Saadia Faruqi is the author of the Yasmin series for early readers, and middle-grade novels including Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero and A Thousand Questions. She is also the co-author of the nonfiction The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape The World. Faruqi was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States when she was 22. With Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (Amulet Books), illustrated by Ani Bushry, Faruqi starts a new chapter book series about a third grader whose plans may backfire but whose persistence and heart are inspiring. Marya’s 8th birthday is coming up in a week, and all she wants is an over-the-top party just like the ones her rich neighbor, Alexa, always throws. When Alexa parades into school with fancy invitations, Marya responds by claiming she’s having the most epic henna party ever – now she just has to convince her family to make it happen. Marya’s siblings need help with their projects. Maybe she could cook dinner for her parents or clean her grandmother’s room? Nice ideas, except everything Marya does seems to end in disaster.
