Welcome to High Five Author Interviews, our semimonthly series where we spotlight writers doing the important work of putting stories out into the world that empower readers to find healing.
Today’s featured author is Khadijah VanBrakle, a Muslim woman of color, born and raised in Canada to American parents. She was a 2021-2023 Highlights Foundation Muslim Storytellers Fellow. Her debut Young Adult novel, Fatima Tate Takes The Cake, was a 2024 NAACP Image Award finalist for Outstanding Youth/Teen literature and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Khadijah writes coming-of-age stories about Black American Muslim teens with universal themes so those who share her dual marginalization will finally see themselves on the printed page. Her sophomore YA novel, My Perfect Family, released in August 2025. It’s received starred trade reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. Both of her books are set in New Mexico.
When did you first realize telling stories was important to you?
It wasn’t until 2017 when I found out in my local library that there wasn’t one traditionally-published Contemporary YA novel that featured a Black American Muslim protagonist. I started to write in the genre, so that those teens who share this dual marginalization with me would be able to see themselves on the printed page as my own three daughters never did.
What is your current favorite book? And what others have you loved deeply along your journey?
I have many favorite books. They include Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson, All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. All of these stories tackle more difficult themes and gave me permission to write my own.
What kind of community has sustained your writing along the way?
So many writers, both in-person and online, have supported me since I began my writing journey in 2012. Two of the groups who have sustained me include the now-defunct Black Creators in KidLit and Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights Foundation). Since my education background doesn’t include any sort of Creative Writing degree, I had to learn the craft of writing and soon discovered my love of revision.
How did you manage self-care as you wrestled with the tough topics of this book?
As a mom of five, there is always a distraction or twelve that can help me get a timeout from the tough, universal coming-of-age topics in My Perfect Family. Sometimes, after an emotionally-difficult scene, I’d take a break and come back the next day.
I do take pride if, while I’m writing or revising, the scene brings out an emotional reaction from me. I cross my fingers that readers will have that same reaction.
What other practices or hobbies fill your creative well?
I love Adult Lego sets and have been collecting them for several years now. When drafting my Contemporary YA novels, I like to read amazing Young Adult fantasy.
BONUS QUESTION: What’s bringing you joy right now? What are you loving right now?
Right now, I’m loving connecting with other authors and sharing experiences, as well being there to support each other. Meeting readers, especially teens, and talking about books will always bring me joy.
Thank you so much for joining us this month, Khadijah! You can find more information about Khadijah and her stories on her website as well as follow her on Instagram!
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