Mariam Mohamed reads her book to class. (FOX 9)<\/p>\n
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Mariam Mohamed, a fourth-grade teacher in Minneapolis is celebrating an exciting new chapter. Not only has she authored multiple books, but now one of her books is being made into a short film aimed at representing Somali children.<\/p>\n
\"They remind me of myself,\" she said. \"I think this is why I teach at an all-Somali school.\"<\/p>\n
Mariam Mohamed, a fourth grade teacher in Minneapolis is celebrating an exciting new chapter. Not only has she authored multiple books, but now one of her books is being made into a short film aimed at representing Somali children.<\/p>\n
At Banaadir Elementary, a charter school in northeast Minneapolis, Mohameds students are captivated each time she reads one of the three books shes authored within her seven years of teaching.<\/p>\n
\"I want them to see an authority figure like a teacher -- who resembles them. Because when I was growing up, I had nothing but white teachers, and I couldnt see myself or picture myself as a teacher,\" Mohamed said. \"I just hope Im showing them that you can do it too.\"<\/p>\n
The books are about young Muslim children, especially young girls Mohamed knows are underrepresented in literature and mainstream entertainment.<\/p>\n
Some filmmakers and production companies agree, and now Mohameds most popular book about a grandmothers golden rule is being turned into a short animated film. \"Ayeeyo's Golden Rule\" is set to debut on YouTube later this fall.<\/p>\n
\"Aeeyas golden rule means a lot to me because its based on a true story,\" she said. \"It was based off of a student I was working with my first year of teaching ever, and she was newer to the country and how she was really picked on and bullied.\"<\/p>\n
Mohameds goal is to write a lot more and turn this film opportunity into a series, with her students at the top of her mind.<\/p>\n
\"Ive just seen how hungry the students I work with are to be represented. Its just not fair at this point,\" Mohamed said. \"I want to do it for them more than me, to be honest. I dont have to get a penny off of it.\"<\/p>\n
As a teacher, each book centers around lessons of empathy, people young and old can learn from.<\/p>\n
\"Theres a bigger reason that I write, and its for everybody,\" she said. \"Because through literature, especially childrens literature, while they are still young and their minds are being molded, I feel like thats where you can really make an impact and an influence, and bridge that gap.\"<\/p>\n
Mohameds books are available on Amazon and Target or through her website.<\/p>\n
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Children's book written by Minneapolis teacher to be animated short film, provide Somali representation - FOX 9<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Mariam Mohamed reads her book to class. (FOX 9) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Mariam Mohamed, a fourth-grade teacher in Minneapolis is celebrating an exciting new chapter. Not only has she authored multiple books, but now one of her books is being made into a short film aimed at representing Somali children Continue reading