Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Khadijah VanBrakle (My Perfect Family)!
Meet the Author: Khadijah VanBrakle
Khadijah VanBrakle is an award-winning author who writes coming-of-age stories about Black American Muslim teens, a dual marginalization that she shares. She was born and raised in Canada to American parents. Khadijah’s debut, FATIMA TATE TAKES THE CAKE, was a 2024 NAACP Image Awards finalist in the Outstanding Youth/Teens literature category. She’s a mom of five and lives in New Mexico with her family.
About the Book: My Perfect Family
Sixteen-year-old Leena has always wished for a big family… but when she discovers she has a Muslim grandfather and aunt she never knew, she learns that family comes with tangled histories she may not be able to heal.
“Lonely Leena” is close with her young single mother. Still, she’s always secretly dreamed of more (and, when she was a kid, asked Santa for it). A huge family to cheer her on at graduation. A gaggle of smiling faces at the holidays. But one call from the hospital, and her mother’s hidden past comes to light: Her grandfather is in the ER, and her aunt is with him in recovery. Sorry—her WHO?
But with family comes family secrets—Leena’s mom’s, and as Leena grows close with her new family behind her mother’s back, her own. Leena’s mom warns that Leena’s grandfather Tariq’s financial generosity doesn’t come without strings attached… like Leena converting to Islam, fighting for a spot at a top university, and adhering to the restrictive rules that she ran from all those years ago. Leena isn’t sure who to trust, yet she’s certain that she adores Tariq and her mom—and that she’s the only one who could heal old hurts. After so many years, is it even possible? And if she can’t, will she have to choose between them?
A big family was the dream, but all this drama isn’t.
Warm, witty, and sometimes serious, My Perfect Family is a poignant intergenerational narrative that gives voice to Black Muslim women. A thoughtful examination of the intersection between gender and religion, Khadijah VanBrakle’s sophomore novel is a heartfelt tale of forging one’s own path… while loving those who stay by your side.
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~Author Chat~
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
My Perfect Family is a contemporary YA novel whose main character, Leena, lives in Albuquerque, where I also live. I loved being able to include local places I’m familiar with and then I took a trip between Santa Fe and Albuquerque on the Rail Runner because I knew she was going to take the same trip in the book.
One of the specific things I researched was carnivals, both the booths and prizes—since Leena attends a teen event in the story.
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
So far, all my young adult stories are character-driven and I always start with who the protagonist is when I’m creating a new novel. It’s important to me that the story revolves around a fully-fleshed out character.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
Readers can expect to find the main characters in my books to be given an impossible choice. Also, I like to include universal themes in my coming-of-age stories but of course, the stories are sprinkled with issues and situations specific to my protagonist’s dual marginalization.
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
This is a really difficult question for me to answer since I have a few projects in multiple genres, all in different stages of completion. But if I had to choose only one, I would continue to write in the Contemporary Young Adult genre. Being able to tell coming-of-age stories that center Black American Muslim teens is an honor and privilege.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
I do take snack breaks while writing. Most of the time it’s either popcorn, green grapes, or peanuts. On the days when my writing task is rather challenging, I always push myself to work long enough to get my scheduled snacks.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?
Since drafting isn’t my favorite part of the writing process, after my first draft is complete, I complete a reverse outline. This reminds me where events happen and the story’s timeline before I dive into the revision process.
YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?
For me, looking at my bookshelves brings a smile to my face. I’m so grateful to have a collection of great novels, especially those by other BIPOC authors. It’s a blessing for me to be a published author and see my own stories among that collection.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
The Highlights Foundation is an amazing resource for those who’ve always wanted to write and/or illustrate books for children and teens, and for those who’re already on that path. They have both online and in-person workshops, classes and retreats that offer great opportunities to delve into the craft of writing. In addition, Highlights serves writers of all different skill levels.
Title: My Perfect Family
Author: Khadijah VanBrakle
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Publisher: Holiday House / distributed by Penguin Random House
Genre: Young Adult
Age Range: 14 – 17 years
