Author Roda Ahmed delights a whole new audience with her first children’s book “Mae Among the Stars”. Her creative salute to Mae Jamison, the first Black female astronaut, earned her nothing but praise from stars – and mothers – like Kerry Washington and Jennifer Garner.
The Somali-born Norwegian author came to fame with her breakout book Forberedelsen (The Preparations). Now, she ventures into the imaginative world of children’s literature to inspire young hearts and minds.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahmed stays connected to her audiences. For example, she has offered virtual book tours and Facebook Live events to connect with children around the world.
Roda Ahmed finds her niche with children’s books
Roda Ahmed’s writing career took center stage in 2008 with the publishing of her debut novel Forberedelsen (The Preparations). Earning the attention of one of the most prestigious publishers in Norway, the book became a bestseller all throughout the country.
Her transition into children’s books occurred during her time as a regular columnist for the Norwegian National Newspaper. She released “Mae Among the Stars” in 2018 as her first venture into this kind of literature and has continued to express her imagination.
This past September, she released another fun read for kids, “Good Night Wiggly Toes” that aims to help children connect to their wiggly bodies, slow their minds, and find calmness before bed.
A walk in the library
Born in Hargaisa, Somalia, Ahmed moved with her parents and seven other siblings to Norway. One of her fondest memories is walking through the library with her father. When he asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she immediately responded “I would love to write books!”
She completed her graduate education at the Norwegian University of Technology and Natural Sciences. Moreover, in addition to her more immediate languages of Somali and Norwegian, Ahmed also speaks Arabic, English, and French.
Despite the global pandemic, Ahmed keeps her connection with the children she seeks to inspire. On her personal Facebook page, she arranges virtual story times for young students who cannot come back to their classroom.
Roda Ahmed teaches new generations
Roda Ahmed found inspiration to write her outer space adventure from her two children, who loved astronauts and space travel. Therefore, in the search for a muse, she found Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut to travel in space.
“When my daughter was little, she and I went to Barnes & Noble to ask for a picture book about Mae,” she recalls. “The bookseller said, “I’m sorry we don’t have one.”
When I asked why she said, “they just don’t make those kinds of books.” Today, 10 years later, I stand in the same Barnes and Noble looking at “Mae Among the Stars” on display…Anything is possible”.
Read by children of all backgrounds, this book presents a curious, intelligent, and determined Little Mae who achieves her dreams of working for NASA.
A number of famous Hollywood mothers have also endorsed Ahmed’s book. Watch Kerry Washington’s reading of “Mae Among the Stars” here:
