Writers Union Member. Author of Early Reader Chapter Book Mehndi Boy. A Silver Birch Express nominee, and New York Public Library Best Book for Kids joint winner in 2023. All ages & grade levels. Ideal for schools commemorating South Asian, Islamic Heritage, & LGBT Pride month festivities.
Rates: $300 plus HST for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $150 plus HST per session.
Zain Bandali (he/they) is an unapologetic storyteller who uses the beautiful South Asian tradition of henna to push stubborn gender norms in a kid friendly way. Zain is a versatile public speaker that can engage the entire school, providing fully customizable sessions for primary, junior, and intermediate students that meet your school’s needs. From packed gymnasiums to intimate classrooms or libraries, any audience will leave being engaged by Zain’s author visits. Zain has led over 80 talks for his debut Mehndi Boy, and has presented across Canada, the Northeastern United States, India, and Dubai. Zain also enjoys presenting to intermediate and high school students on his experiences being Queer & Muslim too.
“Zain’s sharing of his book “Mehndi Boy” with The Sterling Hall Schools grade 3-5 students was one we will never forget! Zain was incredibly personable and connected with the students immediately! We were all hooked as he read us the first 2 chapters of Mehndi Boy and explained the art of mehndi. Zain’s ability to bond with the students and make a big presentation feel like a cozy chat was fantastic to witness. It is wonderful to see teachers and students so enthused with a new book, they could hardly wait to get hold of “Mehndi Boy”and continue reading about Tehzeeb. We can’t wait to see what books Zain writes in the future and to have him back!”
– Gillian Younger, Teacher Librarian
The Sterling Hall School
Mehndi Boy Session (45 – 60 min)
Mehndi Boy is a heartfelt story that celebrates identity, culture, creativity, and inclusivity. Learn about the inspiration behind Mehndi Boy, discover more about henna traditions and artistry, and engage in an interactive storytelling with the author himself!
- Introduction to henna and its cultural significance in South Asian culture
- Discussion on the journey behind publishing Mehndi Boy
- Interactive read aloud storytelling of two chapters
- Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
- Fun colouring & activity sheets for educators
Grades: 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12
Audience: Any size
No caps, preference for students in related ages and grades to be grouped together so that I may tailor my presentation that is best suited to them.
Tech Requirements: I’ll need a projector or screen to display visuals from the book, and a small table and chair at the front of the space for me. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally.
Purchasing Books: Happy to arrange for the purchase of signed copies of Mehndi Boy to students and staff, or coordinate with school administration if there is interest in ordering classroom sets.
Being Queer & Muslim Session (60 min)* Intermediate & High School ONLY
An engaging conversation about the LGBT community and Islam, drawn from my own personal experiences coming out as gay to my family, how I found comfort in my queer Muslim identity, and the ways in which it has impacted my writing. Perfect for GSA (gender and sexuality alliance) clubs or for Pride Month.
- Introduction to being LGBT in the context of Islam
- Dispelling the misconception “you can’t be Gay and Muslim”
- Coming out at 19, my own personal journey
- Joy, writing, and finding community
- Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
- Resources and literature for educators
Rates: $500 plus HST for one session. Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $300 plus HST per session.
Grades: 7-8, 9-12
Audience: Preference for 10-60 students per session
Tech Requirements: Projector or screen. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally.