S. A. Hoque launches "Sitara, Lady of the Lotus," with Lilian Li

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Inspired by a Korean folktale, a Bengali princess attends a prestigious Korean academy...

Sitara has been insecure about her N'daian heritage for as long as she can remember. With a culture, religion, and appearance foreign to Oreka-the kingdom her parents immigrated to-Sitara's anxious tendencies make her doubt everything.

Attending the Royal Academy, Sitara feels out of place and alone. The three years at the academy are meant to shape her-but into what? A palace officer like her crush, Sir Jun-Seo, a royal tailor like her best friend Saya, or a lady investigator like the kind Madam Joon-bin?

Where exactly can a N'daian princess like Sitara belong in Oreka?

Recommended for ages 11+

S. A. Hoque is a lifelong New Yorker and daughter of Bengali immigrants. Hoque has been a huge fan of princesses, dragons, and anything fantasy-related since middle school and now writes about them. She currently resides in New York City with her family and her neighbor's cat, Rocket.

Lilian Li is the author of the YA novels House of Koi and award-winning Duet Me Not, inspired by her hometown of Penang, Malaysia. She writes about themes of first loves, identity, and home.

Shaherazad Shelves is the first Muslim-owned, Muslim-serving fiction publisher in the United States. Founded in 2021, we are a New York-based book publisher created by two sisters aiming to diversify bookshelves all over the world. The route to publishing a book through traditional means (querying literary agents) is arduous, especially so for low-income, immigrant, or religious minorities who have limited knowledge of the industry. Agents and editors often reject works they "don't connect" with—limiting the representation of lifestyles experienced by underrepresented groups—unless it fits a specific, commercial narrative. Shaherazad Shelves dismantles that barrier. Writers who belong to a Global Majority ethnic group or are without literary representation can submit to our editorial team, who understand that a faithful story is pivotal to success, not the time or money to have a polished query or manuscript, a specific word count, or connections in high places.

Shaherazad Shelves has three imprints: Shush Books, Saladeen Books, and Sorra Books. We strive to be a source of Islamicate fiction for the masses and a stepping stone into the world of publishing for all others. In addition, we also provide micro-grants to Muslims. Learn more about the SALAM award.

Host or Publisher Lofty Pigeon Books