Author Talk with Huda Al-Marashi, author of HAIL MARIAM
Featured Book
Hail Mariam
Hail Mariam is an interfaith Muslim take on Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret drawn from the author’s own experiences in Catholic school. Sixth grade wasn’t supposed to be this complicated. Iraqi American Mariam Hassan transfers to a local Catholic school and before her first day her parents remind her that she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever met. No big deal, right? Just represent an entire religion while making new friends, keeping up with schoolwork, and figuring out who she is. When Mariam’s younger sister, Salma, is diagnosed with a serious lung condition, her family faces endless doctor visits and sleepless nights. Mariam tries to lighten their burden and keep her own problems to herself—including the fact that she’s just been cast as Mary in the school’s Christmas nativity play. Mariam wants to honor her faith and her new community, but she’s terrified of crossing a religious line. Can a Muslim girl be the lead in a Christian story? What will her family think? And why does she feel like every decision she makes represents all Muslims? Mariam discovers that faith, much like friendships, isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. As she leans on her family, friends, and school community, she begins to see the power of interfaith cooperation and learns she doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. Hail Mariam is a celebration of the beauty of finding common ground.
This book will be available for purchase at the event.
About This Event
A special invite for new 6th graders: Join Curious Iguana on Thursday, September 24 from 6:00-7:00 pm at C. Burr Artz Public Library to celebrate the new release from middle-grade author Huda Al-Marashi, *Hail Mariam*. Starting middle school is challenging enough, but when young Muslim Mariam’s sister is diagnosed with a serious lung condition, Mariam wonders if she’ll have to tackle her concerns about playing Mother Mary in a Christian play on her own. Huda will be in-conversation with fellow middle-grade author Hena Khan. Following their conversation, Huda will answer questions and sign books. Copies of Hail Mariam will be available for purchase at the event.
Featured Author
Huda Al-Marashi
Huda Al-Marashi writes for both children and adults. She is the author of the middle grade novel Hail Mariam and a co-author of the Walter Dean Myers Honors award-winning novel Grounded. In addition to her memoir First Comes Marriage: My Not-So-Typical American Love Story, she has contributed essays and op-eds to various anthologies and news outlets, such as the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, and al Jazeera. She is a fellow and mentor with the Muslim Storytellers Program at Boyds Mill, formerly known as the Highlights Foundation, and she lives in San Diego, California.
In Conversation With
Hena Khan
Hena Khan has been publishing books for children for over two decades. She writes award-winning picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around her culture, community, friendship, and family. Hena’s bestselling novels include Amina’s Voice and More to the Story. She is also the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s picture books include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and Under My Hijab, and We Are Big Time is her first graphic novel. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland.
About the Venue
C. Burr Artz Public Library
Presented by Curious Iguana Books
We will meet in the Community Room to the right of the main foyer upon entering the library, near the restrooms and water fountain.
110 E. Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
More at Curious Iguana Books
Book Launch for SO IT GROWS by Queer Romance Author Andie Burke
We are excited to celebrate local romance author Andie Burke on Tuesday, September 22 from 6:00-7:00 pm at Frederick Book Arts Center. Join us to hear about Andie’s new novel, So It Grows! The story follows new plant shop owner Felicity as she teams up with her hot business rival Nicolas to face off against a greedy developer threatening both their businesses. Andie will be in-conversation with Chip Pons, USA Today bestselling author of Dearly Departed. Following their conversation, Andie will answer questions and sign books. Copies of So It Grows will be available for purchase at the event. We are thrilled that Take Root is joining us with some plants for sale from their local shop! Take Root is a welcoming and vibrant interior plant shop located in the heart of historic Downtown Frederick, MD specializing in a variety of stunning houseplants and accessories. Location: Frederick Book Arts Center, 127 S. Carroll Street, Frederick, MD 21701 This event is free and open to the public. We are proud to partner with Frederick Book Arts Center and Take Root for this event. For accessibility requests, email events@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
Author Talk with Susan Coll, author of WORD SALAD
Join Curious Iguana at C. Burr Artz Public Library for a fun evening with bestselling author Susan Coll on Tuesday, September 29 from 6:00-7:00 pm to celebrate her latest release, Word Salad! The story follows Matilda as she returns home to D.C. to care for her ailing mother, takes on a new job at a local bookstore, and finds herself in the middle of a surprising turn of bookish events. Susan will be in-conversation with Holly Smith, editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books. Following the discussion, Susan will answer questions and sign books. Copies of Word Salad will be available for purchase at the event.
Story Time & Craft with Children's Author Melinda Beatty, author of WHAT IS A PIRATE?
We are delighted to celebrate our very own bookseller and local author Melinda Beatty on Saturday, October 3 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at C. Burr Artz Public Library. Join us for storytime with Mel, where she will read her new book, What Is a Pirate? Following the reading, enjoy a fun craft with the author! Mel will also be available to sign books. Copies of What Is a Pirate? will be available for purchase at the event.