There’s a new voice shaking up the shelves of YA fiction—and her name is Tasneem Abdur-Rashid. With her bold, heartfelt, and refreshingly honest debut novel Odd Girl Out, she’s giving readers exactly what they’ve been craving: a story that’s real, raw, and utterly relatable.

Meet Maaryah - once living the luxe life in Dubai, now crash-landing into rainy, grey London post-divorce, stuck navigating a new school, new rules, and a world that doesn’t quite know what to do with a hijab-wearing girl who won’t blend in. But Maaryah isn’t here to fade into the background. She’s navigating annoying (but undeniably fit) boys, the intense highs and crushing lows of teen friendship, and the ever-present pressure to fit in, while dealing with an even bigger twist that threatens to upend her world all over again.

What Tasneem has created is more than a coming-of-age story. It’s a brilliant exploration of culture clash, belonging, and resilience, packed with drama, humour, and poignant truth. At its core, Odd Girl Out is about what it means to stand your ground and be unapologetically yourself in a world that often expects the opposite.

We caught up with Tasneem to find out about her inspiration, her experience writing, and what she hopes young readers will take away from Maaryah’s journey. Here's what she had to say:

Q. Maaryah is a really interesting and complex character, she felt real enough that she could have walked off the page  - what are your secrets to creating such well-developed characters?

A. Maaryah is based on my niece, who is also called Maaryah, so maybe that’s why she felt so real! My character definitely shares traits with the real Maaryah – but I think the secret to creating well-developed characters is to make them three-dimensional, like real flawed people with hopes, dreams and fears. Life is never black and white, and neither are people – there’s good and not-so-good in everything and everyone. 

Q. Maaryah faces a multitude of microaggressions on her return to the UK, what advice would you give to young people facing similar situations? Any advice for white readers to be better allies?

A. Moving to a new country is tough anyway - and facing racism or Islamophobia on top of that makes it even worse. You're trying to fit in, but some people still treat you like you don’t belong. It’s isolating and it shouldn’t be like that. 

It’s totally okay to feel frustrated, upset, tired, or angry. Those feelings are real. But don’t let the hate define who you are. You are more than their ignorance.

Finding belonging helps. That might be through friends, community, your culture, or even small things like music, food, or traditions that remind you who you are.

And if it ever gets too much, talk to someone - a friend, family member, or teacher. You don’t have to go through it alone.

In terms of how white readers can be better allies: 

- Listen and Learn

Put the voices of those experience racism first—listen without jumping in or making it about you.

It’s not about feeling guilty, it’s about growing and doing better.

- Educate Yourself

Read, watch, and follow people who speak on racism and Islamophobia.

Don’t expect Muslims/those experiencing racism to teach you everything - Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge is a great start.

- Speak Up

Call out racist or Islamophobic jokes and comments - even from friends.

Use your voice and privilege to stand up for others.

- Support and Amplify

Share and support the work of Muslim and POC creators, leaders, and activists.

Help make space for their voices in school, media, and community.

- Check Yourself

Notice your own privilege and bias.

Stay open to learning and doing better, always.

Q. Maaryah finds a safe space in her new school's library - where are your favourite places to read?

Like Maaryah, libraries used to be my safe space – I loved the calm and quiet and being able to disappear into a good book. Nowadays, as a busy working mum, I read whenever and wherever I can. I always have a book with me and I read on the train, in coffee shops or last thing at night before I go to sleep. 

Q. Following on from that - which contemporary books do you think Maaryah would love? 

A. Maaryah loves:

Q. How did you research what life is like in Dubai - did you live there yourself, and if so, what was the most extravagant thing you experienced?

A. I lived in Dubai for seven years – my older sister (the real Maaryah’s mum) lived there for 13 years and my younger brother still lives there, so I visit a lot. The way I describe Dubai in Odd Girl Out is very true to my experience of it. I did enjoy a lot of extravagance when I lived out there – staycations in beautiful resorts by the sea, massages in the 7-star Burj Al Arab, weekend brunches in five-star hotels, fancy cars etc… but possibly one of the craziest things I ever saw was a man driving with a Cheetah in the passenger seat of his car! 

Q. Was it always your dream to be a writer?

A. Absolutely! I’ve been telling stories ever since I could speak, and writing ever since I could hold a pen! I’m so thankful that I’ve managed to make my dream a reality and every day is a pinch-me moment! 

Q. What are the challenges of bringing a novel to publication? How did you find the process?

A. It’s a very long and gruelling process. People assume that once you’ve written the book, that’s it. But actually, the bulk of the work begins once you’ve finished writing it! There are rounds and rounds of edits that keep pushing you and mining you until you’ve got nothing left to give. I think Odd Girl Out went through around eight drafts! 

Q. Any tips or advice for fellow writers trying to get their first novel published?

A. Don’t give up! Finding an agent or a publisher is all about timing and you just need your query email to land in the right inbox at the right time. 

Q. How did it feel to hold the finished copy of your YA debut novel in your hand - and how did you celebrate?

A. IT FELT INCREDIBLE! The first time I held the final copy was when I went to the printers and picking a copy up fresh off the line was both utterly surreal but amazing at the same time. It’s been a few days since the book hit bookshelves and I haven’t stopped celebrating! I’ve got a lovely launch party for my nearest and dearest coming up as well which I’m looking forward to. 

@TasneemARashid

Click on the book below to buy, download an extract or read our expert reviews.