Maria Dadouch, an accomplished author with over 80 children's books to her name, won the Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Children’s Literature in 2022. Her work aims to resonate with children, often focusing on engaging stories that are well-received by young readers.
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Dadouch considers awards crucial incentives for the publishing industry, describing them as a "dynamo for the publishing world" that encourages children's literature. Known for her prolific output, Dadouch writes for various age groups, from illustrated books aimed at young children to more complex works for older readers. Her book, 'Lughz al-Kura al-Zujajiyya' (The Mystery of the Glass Ball), published by Dar al-Saqi in 2021, received the Sheikh Zayed award in 2022 and has been translated into German, with a Portuguese version forthcoming.
Having grown up in Syria during a time of political turmoil, Dadouch moved to the US and later earned a master's degree in creative writing from UCLA. Initially focused on adult novels, she later ventured into children's literature, ignited by her experiences as a parent and her love for storytelling. Her first major success was 'Planet of Absurdity,' which won a Kitara prize in 2017 and depicts a Syrian child's struggle with the psychological effects of the civil war.
Dadouch is adept at addressing serious topics, presenting them in a manner approachable for children. 'The Mystery of the Glass Ball,' intended for readers aged 9-12, is set in a futuristic Emirati landscape and features a thrilling plot involving a plot to harm a desert oasis.
Reflecting on the current state of children's publishing in the Arab world, Dadouch points to challenges such as insufficient marketing budgets and the high costs of books. However, she also acknowledges the positive impact of increasing book awards, which encourage the production of engaging literature, contrasting it with past tendencies to favor didactic content.
Her win of the Sheikh Zayed award has given her a platform to influence literary quality, as she now participates in juries for different awards. This role allows her to advocate for books that captivate children's imaginations rather than merely instruct them. Additionally, she appreciates the financial freedom the award provides, enabling her to decline projects that do not interest her and pursue more challenging stories.
Currently, Dadouch is working on a mystery novel set in medieval North Africa, featuring Vikings and pirates, further illustrating her commitment to creating innovative literature for young readers.