Misbah Shaheen is a Birmingham-based primary teacher and senior leader who believes children deserve to see their lives, backgrounds, and experiences reflected in the books they read. After 11 years as a class teacher, she noticed a gap in children’s literature: there were not enough stories that reflected the cultural heritage and everyday experiences of pupils growing up in inner Birmingham.

As an educator, Misbah has championed the importance of connecting learning with pupils’ cultural backgrounds. Her work in schools has shown her how representation can help children feel recognised, valued, and proud of who they are. As an aunt to 12 children, she also understands how important it is for young readers to find characters and stories they can relate to.

Two Skies, One Saad: A Story of Cultural Heritage, Identity and Belonging is her first book, inspired by her experiences in education and her desire to make space for children whose lives span different cultures. Through Saad’s journey, Misbah hopes to help children see themselves in a story while giving others a window into experiences they may not know firsthand.

Her message is especially close to home: the children of Birmingham belong in books, in classrooms, and wherever their futures take them.