CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
GROWING UP in many WORLDS

Parul Bhandari
(she/her)

Parul Bhandari is an author whose work explores identity, culture, and the quiet complexities of modern life. Through her writing, she brings together storytelling and lived experience to create narratives that resonate across generations. She is based in Chicago.

(Moderator)

Amna Nasima is the author of Tara the Rickshaw and the Tale of the Lost Kitten, her debut children’s book. Featuring Tara, the first character of her kind, the story takes readers on a colorful journey through South Asia – a region often underrepresented in children’s literature. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, Tara highlights the importance of friendship and community.

Amna Malik
(she/her)

Shirin Shamsi writes stories for young readers that honor bravery, compassion, and the power of gentle voices. Inspired by history and real lives, her work invites children to see how even quiet acts can shape the world.