Sabina Khan is a young adult author. Her work often explores themes of cultural identity and the challenges faced by Muslim teens in Western societies. She has recently published What A Desi Girl Wants in 2023.
Born in Germany, Sabina spent her formative years in Bangladesh. She has also lived in Macao, Illinois, and Texas. She holds a BA in Political Science from Illinois Wesleyan University and works as an Educational Consultant.
Before What A Desi Girl Wants, Sabina Khan authored The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, Zara Hossain Is Here, and Meet Me in Mumbai. Her books are celebrated for their insightful portrayal of complex issues such as racism, Islamophobia, and the struggle for acceptance.
What A Desi Girl Wants is a narrative that intertwines romance and the intricate dynamics of a family divided by continents and cultures. The protagonist, Mehar, returns to India for her father's wedding, hoping to mend their strained relationship. Amidst familial tensions, Mehar's friendship with Sufiya, her grandmother's assistant, evolves into a profound connection, challenging her perspectives on love and loyalty.
In interviews, Sabina Khan shares insights into her writing process, influenced by personal experiences of discrimination and a desire to provide representation for brown teens. She emphasizes the importance of #ownvoices in young adult literature, advocating for increased diversity and representation in the publishing industry.
Her works were selected by the Junior Library Guild, highlighted as a Teen Indie Next Pick, and featured in Oprah Magazine and Seventeen's "Best Of" lists. Additionally, her storytelling has been recognized on platforms such as NBC News, the BBC, the New York Times, and Teen Vogue.
Khan has also been nominated for the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize and the White Pine Awards of the Ontario Library Association.
Sabina Khan resides in Vancouver, British Columbia. Beyond writing, Sabina enjoys spending time with her puppy, karaoke, and conceptualizing new stories in coffee shops.
Photo credit: sabina-khan.com