Author Interview: Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can by Seema Yasmin

In her writing, Seema Yasmin has a gift for bringing extraordinary real life stories to young readers in a way that feels honest, hopeful, and deeply human. In Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can, Seema introduces kids to a trailblazer who refused to let other people’s assumptions define her future, blending humor, persistence, and self-advocacy in ways that feel both inspiring and relatable. We spoke with Seema about the moments that surprised her most during her research, the joy and humor woven into Maysoon’s journey, and what she hopes young readers take away about embracing who they are and chasing what they love. Check it out below and pick up Maysoon Zayid, The Girl Who Can Can, out now!

Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can (Muslim Mavericks)

by Seema Yasmin, Noha Habaieb
Published by: Salaam Reads / Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
on February 10, 2026
Genres: Humor, Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, Young Adult
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From the prolific Pulitzer Prize–nominated Muslim reporter Dr. Seema Yasmin comes an exciting nonfiction chapter book about one of America’s first female Muslim comedians—Maysoon Zayid—the first in the riveting and inspirational Muslim Mavericks.

This is the story of the girl who could!

Maysoon Zayid was just a girl from New Jersey. She might have sometimes felt like she was in the shadow of her three older sisters, but in her dreams, she was Mimi—an amazing actress, comedian, and dancer! The only problem? People kept telling Maysoon her dreams were impossible!

Achieving her goals certainly wasn’t easy; as a Palestinian Muslim girl born with cerebral palsy, Maysoon faced all sorts of challenges—both physical and societal. But Maysoon didn’t dare give up. Instead, she followed her heart all the way to the screen and stage to become one of America’s first ever women Muslim comedians and an actress on her favorite TV show.

Interview with Seema Yasmin

Maysoon’s story shows how she kept dreaming big even when others doubted her. Was there a moment during your research where her determination surprised you most?

What surprised me most was how early Maysoon learned to advocate for herself. As a child, she didn’t simply accept the limits others placed on her; she questioned them, negotiated around them, and kept imagining futures beyond what seemed immediately possible. Her determination wasn’t loud or dramatic; it was steady and intentional, which made it all the more powerful.

The book introduces young readers to someone who breaks boundaries in comedy and performance. If you could pick one funny or unexpected moment from Maysoon’s life to act out with kids, what would it be?

I’d love to act out the time when Maysoon challenged a school principal (who happened to look like Abe Lincoln) about his decision that she didn’t belong in his school. Her father, in that moment, was also outraged that the principal made assumptions about Maysoon’s disability and the daughter-daddy duo didn’t back down until Maysoon was accepted into the school!

Maysoon wasn’t just a comedian but also an advocate and influencer. What’s one thing you hope kids take away about following their own passions after reading her story?

I hope kids learn that their passions don’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid. Maysoon’s story  shows that you can combine what you love with who you are, and that being different can actually be the source of great strength.