Nadine Aisha Jassat

Poet & storyteller ⸙

Nadine Aisha Jassat is an award-winning, Carnegie nominated author. Her works include acclaimed poetry collection Let Me Tell You This, and verse novels The Hidden Story of Estie Noor and The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them), described by Sophie Anderson (The House With Chicken Legs) as ‘one of those books that truly makes the world a better place.’

Nadine has been published widely in popular anthologies such as Picador’s It’s Not About the Burqa (Shortlisted for Foyles Non-Fiction Book of the Year), Polygon’s The People’s City and Bloodaxe's Staying Human. Her work has drawn significant acclaim: her writing for adults has been shortlisted for the Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, a Herald Scottish Culture Award for Outstanding Literature, and she has won a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award. Her writing for children has shortlisted for an Alexandra Palace Award and James Reckitt Hull Book Award, longlisted for a UKLA Book Award and the Jhalak Prize, nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Writing, and more.

Nadine’s poetry is taught on the Scottish SQA secondary school syllabus. She has taught and performed internationally and across media, from speaking to UK schools via BBC Authors Live to touring her novels across South Africa with Jonathan Ball. She has completed writers’ residencies taking her from the bright stage of Lagos International Poetry Festival to the quiet corners of Scottish school libraries, and she has a long history of delivering creative practice work to engage and inspire.

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A jigsaw piece from the cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's book The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them) featuring an illustrated hand on a record player.

Book cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's The Hidden Story of Estie Noor

Cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's book The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)

Portrait of author Nadine Aisha Jassat flipping her hair up as she smiles. She is wearing yellow dungarees and a white shirt and stands against a pink background.

Book cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's collection of poetry Let Me Tell You This

An illustrated flower taken from the cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's book The Hidden Story of Estie Noor

Watch

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As seen in…

Nadine Aisha Jassat standing in a library, indicating to a large rainbow above the bookshelves that says "Reading gives you wings"

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…and many more.

Nadine Aisha Jassat sitting in a bookshop, holding up a copy of her book The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them)

"The children were so inspired by Nadine and absolutely buzzing about books and reading for the rest of the afternoon. It’s such a magical thing to have books brought to life, and Nadine certainly did that."

- Primary School Teacher
"Nadine writes with a truth about heritage, family and having a voice. I love her style, characters and use of language. If you haven’t yet discovered the talents of Nadine, then I urge you to visit your local library or bookstore."

Erin Lyn Hamilton, My Shelves Are Full
"This is the best author visit I have been to."

High School Student, Paisley Book Festival School’s Programme
"I learned to trust my own voice."

Workshop Participant, Speaking Out workshop series commissioned for Scottish Women's Aid
"Nadine creates a warm, open atmosphere where participants feel valued, and learn to find value in their work and in themselves."

Ryan Hay, Scottish Youth Theatre
"I really enjoyed this, the author was really engaging with us and her books seem great."

High School Pupil
"A thrilling performer and distinctive new voice in UK poetry."

Wigtown Book Festival
"An incredible writer in residence, who forged great relationships with staff and students. Opening horizons and helping young people see themselves as writers, an absolute gem."

Secondary School English Teacher
"Hers is a powerful, unforgettable new voice."

Jackie Kay
"Pupils were able to engage with a professional author in an exciting and engaging environment. Pupils left feeling - 'that could be me up there one day'. "

Primary School Teacher, Paisley Book Festival Schools’ Progamme
''Nadine created a safe and creative space where participants felt free to share their thoughts and explore their writing. We had brilliant feedback and highly recommend her as a skilled and sensitive facilitator.'"

Rape Crisis Scotland
"A wonderful event chair; warm, generous and very assured."

Nick Barley, former Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Nadine Aisha Jassat

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Watch

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As seen in…

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…and many more.

"The children were so inspired by Nadine and absolutely buzzing about books and reading for the rest of the afternoon. It’s such a magical thing to have books brought to life, and Nadine certainly did that."

"Nadine writes with a truth about heritage, family and having a voice. I love her style, characters and use of language. If you haven’t yet discovered the talents of Nadine, then I urge you to visit your local library or bookstore."

"This is the best author visit I have been to."

"I learned to trust my own voice."

"Nadine creates a warm, open atmosphere where participants feel valued, and learn to find value in their work and in themselves."

"I really enjoyed this, the author was really engaging with us and her books seem great."

"A thrilling performer and distinctive new voice in UK poetry."

"An incredible writer in residence, who forged great relationships with staff and students. Opening horizons and helping young people see themselves as writers, an absolute gem."

"Hers is a powerful, unforgettable new voice."

"Pupils were able to engage with a professional author in an exciting and engaging environment. Pupils left feeling - 'that could be me up there one day'. "

''Nadine created a safe and creative space where participants felt free to share their thoughts and explore their writing. We had brilliant feedback and highly recommend her as a skilled and sensitive facilitator.'"

"A wonderful event chair; warm, generous and very assured."