Assalam alaikum!

Are you looking for Muslim-centered stories and wholesome messages that spark questions and conversations to teach children how to navigate life?

I write heart-warming stories for little Muslim hearts. Muslim children deserve stories that highlight values and show just how special they are!

Sarah Musa

The shelf

Stories for little Muslims, ages 4 and up

Cover of The Mismatched Finjan, a picture book by Sarah Musa
Available now

The Mismatched Finjan

All her life Mariam has dreamed of being a flower girl, but her aunts think that she’s “too dark”. Will Mariam get to be flower girl despite everyone standing in her way?

Cover of Dawud Helps, a picture book by Sarah Musa
Available now

Dawud Helps

Papa doesn’t think Dawud is old enough to help, until Papa breaks his arm. Then, he finally needs Dawud’s help for real. A story of how Allah sustains us from the earth.

Cover of My Garden over Gaza, a picture book by Sarah Musa
Available now

My Garden over Gaza

On a rooftop in Gaza, Noura tends her father’s garden. Even though she can’t save her plants from herbicidal drones, she learns what resilience really means by planting again.

Cover of Amir’s Blue Jacket, a picture book by Sarah Musa
Available now

Amir’s Blue Jacket

Amir keeps Grandpa’s blue jacket to remember him. But after shrinking it in a hot water cycle, Amir learns how good it feels to give to those in need.

Cover of Ahmed and the Very Stuck Teapot, a picture book by Sarah Musa
Available now

Ahmed and the Very Stuck Teapot

Ahmed just wants to practice for his kite competition. But when a calf with a teapot stuck on its foot gets in his way, Ahmed realizes kindness should always come first.

Cover of Trains & Trainers, a picture book by Sarah Musa
Available now

Trains & Trainers

Malik’s brother, Badr, is autistic. After a hard day, Malik feels frustrated with Badr. But Badr finds something to cheer Malik up—a train made with something unexpected!

Coming next

New book coming soon!

Come back for the cover reveal!

Portrait illustration of Sarah Musa

About Sarah

Writing from the Heart!

Sarah Musa loved stories from childhood, reading anything she could get a hold of. She quickly learned that stories were powerful!. But, as a Muslim growing up in the United States, she never found stories about people like her.

She began her first novel at thirteen, and although she never did finish it, it was the first step in her journey. As she grew older, she hoped that her stories could be used for good.

Thankfully, her stories found a home at Ruqaya’s Bookshelf—a publisher looking for exactly the stories she wanted to tell. Her first book, Ahmed and the Very Stuck Teapot, poured out in a weekend, and so it began.

Reviews

What our readers are saying about our books:

Praise for Amir’s Blue Jacket

“What a beautifully meaningful story. This story focuses, not on the grief, but on the memories of those loved ones that have passed on.”

— Muslim Kids Book Nook

Praise for My Garden over Gaza

“I haven’t read a children’s book that speaks to the plight of the Palestinian people as My Garden over Gaza does. This is beautifully written, as all of Sarah Musa’s books are.”

— Heba Subeh

Praise for Ahmed and the Very Stuck Teapot

“This is one of my favourites. Teaches amazing lessons to little ones to help others.”

— Anam

Services

How can I help?

It’s rare to find authentic Muslim stories that celebrate Islam and our relationship with Allah. We need to fight the good fight to get these stories, that actually represent us and our values, out into the world.

Whether it’s a reading at your local masjid or a manuscript you need support with, I’d love to be a part of your journey.

Illustration of a bride placing an earring on a young girl

Read Aloud

Do you want a virtual read-aloud of one of my books for your class or masjid event? Book your event today!

Developmental Editing

As a developmental editor, I believe in gentle, encouraging critiques—the good first, always. I also like to do a once-over of the manuscript and then go back and work chapter-by-chapter.

Book Coach

Book coaches help to brainstorm and keep you accountable. I don’t believe in tough love—gentle, flexible structure will get you where you need to go, without stress or shame.

Beta Reading

I have spent long years of my life with my nose in books. Reading is my superpower—well, after writing. I’d love to read your manuscript and tell you, chapter-by-chapter, how it felt.

Guidance for Young Writers

Young writers, 10–17 years old, do you feel lost when it comes to your writing? I can show you how it’s done. This next generation has some amazing storytellers, masha'Allah! Fiction writers preferred.

Arabic/English Translation

Translation of stories from English to Arabic or Arabic to English. Native English speaker, fluent in both English and Arabic.

Contact us!

To ask about any of the services listed above or even just to say salam, please send me a message! I’m always happy to hear from our readers.

Community

Proud to be a member of Hajera Khaja’s Grounded Writers Program

A gentle, nurturing community of Muslim women who love to write. Craft, community, accountability, live calls, and so much more!

Potted plants arranged on a small white table