Picture a storyteller who spun tales from the heart of war-torn Afghanistan, weaving love, loss, and resilience into young adult fiction—meet Atia Abawi! Born to Afghan refugees and raised in the United States, Abawi transformed her experiences as an award-winning war correspondent into novels that bridge cultures and give voice to the voiceless. Her stories, rich with empathy and authenticity, captivate readers with their raw humanity.
The Making of Atia Abawi
Born on August 9, 1982, in West Germany to Afghan parents fleeing the Soviet invasion, Atia Abawi’s life began with a story of survival. Raised in Virginia, she grew up watching news reports of Afghanistan with her family, sparking a passion for journalism. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Abawi dove into broadcast journalism, starting at a local Maryland station before joining CNN. Her career took her to Kabul, where she spent nearly five years as a foreign correspondent, embedding with U.S. and Afghan forces and covering pivotal events like the 2010 Marjah operation.
Atia Abawi’s Unforgettable Stories
Abawi’s debut novel, The Secret Sky: A Novel of Forbidden Love in Afghanistan (2014), draws from her time in Kabul. This young adult tale follows Fatima, a Hazara girl, and Samiullah, a Pashtun boy, whose forbidden romance defies family, culture, and the Taliban. Critics praised its vivid depiction of Afghanistan and strong female lead, earning a spot on the 2015 Amelia Bloomer Project list for empowering narratives. Her second novel, A Land of Permanent Goodbyes (2018), shifts to the Syrian refugee crisis, chronicling teenager Tareq’s harrowing journey from Syria to Europe. Narrated by Destiny, the story blends heartbreak with hope, earning starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. Abawi also contributed to Chelsea Clinton’s She Persisted: Sally Ride (2021), celebrating the astronaut’s barrier-breaking legacy. Her writing style—laced with journalistic precision and emotional depth—tackles themes of identity, displacement, and female empowerment.
Abawi’s novels stand out for their authenticity, born from firsthand interviews and research. From the mountains of Afghanistan to the shores of Lesbos, her settings are meticulously crafted, reflecting real places and struggles. Her focus on diverse, resilient characters invites young readers to see the world through new eyes, making her a vital voice in young adult literature.
Why Atia Abawi Matters
Atia Abawi’s impact lies in her ability to humanize global crises. Her novels don’t just tell stories—they amplify the voices of Afghan and Syrian refugees, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy. As a former refugee herself, Abawi brings a rare perspective, blending her journalistic rigor with a novelist’s heart. Her work has inspired statewide reading programs in Iowa and Texas, and her school visits spark discussions on diversity and resilience. By centering strong female characters, she empowers young readers to embrace their own strength.
- Born: August 9, 1982, West Germany
- Key Works: The Secret Sky, A Land of Permanent Goodbyes, She Persisted: Sally Ride
- Awards: George Foster Peabody Award, duPont-Columbia Award
- Fun Fact: She’s fluent in Dari and Farsi!
Ready to dive into Atia Abawi’s world? Grab The Secret Sky or A Land of Permanent Goodbyes and lose yourself in her gripping, heartfelt tales of courage!