Welcome Ball State's 2024 Writer-in-Residence

Hena Khan, an award-winning author of picture books and middle grade fiction, has five new books coming out this year, including Drawing Deena, Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library, and We Are Big Time—a graphic novel about “an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team.” Hena Khan’s groundbreaking middle grade novel Amina’s Voice was named a Best Book of 2017 by the Washington Post, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and others. As a child, Khan spent countless hours at the public library, but never saw her life as a Pakistani American Muslim reflected in the pages of a book. After completing her MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University, Khan worked with non-profit health organizations as a writer and editor for many years. Born and raised in Maryland, she enjoys sharing and writing about her culture and religion, as well as many other topics—from community and friendship to spies and space travel.

Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything feels different than Florida. The Islamic school is bigger, the city is colder, and her new basketball team is…well, they stink. Aliya’s still excited to have teammates (although the team’s captain, Noura, isn’t really Aliya’s biggest fan), and their new coach really understands basketball (even if she doesn’t know much about being Muslim). This season should be a blast…if they could just start to win. As they strengthen their skills on the court, Aliya and the Peace Academy team discover that it takes more than talent to be great–it’s teamwork and self-confidence that defines true success.

For fans of The Crossover and Roller Girl, this graphic novel goes big with humor and heart as it explores culture and perceptions, fitting in and standing out, and finding yourself, both on and off the court.

PRAISE FOR WE ARE BIG TIME

“It’s an uplifting graphic novel that celebrates female Muslim athletes and highlights how the teens’ faith, sport, and relationships intersect.”
– Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review)

“An inspiring sports story that focuses on more than the score.”
– Kirkus Reviews

Public Events Featuring Hena Khan

  • Monday, October 28: Hena Khan “Writing for Young People,” Pittenger Student Center Ballroom at 7:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday, October 29: Pizza Party Meet & Greet with Hena Khan, Ross Community Center at 5:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday, October 30: Featured Reading with Hena Khan followed by a Conversation with Ball State Graduate Ashley C. Ford, Pittenger Student Center Ballroom at 1:30 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. Ms. Khan will be available to sign books after each event. After 7 p.m., free parking is available in most campus lots and garages.

The Ball State Writer-in-Residence program is thrilled to bring award-winning author Hena Khan to Muncie for a week to have conversations with the elementary and middle school students in our community schools and after-school programs who received free copies of Khan’s books. The residency is sponsored by the Creative Writing Program in the Department of English and made possible by the Efroymson Family Fund, the College of Sciences and Humanities, and the Office of the President with generous support from Burris Laboratory School, the Department of Women’s, Gender, and African American Studies, and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University.

Questions? Please contact Professor Jill Christman

Hena Khan

Here’s a treasure chest full of teaching resources for all of Ms. Khan's books—including reading guides, activities, videos, & posters.

Treasure Chest