Interview with debut MG author Shifa Saltagi Safadi

We are thrilled to interview middle grade debut author, Shifa Saltagi Safadi on our blog today! KAREEM BETWEEN releases September 10th. Please read the interview below and pre-order or request this incredible novel in verse from your local library.  

KLiC: What was your inspiration for  KAREEM BETWEEN? 

SSS: Kareem Between was inspired by my own experiences of being Syrian American and the feelings of trying to find out where you belong as a kid (and really, as an adult!!).
It’s also a football book! So the Bears and NFL references are inspired by my own tween kids’ love of football!

KLiC: Please tell us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write and sell this book?
 
SSS: Writing the first draft of Kareem Between took me about one year, but this was just the first part of what was to become a book. Drafting it was a long process, as I was still figuring out the format. It was a prose book at first before I tried verse, and then as I was rewriting it in verse, I kept finding places where the plot needed work. The process of finally having a draft ready to send out on sub was long, as I think I rewrote the book multiple times over the year. It was hard to find my confidence as a debut MG author- I kept wondering if I was doing it right. But honestly, reading about other author processes was SO helpful. I kept telling myself that the struggle is worth it, and I kept reading and rereading craft books like Save the Cat writes a Novel and Story Genius. 

I was already agented when Kareem was finally finished. When it finally went on sub, and was accepted (yay)- I then had to go through the revision process with my lovely editor. Sub was not too long for Kareem, but I think it is because I was in a mentorship with my current editor, which really helped me develop a good working relationship to sub to her.

Revision rounds took about six months I would say. And then pass pages and such. The whole process from draft to publication is about 2 and a half years- and I can’t wait for it to be out!

KLiC: What’s the one thing you want children to take away from your book?

SSS: I want kids to know that they don’t have to fit in certain boxes or cater to peer pressure. Kareem struggles to be both Syrian and American, and for him, it often felt like a betrayal to choose one or the other. And I want kids to know that it’s okay to have a life that may not look like what others live- that the most important thing is to stand up for yourself and your values and be proud of your heritage.

KLiC: Do you have any tips for pre-published authors?

SSS: Keep reading and writing. I actually drafted (and tossed) two other mg manuscripts before Kareem was written. I learned a lot along the way, but most of all, I learned that persistence is key. You have to keep writing and learning and revising until the book is finally done! 

KLiC: What’s next for you? 

SSS: In 2025, I have five books coming out!!! I have a picture book in the winter titled The Gift of Eid from publisher Holiday House, as well as a four book chapter book series titled Amina Banana coming out from Putnam later on in the year. Super excited!!

KLiC: Is there anything you want readers to know about you or your book(s)?

I hope my books provide Muslim children with pride in their identity, and kids who are not Muslim with windows to peek into what it is like to be a Muslim kid.


SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI is the author of Kareem Between and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, teaches ELA at a local middle school, and reviews Muslim books on her blog, Muslim Mommy Blog. Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. She lives near Chicago with her husband and four children. For more information on Kareem Between, click here. 
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Find her on Instagram @MuslimMommyBlog


Cover art by Oriol Vidal and designed by Maria Fazio