Aisha Yusuf
Aisha Yusuf is an author and co-founded a publishing company Abāyo House with her sisters.
“IF THERE’S A BOOK THAT YOU WANT TO READ, BUT IT HASN’T BEEN WRITTEN YET, THEN YOU MUST WRITE IT.”
— TONI MORRISON
Books
Race to the Finish Line
This young adult mystery novel features an extraordinary character never seen before in contemporary literature that is hellbent on confronting hate and uncovering a dangerous secret.
Dear Abāyo, it be like that sometimes
Dear Abāyo is a collection of poems, letters, memories, and lessons. This book is a sincere and intimate recollection of the growing pains of Somali and Muslim womanhood.
Reviews
"Compassion and curiosity. That is why I bought and read this book."
– a reviewer
"This book kept me on my toes throughout the novel. It allowed for me to really understand the depths of what racism can look like for our Black counterparts. I loved how the main character was such a strong female Muslim lead, it really allowed for me to connect with her character throughout the novel! Job well done :)"
– a reviewer
"I had no idea what to expect when I read this book, but it blew all my expectations. I have never read about a book that features a Black Muslim protagonist. The author breaks barriers and challenges norms with Race to the Finish Line. This is definitely a book that will start conversations about race and identity. I can't wait to read more from this author."
– a reviewer
Featured In
CBC News
CTV News
Latest Article
Why I Quit Reading at 15 and Started Writing
When I was younger, reading was my greatest escape. The library was my safe haven, and I remember spending after school and weekends there piling what seemed like all the books in the world in my small arms. I remember the nights where I would stuff a towel under the door so my mom wouldn’t see the light coming from my room when I should've been sleeping.
About Aisha
Aisha Yusuf is a Somali-Canadian author who debuted with her novel Race To The Finish Line in 2021. She is a courageous and passionate author who wants to add value to the world and inspire others to follow their dreams. When trying to publish her book, Aisha came across roadblocks, but she quickly took matters into her own hands and decided she would be the one to publish her book.She now strives to share her knowledge with others and encourage them to never give up on their aspirations. She also wants to change the literary world and bring voices like hers to the forefront. Along with her sisters, Aisha co-founded a publishing company Abāyo House and published her novel Race To The Finish Line–creating an opportunity for herself to achieve her dream.Race To The Finish Line is just the beginning for Aisha. Her desire as an author is to pen many more novels, her goal as a publisher is to give authors like her space to tell their stories authentically, and her vision is to bring positive change to the world one story at a time.
Books
Race To The Finish Line
Aaleyah Ahmed had her senior year planned out. She would focus on diplomas, apply to universities, graduate, and take a road trip around Canada with her best friends. What was not a part of her plan was moving to a small town in America she’s never heard of because of her dad’s job.What she wasn’t prepared for was discovering the town’s dark history that threatens the safety of her and her family.Aaleyah and her friends vow to uncover the truth. However, they discover more than they bargained for. They realize they might be in over their heads, but they’re in too deep to stop.One thing is for sure, everyone is hiding something.
Dear Abāyo, it be like that sometimes
Dear Abāyo is a collection of poems, letters, memories, and lessons. This book is a sincere and intimate recollection of the growing pains of Somali and Muslim womanhood.
As Seen In
CBC Article
CBC Radio
CityNews Everywhere
The Loop Podcast (17 min. mark)
CTV
Middle East Eye
Articles
Coming soon!
Get in touch!
contact@aishayusuf.com