I Am the Night Sky
I Am the Night Sky
by the teen artists and writers of Next Wave Muslim Initiative
With a foreword by award-winning author Hena Khan
“Captivating and uplifting.” — Starred review in Kirkus Reviews + named a Best Book of 2019
“Get it soon… It would be difficult to ignore or forget these voices.” — Rich in Color Reviews
Included on the “2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List for Ages 0-18”
During an era characterized by both hijabi fashion models and enduring post-9/11 stereotypes, ten Muslim American teenagers came together to explore what it means to be young and Muslim in America today. These teens represent the tremendous diversity within the American Muslim community, and their book, like them, contains multitudes. Bilal writes about being a Muslim rocker. Noor reflects about speaking in multiple tongues. Samaa creates her own cartoon Kabob Squad. Ayah responds to online hate. Through poems, essays, artwork, and stories, these young people aim to show their true selves, to build connection, and to create more inclusive and welcoming communities for all.
ISBN: 978-1945434938
Age: 12+
Lexile: 830L
Page Count: 192
Published: 2019
Curriculum
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Ebook
Meet the Authors
The young Muslim American writers of Next Wave Muslim Initiative wanted to share their stories and art in order to expand understanding of the diversity within the American Muslim experience. With few youth-focused books addressing widespread Islamophobia and stereotypes, NWMI youth decided to change the narrative. Their book has reached readers and leaders across the country through Author Talks, book donations, and book sales. Proceeds from I Am The Night Sky support new authors and fund future programming for the NWMI community.
My name is Bilal (he/him). I was a senior in high school when I wrote my first book with Shout Mouse Press. I am currently a senior at the University of Maryland and am figuring out what's next. I'm excited to just take the world on, one day at a time – whether it be finding employment, learning something new, or working on another project with Shout Mouse, I'm here for it!
Samaa Eldadah was a senior at Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Springs, MD when she wrote I am the Night Sky. High school taught her a lot about the power of youth voices, and one of her immediate goals is to translate the organizing she’s done in school into programming for her Muslim peers. Her long-term goals include college, potentially, law school, and making a local political impact.
Noor Saleem was a junior at National Cathedral School in Washington, DC when she wrote I am in the Night Sky. During her free time she enjoys writing poetry, playing soccer, and relaxing to music.
Imaan Shanavas was a junior at Poolseville High School when she wrote I am the Night Sky. She serves as the president of the Muslim Student Association at her school, which holds food drives and food packaging for the poor. They also coordinate discussions where Muslims and non-Muslims can have a safe space to discuss Islam and address misconceptions.
Salihah “Sasa” Aakil was a sophomore in high school in Silver Spring, Maryland when she wrote I am the Night Sky. She enjoys writing, painting, doing pottery, and talking to people. She likes hunting down stories, asking people about their experiences, and creating art after them: sometimes for healing, sometimes for remembering, sometimes for rebellion.
Iman was a freshman in high school when she wrote her first book I am the Night Sky. She was 18 when she wrote What It Cost Us. She’s currently a student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying International Relations and exploring the great Philly food scene. After she graduates, she would love to be a diplomat living in DC and working at the State Department.
Leyla Rasheed was a freshman at the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, MD where she wrote I am the Night Sky. She enjoys playing soccer, biking, writing, and ceramics. She is an active member of the Islamic Community Center of Potomac.
Ruqayyah Aakil was a homeschooled senior in Silver Spring, Maryland when she created art for I am the Night Sky. She enjoyes photography, puzzles, binge-watching TV shows, and music. She likes going outdoors – not to go hiking or anything like that – but just to breathe the fresh air and take in the world, whether it is through her eyes or the viewfinder of a camera.
Fatima Rafie was a junior at Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia when she wrote I am the Night Sky. She likes many different things, like drawing, taekwondo, graphic design, math, chemistry, psychology, reading… The list goes on. Basically, she tries to keep herself occupied with learning as many new skills as she can, so that she can make the most of the time she has as a teenager.
Recognition & Impact
I Am The Night Sky was recommended on the 2020 Rise Young Adult Nonfiction List.
“In I Am The Night Sky (Next Wave Muslim Initiative), we celebrate the importance of speaking up and out, but not over. “They didn’t ask, but I had to tell them, I had to tell them what I was, who I was, an act of remembrance” (Noor Saleem).”
Kirkus Reviews named I Am The Night Sky “uplifting and captivating” in a starred review.
In I Am The Night Sky (Next Wave Muslim Initiative), we celebrate the importance of speaking up and out, but not over. “They didn’t ask, but I had to tell them, I had to tell them what I was, who I was, an act of remembrance” (Noor Saleem).
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ISBN: 9781950807901
Age: 12+
Page Count: 220
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Educational Curriculum Available:
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ISBN: 9781950807833
Age: 12+
Page Count: 192
Published: 2025
During the summer of 2023, ten young people from AALEAD came together to create this zine centering Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) stories. In collaboration with Shout Mouse Press story coaches and professional comics artists, they drew and wrote comics centering AAPI identities in diverse, authentic, accessible ways that affirm other AAPI young people, increase understanding, and foster an inclusive next generation.
Free download! Add to cart and checkout to download and print the zine. Educators are encouraged to print and share with your students!
By Chase, Kevin, Khalil, and Josiah of Beacon House
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ISBN: 978-1-950807-37-6
Age: 9+
Lexile: 590L
Page Count: 120
Published: Fall 2021
by the teen artists and writers of Next Wave Muslim Initiative
With a foreword by award-winning author Hena Khan
“Captivating and uplifting.” — Starred review in Kirkus Reviews + named a Best Book of 2019
“Get it soon… It would be difficult to ignore or forget these voices.” — Rich in Color Reviews
Included on the “2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List for Ages 0-18”
During an era characterized by both hijabi fashion models and enduring post-9/11 stereotypes, ten Muslim American teenagers came together to explore what it means to be young and Muslim in America today. These teens represent the tremendous diversity within the American Muslim community, and their book, like them, contains multitudes. Bilal writes about being a Muslim rocker. Noor reflects about speaking in multiple tongues. Samaa creates her own cartoon Kabob Squad. Ayah responds to online hate. Through poems, essays, artwork, and stories, these young people aim to show their true selves, to build connection, and to create more inclusive and welcoming communities for all.
ISBN: 978-1945434938
Age: 12+
Lexile: 830L
Page Count: 192
Published: 2019
Ayah means ‘sign from God’ or ‘miracle’ and Noor means ‘light.’ From Ayah’s mother’s side she is Afghan, and from her father’s side she’s American.