Hena Khan

Hena Khan is a Pakistani-American author for children and young adults from Rockville, MD. She has written "choose your own adventure" books, as well as books highlighting her culture and religion, such as Night of the Moon, It's Ramadan, Curious George, Golden Domes and Silver Laterns, Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets, and Amina's Voice. She also has written a series about a young basketball player inspired by her sons, Zayd Saleem: Chasing the Dream. Hena is a frequent guest at schools, where she talks about her writing and her books, as well as about her experiences as an American Muslim. See more from Hena in our Facebook Live interview with her!

Books by This Author

On Point (Zayd Saleem: Chasing the Dream series)

By: Hena Khan
Age Level: Middle Grade

Now that Zayd has made the Gold Team, he’s hustling hard and loving every minute of the season. But when team starts to struggle, Zayd can’t help wondering if it has something to do with him. Even worse, his best friend Adam suddenly starts acting like he doesn’t care about basketball anymore, even though they are finally teammates. He stops playing basketball with Zayd at recess and starts hanging out with other kids. Then, Adam up and quits the Gold Team to play football instead.

The Secret of the Himalayas (The Unicorn Rescue Society, Book 6)

Illustration of two children near Himalayas
By: Hena Khan
Age Level: Middle Grade

When Uchenna and Elliot’s classmate publishes an article in the school newspaper about the Schmoke Brothers, Professor Fauna notices something alarming in a photo. Mounted on the wall of the Schmoke’s living room is a single spiral horn that he’s certain could have come from only one animal — a unicorn! To save these magical creatures — and to finally see a unicorn themselves — the Unicorn Rescue Society heads to the rugged mountains of Pakistan.  
 

The Worst-Case Scenario: Mars (An Ultimate Adventure Novel)

Join the youngest crew of astronauts ever to make the trip to Mars! Faced with fearsome dangers and difficult decisions, your choices will determine your fate on the Red Planet. Will you achieve the mission and return home to Earth safely, successfully earning the title of the youngest astronaut ever to make it to Mars? Or will you be forced to turn back early? This thrilling adventure offers twenty-two possible endings, but only ONE leads to the ultimate success!

Under My Hijab

By: Hena Khan
Age Level: 6-9

Grandma wears it clasped under her chin. Aunty pins hers up with a beautiful brooch. Jenna puts it under a sun hat when she hikes. Zara styles hers to match her outfit. As a young girl observes six very different women in her life who each wear the hijab in a unique way, she also dreams of the rich possibilities of her own future, and how she will express her own personality through her hijab.

Zara's Rules #1: Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun

Illustration of Zara dancing and having fun
By: Hena Khan
Age Level: 6-9, 9-12

Meet Zara Saleem, the queen of the neighborhood. Zara’s in charge of it all: she organizes the games, picks the teams, and makes sure everyone has a good time…and they always do. When a new family moves in across the street, suddenly Zara’​s reign is threatened by Naomi, who has big ideas of her own about how the neighborhood kids can have fun. To get everyone to notice her again, Zara decides she’s going to break a Guinness World Record — if her little brother Zayd doesn't mess things up.

Zara's Rules #2: Zara's Rules for Finding Hidden Treasure

Illustration of Zara pulling a wagon
By: Hena Khan
Age Level: 6-9, 9-12

Zara lives for bike rides with her friends — so when her shiny, brand-new bike goes missing from the park one day, she's crushed. After her parents insist she earn the money for another one herself, Zara’s determined to start a business. But what kind? A lemonade stand? Not profitable enough. Selling painted rocks? Not enough customers.

Zara's Rules #3: Zara's Rules for Living Your Best Life

Zara dancing and playing
By: Hena Khan
Age Level: 6-9, 9-12

It's spring break and Zara and Naomi have big plans…until Zara finds out that Naomi’s parents are sending her to camp and Zara and Zayd are going to spend the week with their grandparents. Zara’s pretty sure it’s a rule that spring break is supposed to be full of fun and adventure — not doing chores for Naano and watching Nana Abu doze on the couch! But ever since Nana Abu retired, it seems all he wants to do is eat and sleep, and Zara’s worried their grandfather has lost his mojo. Meanwhile, Naomi's having a blast at her day camp.

Pages

Anthologies and Collections

I Am the Night Sky: And Other Reflections by Muslim American Youth

Photo of a young woman in a head scarf

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 musician. Imaan imagines a dystopian Underground. Samaa creates her own cartoon Kabob Squad. Ayah responds to online hate.

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

Celebrations in an Apartment Building
Age Level: 9-12, Middle Grade

Eid! The short, single syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and the holiday parties, or carnival rides to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy.