Children’s Literature and Shia Muslim Childhoods in America

Join us for a discussion about crafting Shia Muslim childhoods in America with authors of three recently published children’s books: Azmina Dhalla-Shivji and Zaheed Damani, How Can I Tell My Mawla I Love Him?; Zain Bandali, Mehndi Boy; and Alim Maherali, Ya Ali Madad Everyone. We will discuss the storylines, the authors’ inspirations, and the politics of Muslim childhood in America.

Speakers:

Azmina Dhalla-Shivji graduated as an Engineer, but is now dedicating her time to writing delightful stories that can creatively answer her children’s questions. She believes that stories are a wonderful way to educate, inspire, and show children and parents alike that our words, stories, and actions have the power to make the world a better place.

Zain Bandali writes on themes related to mysticism, queerness, diasporas, and where they interact. His poetry has been published in multiple journals and his spoken word has graced stages across his home province of Ontario. He is an avid vegetable gardener but cannot always stomach the chilli peppers he grows.

Alim Maherali is an entrepreneur and has various roles within his businesses. However, his favorite role is being a dad.

Moderator:

Professor Shenila Khoja-Moolji is the Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani Associate Professor of Muslim Societies at Georgetown University. She researches and writes about the interplay of gender, race, religion, and power in relation to Muslim populations in South Asia and in the North American diaspora. Professor Khoja-Moolji’s latest book, Rebuilding Community: Displaced Women and the Making of a Shia Ismaili Muslim Sociality (Oxford University Press) is available to order here.