1a. Hello Maisha! How long have you been writing books and approximately how many books have you traditionally published? Name a few of your favorite titles.

Hi Kimberly! I started writing in 2018, so about eight years ago, although I didn’t land my first publishing deal until 2020. So far, I’ve traditionally published ten books, with more on the way!

It’s hard to choose a favorite because each book is special to me for different reasons. I love Before the Ships because it’s a story that lived inside me for decades. My Hair Is a Book was inspired by my daughter and went on to earn an NAACP Image Award nomination. Venus Washington and the Lasagna Drama marked my chapter book debut, and It’s Almost Time for... Halloween! kicked off my holiday series.

1b. I want to thank you for being my critique partner and ask a question about your author brand. According to your author brand, you want to empower and encourage children in addition to entertaining them. Why are empowerment and encouragement important to you as a children’s author?

Thank you for being my critique partner! Empowerment and encouragement aren’t just part of my author brand. They’re part of who I am in every aspect of my life. I’m that friend or family member who cheers you on, celebrates your wins, and speaks life into you when you’re down. I’m also a mom of three young children, ages 10, 8, and 6, and I find myself doing those exact same things with them every day. My stories are simply an extension of who I am and my desire to make children feel seen, worthy, and proud of who they are, exactly as they are.

How do you encourage and empower children in your books? Give one or two examples of book passages meant to encourage or empower children.

The opening line of Before the Ships is, “Long before a slave ship sailed, we shined like stars‐ brilliant and beautiful.” From there, the book takes readers on a journey through the incredible accomplishments, rich history, and beauty of Africa and its people before the transatlantic slave trade. That’s the empowerment piece. I wanted children to understand who their ancestors were before enslavement. I wanted to begin their story at the beginning, rather than at one of its most painful chapters.

Later in the book, there’s a wordless spread depicting a slave ship on a stormy sea. It’s meant to acknowledge that painful part of our history without allowing it to define the entire narrative. Immediately afterward, the text reads, “We are still shining, still beautiful, still brilliant. Like diamonds under pressure, we are precious and resilient.” That’s the encouragement piece. I wanted children to know that despite the hardships our ancestors endured, their brilliance, beauty, and worth remain.

What is the significance of these book passages? Why do you want your books to be more than just entertainment?

In Before the Ships and My Hair Is a Book, I’m trying to reframe narratives. In the former, I want children to understand that Black history doesn’t begin with slavery. In the latter, I want children to recognize that Black hair is beautiful in every curl pattern, texture, and length. If my books can challenge harmful narratives and help children develop a stronger sense of self‐worth, then I’ve accomplished something meaningful.

But I also believe there’s value in books that exist simply to entertain. I wrote the Venus Washington series to make children laugh. The same is true of my It’s Almost Time for... series. In addition to counting down the traditions and activities leading up to different holidays, each book has a humorous twist that I hope will make young readers laugh out loud. With so much happening in the world, children need and deserve an escape. I love using laughter to give them that.

What do you want children to understand or learn from your books and their messages and themes? Is your purpose any different when you write picture books versus chapter books?

Ultimately, I want children to love themselves, their hair, their skin, everything that makes them them, and recognize that they are inherently worthy and valuable exactly the way they are.

I also want them to fall in love with reading. When I wrote the Venus Washington chapter book series, I specifically sought out to create something funny and engaging for reluctant readers. I wanted kids who wouldn’t ordinarily reach for a book to pick one up, laugh out loud, and actually want to read the next book.

So, whether I’m writing a picture book or a chapter book, my goal is always to connect with young readers, whether through an empowering message, a hilarious misunderstanding, or the anticipation and excitement of an approaching holiday. At the end of the day, I want kids to enjoy being kids while loving themselves along the way.

Any new books or events on the horizon that you want to mention? Please let readers know about book events that will happen in the coming Winter and Spring and Summer.

I actually have a few new books on the horizon!
First, there are two more titles coming in my It’s Almost Time for... series. It’s Almost Time for... St. Patrick’s Day! will be released in January 2027, followed by It’s Almost Time for... Valentine's Day! later in the year.

I also have a beautiful follow‐up to My Hair Is a Book entitled My Melanin Is Music, which will be illustrated by the super talented Tatiana Gardel. I’m super excited about this one, and I can’t wait until it’s out in the world!

How can people purchase your books?

My books are available wherever books are sold. You can visit my website at maishaoso.com to explore all my titles and find purchase links for the retailer of your choice.

So, I like to encourage comments on my blog posts by offering something to one of the people who reads and comments on it. Authors either offer an AMA session, a critique, or a free book? What would you like to offer to the lucky person who comments on your blog and wins?

That’s awesome! I’d love to offer an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session along with a few signed copies of my books.

Any other words, phrases, or thoughts you want to share?

For the creators reading this, I know it’s been a difficult time in publishing. But I want to encourage you to keep creating. Keep writing. Keep illustrating. There’s someone out there who needs your work.

Thank you!!!