An Author Spotlight Interview with Donnika X

Photo Credit: Donnika X

I am so grateful to God for this delightful interview with Donnika about her children's book, My Muslim ABCs book. She shared with me how she was inspired to create this book project to show young girls in hijab in a positive and uplifting light and how representation matters. Lastly, she discussed how in this book she wanted children to feel proud of who they are.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Please, would you tell our readers about yourself?

Donnika X: My name is Donnika X and I am a children’s book author. I’m passionate about creating meaningful, faith-centered stories that reflect identity, confidence, and positive values for young readers. I wanted to contribute to children’s literature in a way that allows children—especially those who look like me—to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: What is your motivation for writing your children's book: My Muslim ABCs?

Donnika X: My motivation came from a desire to create something I didn’t often see growing up—books that reflect Muslim children in a joyful, everyday way. I wanted to build something simple but powerful: an alphabet book that not only teaches letters, but also introduces faith, character, and confidence at an early age.

I was especially inspired to create a book that shows young girls in hijab in a positive and uplifting light. Representation matters, and I wanted children to feel proud of who they are.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Would you tell us the details of what your book is about?

Donnika X: My Muslim ABCs is a colorful, rhyming alphabet book designed for early readers. Each letter introduces a word connected to everyday life, positive values, or elements of Islamic identity in a gentle and age-appropriate way.

From A to Z, children are guided through a journey that blends learning the alphabet with themes like kindness, gratitude, patience, and joy. 

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: What are the benefits readers will obtain from reading your book, and how will their lives be transformed?

Donnika X: Readers will gain more than just letter recognition. They will experience a sense of confidence, belonging, and positive identity.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Thank you so much, Donnika, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your inspirintg story behind your book and also for everything you do in the way of creating books for children that teach faith, character, and confidence at an early age. Our readers: we invite you to share your questions or reflections regarding Donnika's children's book in the comments section below. Please don't forget to build your children's home library with her book, My Muslim ABCs.