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Aisha Saeed
Author Profile

Aisha Saeed

20 Books
Aisha Saeed is a New York Times bestselling Pakistani-American author celebrated for her engaging stories that span from picture books to adult fiction. Her versatile body of work includes beloved children's titles like Bilal Cooks Daal and The Together Tree, middle-grade adventures such as Diana and the Journey to the Unknown, and the adult mystery novel The Matchmaker. Through her rich storytelling, Saeed frequently highlights South Asian culture and crafts memorable characters that resonate with readers of all ages.

Forty Words for Love

Aisha Saeed

Diverse Voices Emotions
- /5

The Matchmaker

Aisha Saeed

Fiction Friendship
- /5

Written in the Stars

Aisha Saeed

Culture Diverse Voices
- /5
Aladdin

Far From Agrabah

Aisha Saeed

Action Adventure
- /5

Hafsa's Way

Aisha Saeed

Family Friendship
- /5

Omar Rising

Aisha Saeed

Courage Friendship
- /5
Wonder Woman

Diana and the Island of No Return

Aisha Saeed

Action Adventure
- /5

You and Me, Baby

Aisha Saeed

Diverse Voices Emotions
- /5

Amal Unbound

Aisha Saeed

Courage Diverse Voices
- /5
Wonder Woman

Diana and the Underworld Odyssey

Aisha Saeed

Action Adventure
- /5
Wonder Woman

Diana and the Journey to the Unknown

Aisha Saeed

Action Adventure
- /5

Bilal Cooks Daal

Aisha Saeed, Anoosha Syed

Cooking Diverse Voices
- /5

The Together Tree

Aisha Saeed, LeUyen Pham

Courage Emotions
- /5

Zuni and the Memory Jar

Aisha Saeed, Neha Rawat

Creativity Diverse Voices
- /5

Yes No Maybe So

Aisha Saeed, Becky Albertalli

Diverse Voices Humor
- /5

Grounded

Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, S.K. Ali

Diverse Voices Emotions
- /5
She Persisted

Malala Yousafzai

Aisha Saeed, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger, Gillian Flint

Biography Courage
- /5

The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices

Aisha Saeed, Hena Khan, Sayantani DasGupta, Reem Faruqi, Veera Hiranandani, Simran Jeet Singh, Supriya Kelkar, Rajani LaRocca, Maulik Pancholy, N. H. Senzai

Anthologies Culture
- /5

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings

Melissa De La Cruz, Aisha Saeed, Ellen Oh, Elsie Chapman, Roshani Chokshi, E.C. Myers, Renée Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Aliette de Bodard, Julie Kagawa, Naomi Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, Cindy Pon, Shveta Thakrar, Alyssa Wong

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5

Our Stories, Our Voices: 21 YA Authors Get Real About Injustice, Empowerment, and Growing Up Female in America

Amy Reed, Julie Murphy, Ellen Hopkins, Aisha Saeed, Stephanie Kuehnert, Jaye Robin Brown, Sona Charaipotra, Maurene Goo, Anna-Marie McLemore, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Hannah Moskowitz, Ilene (I.W.) Gregorio, Tracy Deonn, Somaiya Daud, Christine Day, Alexandra Duncan, Sandhya Menon, Amber Smith, Brandy Colbert, Nina LaCour, Martha Brockenbrough

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5
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By: Aisha Saeed
Moonlight Bay used to be a town full of beautiful magic, but a terrible tragedy changed everything. Now, the once-colorful waters have turned completely gray, and the nearby Willow Forest has become a source of fear. The tourists have vanished, and the people left behind are struggling to keep their town alive. In the middle of this fading magic, two teenagers are trying to find their way. Yasmine is a local whose parents are fighting to make ends meet. Her best friend, Rafay, is an immigrant from the forest community whose people are now being blamed for the town's problems. Despite the growing anger between their two groups, Yasmine and Rafay's friendship continues to blossom into something much deeper. But an ancient warning says that falling for an outsider will lead to devastating consequences. They must decide if their bond is strong enough to heal a broken town.
Diverse Voices Emotions Fantasy Friendship
9-12 Years 304 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Meet Nura Khan! She has a very special job in her town. She’s a matchmaker, which means she helps people connect and find what they are looking for, like finding just the right puzzle piece! Nura is really good at her work, and her clients trust her to make wonderful things happen. Her best friend, Azar, is always by her side to help out, especially when Nura needs a buddy to share a laugh or a secret with. But lately, strange things have been happening. Someone seems to be causing trouble, making Nura’s carefully planned connections go wonky! It’s like a tricky puzzle where pieces keep disappearing. Nura and Azar must work together like super detectives to figure out who is behind all these mix-ups. Can they solve the mystery and make sure everything comes together perfectly again?
Fiction Friendship Mystery Problem Solving Early Readers
9-12 Years 320 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Naila has always tried to be the perfect daughter for her immigrant parents. She respects their strict rules and honors her Pakistani heritage, but she also wants to make her own choices. Her parents have made it entirely clear that they will be the ones to choose her future husband. That is a tradition Naila simply cannot accept, especially since she has fallen in love with Saif, a boy she has been dating in secret. When Naila is caught at the school prom with him, her parents' reaction is swift and severe. They take her on a surprise vacation to visit relatives in Pakistan, claiming it is just a chance to reconnect with her roots. But the trip quickly turns into a nightmare when Naila realizes their true plan. She is not there for a vacation. She is there to be forced into a marriage with a man she has never met. Trapped in an unfamiliar place, Naila must find the courage to fight for the life she actually wants. Can she rewrite a destiny that feels completely out of her control?
Culture Diverse Voices Family
13-18 Years 290 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Step onto the magic carpet and prepare for a thrilling new journey featuring your favorite characters from Aladdin. This original story pulls you straight into the enchanting world of Agrabah and expands the adventure far beyond the city walls. Aladdin and Jasmine are facing an exciting and unpredictable path. You will join them on a sweeping ride filled with mystery, deep secrets, and unexpected dangers. As they explore unfamiliar lands, they must rely on their courage and each other to survive the trials ahead. Their journey reveals new magic and challenges that will test their cleverness and bravery at every turn. If you love the classic film, this fresh tale offers a captivating way to experience the magic all over again. Discover what happens when the heroes leave the safety of the palace and soar into the complete unknown.
Action Adventure Fantasy Movies
9-12 Years 336 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Hafsa knows exactly what she wants to be when she grows up. She is going to be a doctor. So when she gets accepted into a prestigious summer science camp in the big city of Lahore, she is absolutely thrilled. Her parents, however, are not as excited. They do not think girls should be doctors, and they certainly do not want her traveling so far away from home. After a lot of convincing, her parents finally agree to let her go. But Hafsa's dream summer quickly hits a major roadblock. She accidentally signs up for the wrong academic program, and the other kids at camp treat her like a total outsider. To make matters worse, she is deeply worried about her older sister, who seems to have given up her own career dreams entirely. But Hafsa is not the type to ever take no for an answer. She is determined to grab this chance for a better future, forging her own path no matter how many odds are stacked against her.
Family Friendship Science
9-12 Years 224 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Omar knows that getting a scholarship to the elite Ghalib Academy Boarding School is a total game changer. As the son of a servant, this is his one big chance to improve his life and chase his dreams. He cannot wait to join the science club and try out for the soccer team. But the moment he arrives, Omar realizes the school is not what he imagined. First-year scholarship students are completely banned from joining clubs or sports teams. Even worse, they are forced to do menial chores to earn their keep. Then Omar discovers the most unfair rule of all. The school deliberately demands impossibly high grades from scholarship kids to weed them out, making it incredibly hard to actually graduate. Omar could easily give up, but he chooses to be stubbornly optimistic. With the help of a tightknit new group of friends, he decides to fight back against the threat of expulsion and change a rigged system from the inside out.
Courage Friendship Schools Social Justice
9-12 Years 224 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Young Princess Diana loves her beautiful island home, but her deepest wish is to train as a fierce Amazon warrior. Unfortunately, her mother tells her that learning to fight is completely out of the question. Diana hopes to finally change her mother's mind during a massive festival gathering the world's most powerful women. But before the celebration can even begin, a forbidden visitor crashes the party. A boy arrives with terrifying news about an untold danger threatening their sacred neighboring lands. Suddenly, a cunning demon reveals that a mysterious force is hunting Diana herself. Now, Diana and her best friend must team up to stop this incredible threat. It is her very first chance to prove her true worth as a hero. Can she survive this high-octane adventure and save her entire way of life before everything is destroyed?
Action Adventure Superheroes
9-12 Years 288 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
The arrival of a brand-new baby changes absolutely everything in a home. Suddenly, there is a marvelous little person bringing a whole lot of sweetness and a huge set of brand-new experiences to navigate. This beautiful story captures the incredible journey of mothers and babies getting to know each other for the very first time. It explores how they learn, grow, and adapt to their new life together. While the changes can be overwhelming, the wonderful truth is that families figure it out step by step. It is a tender and uplifting celebration of the special bond between a parent and child. Discover how time, patience, and love help everyone get the hang of this amazing new relationship.
Diverse Voices Emotions Family Fiction New Releases
9-12 Years 32 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Life in Amal's quiet Pakistani village is perfectly ordinary, and she is busy chasing her biggest dream of becoming a teacher. Even when she has to pause her education to stay home and care for her younger siblings, she never loses hope and always finds clever ways to keep learning. But her entire world shatters after an accidental run-in with the son of the village's corrupt landlord. As punishment, Amal is forced to leave her family and work as a servant at the opulent Khan estate to pay off a massive debt. Inside the estate walls, she faces constant heartbreak, difficult struggles, and cruel enemies. When Amal uncovers the dangerous secrets behind the landlord's power, she realizes she cannot stay silent. To exact real change and win back her freedom, she must find the courage to fight a deeply unfair system.
Courage Diverse Voices Family Social Justice
9-12 Years 242 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
After successfully defending her magical island home, young Diana has finally been granted permission to begin her official warrior training. She is ready to prove herself, but a terrifying new crisis strikes before she can even learn the basics. The goddess Artemis arrives with alarming news. Children all over the world are disappearing without a single trace. Diana is the only person who can be trusted to track them down, which means she must travel straight into the dark and dangerous Underworld. There, she will have to confront Hades, Persephone, and a host of mythical creatures. But the deepest threat is a sinister villain who is hunting Diana herself. Can this young hero rely on her inner strength to rescue the missing kids? She must defeat the shadows, or risk being trapped in the Underworld forever.
Action Adventure Superheroes
9-12 Years 320 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed
Princess Diana is tired of being told she is just a girl. She knows she has what it takes to be a hero right now. When a mysterious and evil force begins kidnapping children to steal their special powers, Diana sees her chance to prove everyone wrong. She steps up to save them, but there is a major catch. To rescue the stolen children, she has to leave the safety of her magical home and travel to the mortal realm for the very first time. The human world is nothing like she expected. Suddenly, Diana is dodging a squad of gods, battling dangerous henchmen, and trying to hide from regular kids who want to record her using her powers for social media. It is a thrilling race against time in an unfamiliar place. Can the world's future greatest hero stop a cunning villain before it is too late? The fate of both worlds rests entirely on her young shoulders. You will not want to miss this action-packed journey into the unknown.
Action Adventure Superheroes
9-12 Years 288 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed , Anoosha Syed
Six-year-old Bilal is thrilled to help his dad make his absolute favorite meal. It is a slow-cooked lentil dish from South Asia called daal. The recipe takes plenty of ingredients, careful preparation, and a whole lot of patience. Bilal is especially eager to introduce his friends to the meal, since none of them have ever tasted it before. As the daal simmers throughout the day, more and more friends gather around to wait. But waiting gives Bilal time to worry. What if his friends do not like the food as much as he does? This heartwarming story explores the beauty of sharing family traditions and trying new things. It shows how preparing a special dish can bring a whole neighborhood together for an unforgettable feast.
Cooking Diverse Voices Family Food Friendship Teamwork
9-12 Years 40 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed , LeUyen Pham
Meet Rumi, a new kid at school who feels a little shy and different. Some kids aren't very kind to him, especially about his bright, colorful shoes. When things feel tough, Rumi finds a quiet spot under an old willow tree on the playground. There, he dreams of a place where everyone belongs. One day, when Rumi is feeling sad, something amazing happens! Another classmate bravely steps in to help him. This act of kindness shows everyone that standing up for others can make a big difference. Soon, the willow tree becomes a special place where all the children feel welcome to play and be together. This heartwarming story reminds us that even a small act of kindness can grow into wonderful friendships and make school a happier place for everyone.
Courage Emotions Empathy Fiction Friendship Kindness Schools
9-12 Years 40 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed , Neha Rawat
Meet Zuni. She is a sweet, silly, and charming girl who is absolutely bursting with bright ideas. In Zuni's house, her family keeps a very special memory jar. Whenever someone achieves something important, they write a note or print a photo to place inside. At the end of the year, they open the jar and share all those wonderful moments together. Her parents always tell her that when she grows up, she will have big milestones and trophies to add. But Zuni knows she is already making incredible memories right now. This joyful story reminds us that you do not need to wait for a massive achievement to celebrate life. Sometimes, the everyday moments of fun, beauty, and wonder are the most important memories of all.
Creativity Diverse Voices Emotions Family Fiction
9-12 Years 40 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed , Becky Albertalli
Jamie Goldberg is perfectly happy volunteering for his local state senate candidate, as long as he gets to stay safely behind the scenes. When it comes to talking to strangers, Jamie is a complete choke artist. There is absolutely no way he would ever knock on doors to ask people for their votes until he meets Maya. Maya Rehman is having the worst Ramadan of her life. Her best friend is too busy for her, her highly anticipated summer trip has been canceled, and her parents are suddenly separating. The last thing she wants to do is spend her summer political canvassing with an awkward guy she barely knows, but her mother leaves her no choice. Going door to door in the summer heat is far from glamorous, but as the local election draws closer, so do Jamie and Maya. Navigating the intense world of local activism is hard enough, but figuring out the cross-cultural crush of the century might be their biggest challenge yet. Dive into a heartfelt story about finding your voice, fighting for what is right, and falling in love.
Diverse Voices Humor
13-18 Years 448 Pages
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By: Aisha Saeed , Huda Al-Marashi , Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow , S.K. Ali
When a massive thunderstorm grounds every single flight following a huge Muslim convention, four completely different kids find themselves stuck in the airport for the night. Feek just wants to write the perfect poem to impress his famous dad, but he is stuck babysitting his younger sister instead. Hanna is desperately dodging a tough conversation about her father's new marriage while hunting for a lost cat in the terminal. Sami is battling severe anxiety because he might miss the karate tournament he has trained all year for. Meanwhile, Nora is suffocating under the pressure of having a prominent politician for a mother and just wants to film funny internet videos. At first glance, these kids have absolutely nothing in common. But as the long night unfolds, their paths cross in unexpected ways, changing their lives forever.
Diverse Voices Emotions Friendship Humor
9-12 Years 255 Pages
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She Persisted

Malala Yousafzai

By: Aisha Saeed , Chelsea Clinton , Alexandra Boiger , Gillian Flint
Growing up as a girl in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai knew that learning was a powerful thing. But in her region, going to school was not guaranteed, and she had to fight every single step of the way just to get an education. When dangerous people tried to silence her for speaking out, Malala refused to back down. Instead of hiding, she took her fight to the entire world. She pushed for the right to an education for every girl, no matter where they lived. Her incredible bravery and activism eventually earned her a Nobel Peace Prize, inspiring millions of people to stand up for their own rights. This inspiring biography takes you through Malala's amazing life and shows you exactly how she persisted against massive odds. It is the perfect read if you want to learn about real heroes who changed the world and discover how you can make a difference in your own community.
Biography Courage History Non-Fiction Social Justice
9-12 Years 80 Pages
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Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices

By: Aisha Saeed , Hena Khan , Sayantani DasGupta , Reem Faruqi , Veera Hiranandani , Simran Jeet Singh , Supriya Kelkar , Rajani LaRocca , Maulik Pancholy , N. H. Senzai
Welcome to the local community center in the fictional town of Maple Grove, New Jersey. For the kids in this neighborhood, the center is the ultimate gathering place to hang out, discover new crushes, and learn who they really are. Inside these walls, you will meet an amazing group of kids facing their own unique challenges. You will cheer for Chaya as she dominates intense chess tournaments, and you will follow along as Jeevan tries to master cooking traditional recipes without actually eating them. Together, these kids fight against ignorance, celebrate their victories, and even manage to save a life. This brilliant collection of short stories is packed with humor, warmth, and endless possibility. It showcases the beauty of coming together and proves exactly why having a safe, welcoming space to call home matters so much.
Anthologies Culture Diverse Voices Friendship Short Stories
9-12 Years 334 Pages
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By: Melissa De La Cruz , Aisha Saeed , Ellen Oh , Elsie Chapman , Roshani Chokshi , E.C. Myers , Renée Ahdieh , Sona Charaipotra , Preeti Chhibber , Aliette de Bodard , Julie Kagawa , Naomi Kanakia , Lori M. Lee , Cindy Pon , Shveta Thakrar , Alyssa Wong
Dive straight into sixteen unique worlds where mountain spirits lose their hearts, sisters turn into birds to flee their cages, and a young woman guides the dead to their ultimate rest. This collection brings together beloved authors who breathe breathtaking new life into the timeless mythology and folklore of East and South Asia. You will journey from neon lit science fiction futures to deeply romantic contemporary moments, encountering magic, revenge, and sacrifice along the way. Whether you are craving epic fantasy or thrilling contemporary drama, these carefully crafted tales will keep you reading long past bedtime. Each story completely transforms familiar legends into something completely new, taking you on an unforgettable adventure that spans lifetimes and galaxies. With contributions from celebrated storytellers, this book guarantees that every time you turn the page, you will find another extraordinary world waiting to be explored.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Fantasy Mythology Science Fiction Short Stories
13-18 Years 336 Pages
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21 YA Authors Get Real About Injustice, Empowerment, and Growing Up Female in America

By: Amy Reed , Julie Murphy , Ellen Hopkins , Aisha Saeed , Stephanie Kuehnert , Jaye Robin Brown , Sona Charaipotra , Maurene Goo , Anna-Marie McLemore , Jenny Torres Sanchez , Hannah Moskowitz , Ilene (I.W.) Gregorio , Tracy Deonn , Somaiya Daud , Christine Day , Alexandra Duncan , Sandhya Menon , Amber Smith , Brandy Colbert , Nina LaCour , Martha Brockenbrough
Growing up female in America can be a complicated, challenging, and incredibly powerful experience. In this inspiring collection of essays, some of your favorite authors share their own personal journeys of discovering who they are and learning how to use their voices. These incredible writers tackle major real-world topics, exploring what happens when different cultures, identities, and backgrounds intersect. They share honest stories about facing unfairness, building up the courage to speak out, and finding true empowerment in difficult situations. By opening up about their own lives, these authors offer a supportive hand to anyone navigating similar struggles. This moving anthology is filled with hope, strength, and solidarity. It is a powerful reminder that your unique story matters, and that standing together can help create a more just and beautiful world.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Essays Non-Fiction Social Justice
9-12 Years 320 Pages
N/A /5
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