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“In this nonfiction chapter book, a series starter, [Seema] Yasmin (Unbecoming) follows a ‘Palestinian, Muslim and disabled entertainer,’ American actor and comedian Maysoon Zayid, as she confronts obstacles on her way to stardom…Effervescent prose presents Zayid as a lively girl with ambitious goals and talent to match while matter-of-factly portraying her day-to-day experience of living with CP. A buoyant prologue sets up the series as a vehicle through which to highlight prominent Muslim figures pursuing their ‘wildest dreams.’”

—Publishers Weekly

Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can

Written by Seema Yasmin
Illustrated by Noha Habaieb
Published by Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

This is the story of the girl who could!

Maysoon Zayid was just a girl from New Jersey. She might have sometimes felt like she was in the shadow of her three older sisters, but in her dreams, she was Mimi—an amazing actress, comedian, and dancer! The only problem? People kept telling Maysoon her dreams were impossible!

Achieving her goals certainly wasn’t easy; as a Palestinian Muslim girl born with cerebral palsy, Maysoon faced all sorts of challenges—both physical and societal. But Maysoon didn’t dare give up. Instead, she followed her heart all the way to the screen and stage to become one of America’s first ever women Muslim comedians and an actress on her favorite TV show.

Primary ISBN: 9781665953429
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New Jersey)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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