. Her picture book, MUSLIM GIRLS RISE, is an anthology of modern-day Muslim women's biographies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Saira or her work, visit her online, or follow her on social media:
Twitter, IG, FB: @sairamirbooks
ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of MUSLIM GIRLS RISE, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of MUSLIM GIRLS RISE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 25th! US addresses only please.