Mariam Ansar —
copyright: Robin Christian Photography
Mariam Ansar is a Bradford-born writer and secondary English teacher.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Ansar studied English and experienced a brief stint in journalism before settling on a career in education. Her feature writing has been published in NME, gal-dem, Dazed, Catapult, Rookie Magazine, Teen Vogue, Elite Daily, and many others.
Her debut novel — Good For Nothing — was published by Penguin Random House in March 2023.
Published Works —
When three teens are landed with a community service order after an incident involving a spray can and an inconveniently timed patrol car, their stories start to converge.
Amir is the angry boy who won't talk about the brother he lost - but he won't let his name be forgotten either.
Eman is the awkward girl whose favourite evenings are spent at home watching TV with her Nani.
Kemi is the determined athlete who knows she deserves as good a shot as anyone else - if only she can get to the starting line.
As they spend more time together they learn more about themselves, and in the process realise the true cause of Amir's brother's death...
This is one summer they will never forget.
'A gripping portrait of three very different teenagers and one divided northern town, Ansar's moving, funny YA debut feels entirely true to life'
- The Guardian