My first story marked the walls of my childhood home in Pakistan. Dressed up in my mother’s heels, I’d set up stuffed animals in rows and play school. I made up stories and played with dolls for hours. I’d swing high in my Nani’s backyard in New Jersey and talk to imaginary friends. I wrote in Urdu. I wrote in English. Sometimes poems and sometimes revenge-on-siblings stories! I loved reading English books. Becoming a teacher was my destiny; I was surrounded by what I love most: children and books!

But something was missing. There were so few books about children like me or authors who looked like me. Growing up, I thought all authors—like dolls I played with—were white! I knew that had to change. Thus began my author’s journey.

In 2026, I completed my MFA from Hollins University in Children’s Literature.

I continue to teach third grade. My passion for writing extends to after school Writing Clubs and Writer’s Workshops. I enjoy cooking, cross-stitch, crocheting, and improv. I live in Maryland with my two cats—MaaNo and Billy.