Author Hena Khan To Visit Ball State as 2024 Writer in Residence

Topics: Arts and Culture, College of Sciences and Humanities, Community Engagement, Faculty, Muncie, President, Speakers

October 15, 2024

Ball State University's Writer-in-Residence program returns for a third year with a new featured guest, award-winning author Hena Khan.

Ms. Khan is the author of multiple picture books and middle grade novels targeted at readers aged 8 to 12. Her stories often center around her culture, community, friendship, and family, drawing from her personal experiences.

During her multi-day stay at Ball State-Oct. 28-30-Ms. Khan will meet to read, write, learn, and talk with students in Muncie's public schools and after-school programs. She will also engage in discussions with community members about books and storytelling.

Hundreds of school-aged children in the community will receive copies of Ms. Khan's books, including We Are Big Time, a graphic novel that celebrates female Muslim athletes; Super You! Power of Invisibility, a pick-your-path adventure story; and Drawing Deena, a novel that explores adolescent anxiety through the experiences of a young artist.

Events featuring Ms. Khan that are free and open to the community include:

• Monday, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Writing for Young People-A Creative Writing Workshop
• Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1:30 p.m.: Hena Khan and Ashley C. Ford in Conversation

Both public events will take place in the ballroom of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center on Ball State's campus, with ample parking available adjacent to the building.

Ms. Khan's visit to Ball State is sponsored by the creative writing program in the Department of English, with generous support from the Efroysmon Family Fund, the College of Sciences and Humanities, and the Office of the President.

"I am grateful to our generous donors and our dedicated faculty and staff who make this meaningful program possible," said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. "Meeting an author can be a transformative experience for young readers. I appreciate that Ms. Khan will encourage youth literacy during her visit while also inspiring creativity and promoting cultural awareness in our community."

Ms. Khan is the third author to participate in Ball State's Writer-in-Residence program. Ashley C. Ford, Ball State graduate and author of the memoir Somebody Else's Daughter, was the program's inaugural guest in 2021. Last year, the University welcomed to Muncie Newbery Honor-winning author Alicia Williams, whose latest middle-grade novel, Mid-Air, was recently longlisted for a National Book Award.

"What's so wonderful is how much students and local educators alike have come to look forward to these author visits," said Professor Jill Christman, who coordinates the Writer-in-Residence program. "Our goal is to improve the reading culture of our community and to introduce young people to Ball State, where someday they can pursue their own creative endeavors. This is a program I hope continues for many years to come."

Please visit the Ball State Writer-in-Residence site for a complete calendar of events, Ms. Khan's welcome video to Muncie students, an inspiring recap of Ms. Williams' 2023 visit, and curated materials for teaching and writing.