AUTHOR BIO
Sadaf Alam is the author of the children’s book From Ya to Ants. She is passionate about Muslim representation in the English language, and hopes to inspire Muslim children to be their best, proud selves. Sadaf has an MA in English from the University of Houston, and over a decade of experience teaching middle schoolers and college students. When she’s not teaching or writing, she likes to read mysteries, attend Quran classes, avoid housework, and act sus around her kids.
She lives in Houston with her husband, their four children, and imaginary pet cat, Sabudana.
From Ya to Ants is her debut book.
CONTACT INFORMATION
salam@sadafalam.com
www.sadafalam.com
Instagram and Facebook @sadafalamauthor
TIP SHEET
Question and Answer with Sadaf Alam, Author of From Ya to Ants
Why did you write From Ya to Ants?
For many years, I had felt that Muslim children do not have quality books or characters to relate to. The idea that I could write some of those stories, had been forming in my head, and slightly solidifying in my intention. When my son Yahya reached the age of three, I searched for interesting storybooks to teach him the Arabic alphabet, but was unsuccessful. In this way, From Ya to Ants became my first author project.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
Trying to keep it simple! People often think that writing books for young kids must be very easy, but the truth is, it’s often very difficult to keep the language and style simple enough for children, while also introducing them to new vocabulary at the same time.
What are your favorite books?
As an avid reader, I have many favorites, but in children’s books, I absolutely adore Mo Willems’ pigeon books.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on a board book for Muslim babies, but at the same time, I have three other manuscripts going: a picture book, a YA novel, and an adult novel. Let’s see which one sees the light of day first!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT From Ya to Ants
“From Ya to Ants engages students with the Arabic alphabet in a fun and playful way! Given that many of our Muslim children have limited resources to engage with Arabic, Ms. Alam’s contribution is a welcome and much needed one.” -Dr. Maryam Razvi Padela, curriculum expert
A “very cute book and beautifully illustrated” book. -Youssra Kamel Kandil, Islamic speaker
“My kids really enjoyed the cleverly written book, especially my 3-year-old! Their favorite part was the bright colorful illustrations and the picnic scene. Looking forward to future books from Sadaf Alam!” -Samia, digital creator at My Little Alim, Islamic Parenting and Education
“This book covers so many elements, such as an interesting story, a lot of good vocabulary/high frequency words, Arabic letters, and meaningful hidden pictures along with the words from the Quran with references! The illustrations were also really cute! Overall, the book is very well crafted, and I would definitely recommend it for Pre-K to 2nd grade students.” -Bushra A., Alimah and Reading Interventionist
“I am an Arabic teacher, and I kept wondering, why has no one ever written a book like this yet? Amazing book, Masha Allah.” -Donia E., Montessori Arabic teacher
“A great book having the Arabic letters in an English storybook – a fun, simple story.” -Summer A., Kindergarten Quran teacher
