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 is on the board of the Muslim Literary Festival, served as a juror for the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and is a member of the planning committee and a mentor for the Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights Foundation) Muslim Writers Fellowship Program. Learn more about Yuksel and her books at www.moyuksel.com and Facebook, and Instagram. 

Long Version

M.O. Yuksel is an award-winning children’s author, former educator, and lifelong collector of stories. With Uzbek roots, born in Türkiye, and raised in New York City, she brings a vibrant multicultural lens to her work, writing books that uncover hidden histories, celebrate diverse cultures, and connect young readers to the world beyond their doorstep.

Yuksel is the author of the critically acclaimed IN MY MOSQUE, illustrated by Hatem Aly, which received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly, and has been named an American Library Association Notable Book, a School Library Journal Best Book, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, among numerous other honors.

Her other books include ONE WISH: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University, illustrated by Mariam Quraishi; RAMADAN KAREEM, illustrated by Hatem Aly; SAMI’S SPECIAL GIFT: An Eid al-Adha Story, illustrated by Huseyin Sonmezay; and THE PRINCE OF STARS: Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons, illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia.

Her books have received starred reviews, been named to numerous best-of and notable lists and earned recognition from organizations including the American Library Association, School Library Journal, Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the Children’s Book Council.

A former educator, Yuksel is passionate about creating books that make children curious about the people, places, traditions, and histories that shape our world. She especially loves finding the extraordinary in stories that have been overlooked or left out of history books. Her work often explores the power of knowledge, community, generosity, faith, and the wonderful ways cultures connect.

Beyond her books, Yuksel is committed to supporting the next generation of diverse storytellers. She serves on the board of the Muslim Literary Festival and has served as a juror for the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature. She has also served as a mentor for various programs, including PB Rising Stars, Write to Empower, and is a mentor and planning committee member for the Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights Foundation) Muslim Writers Fellowship Program.

When she’s not writing, Yuksel is usually cheering from the sidelines at her kids’ soccer games, exploring a new corner of the world, attempting to justify eating chocolate as a sport, or being supervised by her three cats. She lives in New Jersey with her family.

Learn more about M.O. Yuksel and her books at www.moyuksel.com.