Reem Faruqi based I Can Help on a similar experience from her childhood. She is also the author of Lailah's Lunchbox (Tilbury) and the upcoming Amira's Picture Day (Holiday House) and Unsettled (HarperCollins). Lailah's Lunchbox, her debut, was named an ALA Notable Book and received many other honors. Reem lives in Georgia. Visit her website at reemfaruqi.com or follow her on Twitter @ReemFaruqi.