Naomi.Shihab Nye author page

Naomi Shihab Nye biography

Naomi Shihab Nye is an American poet, songwriter, and novelist known for her work in children’s and young adult literature as well as poetry for adults. Born to a Palestinian father and an American mother, Nye’s heritage and experiences have influenced much of her writing, which often explores themes of cultural connection, peace, and understanding.

Nye has published numerous poetry collections, including Different Ways to Pray (1980), Yellow Glove (1986), and Fuel (1998). Her work for young readers includes the acclaimed poetry collection Amahl and the Night Visitors: A Guide to Understanding the Nativity and the novel Habibi (1997), which draws on her own experiences and was recognized as an American Library Association Notable Book.

In addition to her poetry and fiction, Nye has edited several anthologies, such as This Same Sky: A Collection of Poems from Around the World (1992) and What Have You Lost? (1999). She has also contributed to educational initiatives, serving as a visiting writer in schools and universities across the United States.

Nye’s poetry has appeared in a variety of literary journals and anthologies, and she has received multiple honors for her contributions to literature. In 2019, she was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation.