TEMPE, AZ – American Muslim author Najiyah Diana Helwani’s novel, Sophia’s Journal: Time Warp 1857, has become the first English language Islamic fiction book to receive the prestigious Islamic Fiction seal of approval. The seal is awarded to creative, imaginative, Muslim-authored books that meet quality standards established by Muslim Writers Publishing and the Islamic Writers Alliance, and feature real-life challenges within a framework of Islamic values.

“Before 9-11 most Americans had had little or no contact with Islam,” said Helwani. “So when negative images and stereotypes began to fill their newspapers and TV screens, they were understandably frightened and put off. In reality, though, Muslims as a group are a productive and peaceful part of the American landscape. Fiction can help Americans relate to their Muslim neighbors on an emotional, human level, and that is where peace begins.”

Author Najiyah Diana Helwani's love of her American roots blends beautifully with her Islamic faith, and readers will be delighted to discover how the two compliment each other. Raised on the windswept prairies of central Kansas, Helwani's connection to and research of frontier life and Bleeding Kansas makes Sophia's adventure a great addition to any history or social studies curriculum. The book includes a glossary and several unique recipes that are specific to the pre-Civil War era.

"Sophia's Journal is a very welcome addition to the growing field of Islamic fiction. Helwani successfully blends Islamic teachings with a captivating story about one of the most difficult periods in American history." - Jamilah Kolocotronis, author of the well-known Echoes saga and veteran social studies teacher.

About the Author
Najiyah Diana Helwani is a teacher and freelance writer whose published credits include poetry and magazine & newspaper articles. Sophia's Journey: Time Warp 1857 is her debut novel and the first in a planned series of historical fiction. Najiyah currently teaches English and writing in Damascus, Syria, where she lives with her husband and six children. When she is in the USA she conducts workshops on Islam and the history of United States' relations with the Middle East.

Journalists: Najiyah Helwani will be available for personal interviews – Summer 2008 – or you can contact her via email at: tellnajiyah@gmail.com

Publisher Contact: Linda D. Delgado, Muslim Writers Publishing, publisher@MuslimWritersPublishing.com