Published by: Halaal Travels
Tell us a little about yourself and the books you have authored?
My name is Shafinaaz Hassim, and I’m the author of fourteen titles in various genres, including the Nisa Qamar series for young adults. The series currently consists of four books and it has been well-received since the first book launched in 2016.
Can you tell us more about the Nisa Qamar series?
It follows the story of a young Muslim girl named Nisa Qamar, growing up in Johannesburg and dealing with the various challenges and wins that children deal with in general, insecurities, bullying, uncertainty, and new friends. The series has offered me the wonderful opportunity to explore childhood memories and to remember what it means to be a child again. It’s by far the most fun I’ve had developing characters.
The Nisa Qamar series has been commended in the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature 2019 and twice in the Minara AH Literary awards. In book one, the Master of Jinniaville, Nisa learns the power of the Verse of the Throne to allow good to triumph over evil.
Book two, the Rainbow Healers Society, sees a group of children come together to solve bullying in their schools.
Book three, the Legend of Qawthar, Nisa learns the value of appreciation and how that leads to abundance. And finally, in book four, the Circle of the Astrolabe, the children solve a major disaster that freezes time and threatens to take over the City of Jozi. These are proudly South African stories
What age group is The Nisa Qamar series suitable for?
This series appeals to readers aged 9 – 14.
I believe that we need to read and write more stories that are relatable to young Muslim children growing up in South Africa.
Being a book series, it’s not limited to a timeline and can easily be a holiday read or a part of a classroom literature program
I’ve received feedback from readers that the stories and themes in this series instils good ideas and can be used to expand on other topics in the classroom.
Instagram: @shafinaazhassim