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M.O. Yuksel

Goodreads Author

Born

Adana, Turkey

Website

https://www.moyuksel.com

Genre

Children's, Nonfiction, Fiction

Member Since

October 2018

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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’s 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 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 a
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’s 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 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).

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year, Ramadan Kareem has garnered two starred reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal. Booklist calls Ramadan Kareem, “an exceptionally warm and illuminating celebration,” and School Library Journal notes 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). In a Kirkus starred review, the biography is described as, “A luminous tribute to a notable figure that’s sure to satisfy—and inspire—inquisitive minds.”

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

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Average rating: 4.44 · 1,593 ratings · 398 reviews · 6 distinct works • Similar authors

	In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel (Goodreads Author), Hatem Aly (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator) 4.48 avg rating — 1,056 ratings — published 2021 — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University by M.O. Yuksel (Goodreads Author), Mariam Quraishi (Illustrator) 4.38 avg rating — 299 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Ramadan Kareem: A Diverse Picture Book About Islamic Traditions, Prayer, and Fasting for Kids (Ages 4-8) by M.O. Yuksel (Goodreads Author), Hatem Aly (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator) 4.39 avg rating — 143 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Sami's Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story by M.O. Yuksel (Goodreads Author), Hüseyin Sönmezay (Illustrator) 4.35 avg rating — 54 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg's Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons – An Astronomy Picture Book about Faith and Determination for Children (Ages 4-8) by M.O. Yuksel (Goodreads Author), Zelma Firdauzia (illustrator) 4.34 avg rating — 32 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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M.O. Yuksel and 1 other person liked Robert Ellington's review of The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg's Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons – An Astronomy Picture Book about Faith and Determination for Children (Ages 4-8): "I hadn't heard of Ulugh Berg before. It was very interesting to see how his work influence Brahe, Copernicus, and Galileo. Thank you, Ms. Yuksel! "
Jan 28, 2026 07:19AM · see review
M.O. Yuksel liked Shoshanna's review of The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg's Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons – An Astronomy Picture Book about Faith and Determination for Children (Ages 4-8): "I loved this! I learned about a prince of the Timurid Empire (had never heard of) who worked very hard to advance scientific discovery, with a focus on astronomy and physics! I feel like even for grownups, this is a great book to discover a less well" Read more of this review »
Jan 28, 2026 07:18AM · see review
M.O. Yuksel liked Aolund's review of The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg's Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons – An Astronomy Picture Book about Faith and Determination for Children (Ages 4-8): "M.O. Yuksel tells the story Prince of the Timurid Empire, Ulugh Beg's, passion for science, mathematics, and astronomy, in an engaging and accessible way. Themes: STEM, Astronomy, Math, Muslim history Age range: Kindergarten-Elementary" Read more of this review »
Jan 28, 2026 07:18AM · see review
M.O. Yuksel liked Pam's review of The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg's Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons – An Astronomy Picture Book about Faith and Determination for Children (Ages 4-8): "Readers learn about Ulugh Beg, a fifteenth century prince and scientist. We see how he studied the heavens and came up with answers to a variety of astronomical questions. The illustrations capture the night skies in all the colors. An excellent firs" Read more of this review »
Jan 28, 2026 07:18AM · see review
M.O. Yuksel wants to read This Way to Happy by Alison Green Myers (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 12, 2025 08:55AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of This Way to Happy by Alison Green Myers. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — This Way to Happy by Alison Green Myers <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.O. Yuksel rated a book it was amazing Zarina Divided by Reem Faruqi (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of Zarina Divided from the publisher. In Reem Faruqi’s unique style, the history of the Partition is told in a powerful yet gentle manner. The story is based on the author's grandmother as a young girl, Zarin ...more
May 19, 2025 12:20PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Zarina Divided by Reem Faruqi. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Zarina Divided by Reem Faruqi <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.O. Yuksel rated a book it was amazing A Season for Fishin': A Fish Fry Tradition by Pamela Courtney	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A Season for Fishin’ is a joyful, lyrical celebration of family, heritage, and the rhythms of nature. Pamela Courtney’s picture book captures the heart of intergenerational love and the power of tradition. Set in the Cane River region of Natchitoches ...more
May 13, 2025 04:32PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of A Season for Fishin' by Pamela Courtney. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — A Season for Fishin' by Pamela Courtney <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
M.O. Yuksel rated a book it was amazing The City of Jasmine: A Beautiful Children's Book about Syria by Nadine Presley (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Get ready to fall in love with Syria through Nadine Presley’s gorgeous debut, The City of Jasmine. Inspired by her own childhood in Damascus, this lyrical and poetic story is told from the perspective of a young girl, inviting readers on a sensory jo ...more
Mar 23, 2025 11:56AM · 1 like · like · see review
M.O. Yuksel made a comment in the group Goodreads Librarians Group — This book is not mine, please move it (part 19) topic " My book, Sami's Special Gift, has two entries with the same cover—one for Sami's Special Gift, and another for the board book, Baby Loves the Five Sen ...more "
Feb 18, 2025 09:44AM
M.O. Yuksel rated a book it was amazing Hilwa's Gifts by Safa Suleiman	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I was honored to receive an advance digital copy of this beautiful book that is a celebration of love, resilience, and the deep roots that connect generations, told through the journey of a young boy visiting his grandparents and cousins in Palestine ...more
Feb 17, 2025 10:35AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Hilwa's Gifts by Safa Suleiman. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Hilwa's Gifts by Safa Suleiman <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

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Quotes by M.O. Yuksel (?)

“The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets do not leave behind gold or silver coins but rather they leave behind knowledge. (Hadith 3641)”
― M.O. Yuksel, One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University

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Children's Books: March 2023: March Holidays (Purim, Holi, Ramadan, St. Patrick's Day, Spring)	147	41	Dec 18, 2025 12:06PM

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