About Maisha
Author, storyteller, and champion of emotional intelligence in children's literature
Meet the Author
Maisha Oso is the author of Before the Ships: The Birth of Black Excellence, My Hair Is a Book, the It's Almost Time for… series, Buster the Bully, and the Venus Washington chapter book series.
She writes stories that empower and entertain young readers while supporting emotional intelligence and self-expression. Her books have received multiple starred reviews, been named Best of the Year by several outlets, and earned a nomination for the NAACP Image Award.
A former strategy and analytics professional from New York City, Maisha now lives in Georgia with her family. When she is not writing, she can be found wrangling her three children, watching reality television, or singing along to the Hamilton soundtrack. After spending several years living abroad in Africa, she and her family returned to the United States.
Writing Philosophy
Empower
Stories that celebrate Black excellence, heritage, and the beauty of diversity, helping children see themselves as capable and worthy.
Entertain
Engaging, laugh-out-loud stories that capture the joy and wonder of childhood while keeping young readers turning pages.
Encourage
Building emotional intelligence through stories that help children understand feelings, empathy, and navigating relationships.
Awards & Recognition
NAACP Image Award Nominee
Nominated for the prestigious NAACP Image Award, recognizing outstanding achievements in literature and the arts.
Multiple Starred Reviews
Books have received starred reviews from industry publications, marking them as exceptional works in children's literature.
Best of the Year Selections
Named to Best of the Year lists, celebrating the impact and quality of her storytelling.