Of Uzbek heritage, M.O. Yuksel was born in Türkiye, raised in New York, and now resides in New Jersey, where she writes award-winning books for young readers. Passionate about research and learning, she enjoys sharing her discoveries through her writing, focusing on little-known historical figures and diverse cultures.

Before becoming a full-time writer, she spent over twenty years in the education field, working as an administrator, manager, and teacher.

She is 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. Learn more about Yuksel and her books at www.moyuksel.com and Facebook, and Instagram.