Press Kit:

​BIOS:

The Short Version:
Of Uzbek heritage, M.O. Yuksel was born in Turkey, raised in New York, and now lives in New Jersey, where she writes award-winning books for young readers, including the highly acclaimed nonfiction picture books, IN MY MOSQUE, and ONE WISH. She has a passion for research and learning, and loves to share what she learns by writing about little-known historical figures, and diverse cultures.

Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in the education field for over twenty years as an administrator, manager, and teacher. She 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. Learn more about Yuksel and her books at www.moyuksel.com and Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

The Long Version:
Of Uzbek heritage, M.O. Yuksel was born in Turkey, 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 spends her time writing 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 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 MY MOSQUE has been described as, “[a] marvelous, welcoming book…offering foundational knowledge on the world’s second-largest religion” in a starred review by School Library Journal, and “a range of children’s mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar,” in a starred review by Publisher’s Weekly. 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 forthcoming books include RAMADAN KAREEM, illustrated by Hatem Aly (HarperCollins, 2024), SAMI'S SPECIAL GIFT: An Eid Al-Adha Story, illustrated by Huseyin Sonmezay (Charlesbridge, 2024), and PRINCE OF STARS: The Story of Ulugh Beg, illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia (HarperCollins, 2024). Learn more about her at www.moyuksel.com.
​
​
How to Pronounce M.O. Yuksel's Name


HEADSHOTS:
Photos by Peggy Doyle. Click for hi-res versions.

BOOKS:
Click picture for hi-res downloads of covers.