Short Version

Of Uzbek heritage, M.O. Yuksel was born in Türkiye, raised in New York, and now resides in New Jersey, where she writes award-winning books for young readers. Passionate about research and learning, she enjoys sharing her discoveries through her writing, focusing on little-known historical figures and diverse cultures.

Before becoming a full-time writer, she spent over twenty years in the education field, working as an administrator, manager, and teacher. She has also served as a juror for the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and was a member of the planning committee and a mentor for the Highlights Foundation Muslim Writers Fellowship Program. Learn more about Yuksel and her books at www.moyuksel.com and Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Long Version

Of Uzbek heritage, M.O. Yuksel was born in Türkiye, raised in New York, and now lives in New Jersey with her family and two cats. A graduate of Columbia University and Fordham University, she writes books for young readers when she’s not on the soccer field cheering for her kids. She served as a juror for the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and was a member of the planning committee and a mentor for the Highlights Foundation Muslim Writers Fellowship Program.

M.O. Yuksel is the author of the critically acclaimed picture book, IN MY MOSQUE, illustrated by Hatem Aly (HarperCollins, 2021). In a starred review by School Library Journal, IN MY MOSQUE has been described as, “[a] marvelous, welcoming book…offering foundational knowledge on the world’s second-largest religion”, and Publisher’s Weekly in a starred review states, “a range of children’s mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar”. IN MY MOSQUE has won several awards including an American Library Association Notable Book, a School Library Journal Best Book, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, the 2022 Notable Books for a Global Society Award, 2021 Nerdy Book Club Award for Best Nonfiction Picture Book, Texas Library Association Texas Topaz 2022 Nonfiction Gem Award, and has been named the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of 2021.

M.O. Yuksel is also the author of ONE WISH: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University, illustrated by Mariam Quraishi (HarperCollins, 2022), which has been described as, “a beautiful new biography,” in a starred review by School Library Journal, and “an inspiring profile of a tenacious trailblazer that highlights the power of knowledge,” by Kirkus Reviews. ONE WISH is an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book, an American Library Association Rise Honoree, a National Council of Social Studies and Children’s Book Council Notable Book, School Library Journal, Nerdy Book Club Best Nonfiction Book, and Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year.

Her most recent books include RAMADAN KAREEM, illustrated by Hatem Aly (HarperCollins, 2024) and SAMI’S SPECIAL GIFT: An Eid Al-Adha Story, illustrated by Huseyin Sonmezay (Charlesbridge, 2024). In a starred review, Booklist calls Ramadan Kareem, “an exceptionally warm and illuminating celebration,” and School Library Journal notes in their starred review that “this book reflects the diversity in Muslim communities around the world while uplifting the shared principles of the holy month of Ramadan.”

School Library Journal, in their starred review, describes SAMI’S SPECIAL GIFT as, “A gift to all readers! Readers who celebrate Eid al-Adha will enjoy seeing their annual tradition, while readers who do not practice Islam will get a peek into a modern way to celebrate an ancient holiday. Adults will love to use this story as a model to broach conversations about traditions, as well as deeper themes of loss, philanthropy, and homelessness. An easy recommendation for all libraries. Add it to elementary and high school shelves.”

Yuksel’s highly anticipated forthcoming book includes THE PRINCE OF STARS: Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons, illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia (HarperCollins, 2025). Learn more about Yuksel and her books at www.moyuksel.com and Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.