Leila Rasheed (also writes under Ellie Boswell)
Leila Rasheed is a British-Asian writer of mixed heritage who grew up in Libya. She has always loved children’s literature: its powerful themes, linguistic magic and power to change the world. Her favourite place to be is probably between ages nine to thirteen, but it all depends on the story. Some of her published books are funny and contemporary, but she loves writing historical and fantasy too. Many of her stories are in some way about a search for identity.
She enjoys exploring new forms and genres. Leila’s other role is supporting emerging writers. After graduating from the University of Warwick’s MA in writing, she returned to design and teach a module in writing for children and young people. She created the Megaphone writer development scheme, which supports black, Asian and minority ethnic children’s and young adult writers as they write their first novel. Leila is based in south Birmingham.
Books
Author: Leila Rasheed (also writes under Ellie Boswell)
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Interest age: 13-16
Reading age: 13+
Spring 1910, and the Averley family are returning to their ancestral home, the beautiful Somerton Court, after living a life of luxury in India. But it soon becomes clear that they have some scandalous secrets to hide...
Author: Leila Rasheed
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9
Bathsheba Clarice de Trop learns the lesson that money doesn’t always bring happiness, but friends and family can. A lovely, touching story, seen through Clarice’s diary, of what is actually happening in her world.
Author: Leila Rasheed
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
In 207 AD, how will a young North African girl survive amidst the unpredictability of life at the furthest reaches of the Roman Empire?
Author: Leila Rasheed Illustrator: Sarah Papworth
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+
An accessible, compelling and inspiring biography of Katherine Johnson: a brilliant, black, female mathematician who helped make NASA’s space programme and moon landing possible.
Author: Ellie Boswell
Publisher: Atom
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 8-12
The Witch of Turlingham Academy is full of mystery and magic, and a very cute squirrel called Gally. With themes of friendship, loyalty and breaking down barriers, it’s an enjoyable start to a new fantasy series.