An Author Spotlight Interview with Educator Jabriel Akbar

By God's grace, he blessed me with an opportunity to interview educator and gifted children's author Jabriel Akbar. She shared in the interview that her book Brave Little Root helps children begin to develop emotional awareness at an early age. Also, she stated that when children begin to understand their emotions, it can shift the way they experience challenges and growth. That shift in perspective can help them build confidence, stay grounded, and approach life’s challenges with a stronger sense of resilience.

Jabriel Akbar:  As-Salaam Alaikum, I’m Sister Jabriel Akbar, Author and Educator . I’ve spent the last 16 years supporting children and families across the Midwest. From classrooms to children’s hospitals. When I’m not being outsmarted by 3 year olds you can more than likely find me reading , hiking,  cooking or intaking questionable amounts of matcha latte’s. Lol 

 

 Dr. Nadine Muhammad: What is your motivation for writing your children's book: Brave Little Root?

Jabriel Akbar: My motivation for writing Brave Little Root is deeply connected to the work I’ve done with children for many years. Supporting children’s literacy and social ,emotional development has always been central to my work, and the book became a natural extension of that duty . I wanted to create a heart centered children’s story that could serve as a gentle tool to help children explore big feelings and grow emotional awareness in a fun, age appropriate way.

Through nature inspired storytelling and moments of reflection, the story encourages resilience, grounding, and self belief. I believe we can’t escape the ups and downs of life, so it’s important that we expand our capacity to navigate disappointment, emotions, and change.

I’ve spent countless hours in the garden beside my older brother talking, learning, and listening to the lessons that nature quietly offers. He’s a gifted agricultural scientist whose knowledge of the soil, growth, and patience has shaped the way I see the world. Those experiences along with my childlike wonder planted the seed for Brave Little Root.  

On a personal level, writing the book also felt like stepping into an assignment out of obedience.  The story came  as a small, sacred offering, an expression of gratitude for the work that Allah is doing in my own heart and growth . Creativity has saved my life time and time again. 

Nature became the perfect metaphor for that truth. A root growing underground can’t yet see the sunlight, but it’s still doing the deep quiet work for the greater good.

 

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

Jabriel Akbar:  Brave Little Root is a children’s story about emotions, resilience, and learning how to grow through life’s challenges. The story follows Rasul, a small root living beneath the soil who dreams of one day reaching the sunlight above. As the seasons change around him, Rasul experiences many big feelings. Fear during storms, heaviness when the rain falls, and uncertainty about what lies ahead.

With the guidance of a wise old tree and the quiet lessons found in nature, Rasul begins to understand that emotions are a natural part of growing. Instead of being controlled by them, he learns how to stay grounded and rise above them with patience and courage.

The story uses nature as a metaphor to help children see that growth often happens beneath the surface. Just like a root pushing through the soil toward the light, children can learn to move through their emotions, believe in themselves, and continue growing even when things feel difficult.

 

Life naturally comes with ups and downs, and we can’t escape difficulty. But we can expand our capacity to navigate those moments with the proper knowledge, wisdom, faith, and courage. My hope is that the story gently plants those seeds and serve as a reminder that we can always rise above our condition as taught by The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Looking ahead, I’m continuing to build the world around Brave Little Root. I’m excited to expand the story and explore deeper themes as Rasul grows. I’m also working on a new project, a novel titled Battle In The Ground, which continues exploring the deeper unseen battles that shape our reality.

Dr. Nadine Muhammad: Thank you so much, Jabriel, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share the story behind your book and also for everything you do in the way of educating our children. Our readers: we invite you to share your questions or reflections regarding Jabriel's children's book in the comments section below. Please don't forget to build your children's home library with her book Brave Little Root.