SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI is the National Book Award winning author of Kareem Between, the Amina Banana series, and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid. She has a bachelor's degree in English literature, is a former English teacher, and is passionate about spreading her love of reading and writing through school visits and story-times. Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. She lives near Chicago with her husband and four children.

Visit Shifa online at ShifaSafadi.com and on Instagram @ShifaSaltagiSafadi

AALIYA JALEEL is a Sri-Lankan American illustrator based in Dallas, Texas, who loves illustrating bright, bold color palettes, Islamic and South-Asian inspired patterns, and floral motifs. Some of her past works include the books Under My Hijab and Muslim Girls Rise. In addition to being an illustrator, Aaliya also works as a designer for animation. Visit Aaliya online at www.aaliyamj.com.

Find Aaliya on Instagram! @aaliyamj

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

"Once more, Safadi plumbs Amina's anxieties with a mix of sensitivity and humor. An empathetic protagonist whom readers will be eager to befriend. A moving and thoughtful series addition." --Kirkus

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2025-05-20

Length: 112 pages