Zeynep Cakmak
Story Coach
Zeynep Cakmak recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Literature from American University in Washington D.C. She is the Program Assistant for the American University's Humanities Lab and will be an adjunct instructor in the Writing Studies Program at AU next year. Her favorite books are Exit West by Mohsin Hamid and We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is currently working on a Sufi poetry translation project. She is very excited to be a part of Shout Mouse for the first time and is inspired by the mission of the Next Wave Muslim Initiative and Shout Mouse partnership.
Zeynep Cakmak coached the writers of:
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