Na'ima B Robert (born Thando Nomhle McLaren; 19 September 1977) is an author of multicultural literature and founding editor of the UK-based Muslim women's publication, SISTERS Magazine.
Born in Leeds to a Scottish father and Zulu mother, both from South Africa, Robert grew up in Zimbabwe and attended university in England.
As well as being immersed in Zimbabwean culture, Robert's parents instilled in the children their South African roots and a strong political consciousness.
During her university studies Robert travelled to Egypt as an amateur musician and singer playing traditional Zimbabwean compositions at a music festival.
After teaching in the classroom and founding a private home school, Robert began writing multicultural picture books with Muslim themes for children.
Girl, challenged common stereotypes about young Muslims in Britain and featured a cameo appearance of Urban Islamic graffiti artist Muhammed 'Aerosol Arabic' Ali.
[9] Robert's third YA title, Far From Home, is a historical fiction novel set in Zimbabwe and is featured in the 2011 Pop-Up Festival of Stories in London.
In February 2021, she wrote and published 'Show Up',[10] a personal story of the author reflecting on her journey of life with references to quotes from the Qur'an, Hadith and contemporary thinkers.