Nadine Aisha Jassat

Poet & storyteller ⸙

Nadine Aisha Jassat is the author of acclaimed poetry collection Let Me Tell You This, and verse novels The Hidden Story of Estie Noor and The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them), described by Sophie Anderson (The House With Chicken Legs) as ‘one of those books that truly makes the world a better place.’

Her work has been published widely in popular anthologies such as Picador’s It’s Not About the Burqa (Shortlisted for Foyles Non-Fiction Book of the Year), and Bloodaxe's Staying Human. Her work has drawn significant acclaim, including being shortlisted for the Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, a Herald Scottish Culture Award for Outstanding Literature, and winning a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award.

Nadine has taught and performed internationally and across media, from taking part in Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Outriders Africa to appearing in BBC’s The Big Scottish Book Club, and has completed writers’ residencies taking her from the bright stage of Lagos International Poetry Festival to the quiet corners of Scottish school libraries. She regularly delivers engaging and powerful creative practice, and is a seasoned events chair.

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A jigsaw piece from the cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's book The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them) featuring an illustrated hand on a record player.

Book cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's The Hidden Story of Estie Noor

Cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's book The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)

Portrait of author Nadine Aisha Jassat flipping her hair up as she smiles. She is wearing yellow dungarees and a white shirt and stands against a pink background.

Book cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's collection of poetry Let Me Tell You This

An illustrated flower taken from the cover of Nadine Aisha Jassat's book The Hidden Story of Estie Noor

Watch

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As seen in…

Nadine Aisha Jassat standing in a library, indicating to a large rainbow above the bookshelves that says "Reading gives you wings"

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…and many more.

Nadine Aisha Jassat sitting in a bookshop, holding up a copy of her book The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them)

"Nadine creates a warm, open atmosphere where participants feel valued, and learn to find value in their work and in themselves."

Ryan Hay, Scottish Youth Theatre
"A thrilling performer and distinctive new voice in UK poetry."

Wigtown Book Festival
"Hers is a powerful, unforgettable new voice."

Jackie Kay
"A wonderful event chair; warm, generous and very assured."

Nick Barley, former Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival
"I learned to trust my own voice."

Workshop Participant, Speaking Out workshop series commissioned for Scottish Women's Aid
"An incredible writer in residence, who forged great relationships with staff and students. Opening horizons and helping young people see themselves as writers, an absolute gem."

Secondary School English Teacher
''Nadine created a safe and creative space where participants felt free to share their thoughts and explore their writing. We had brilliant feedback and highly recommend her as a skilled and sensitive facilitator.'"

Nadine Aisha Jassat

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Watch

⸙

As seen in…

⸙

…and many more.

"Nadine creates a warm, open atmosphere where participants feel valued, and learn to find value in their work and in themselves."

"A thrilling performer and distinctive new voice in UK poetry."

"Hers is a powerful, unforgettable new voice."

"A wonderful event chair; warm, generous and very assured."

"I learned to trust my own voice."

"An incredible writer in residence, who forged great relationships with staff and students. Opening horizons and helping young people see themselves as writers, an absolute gem."

''Nadine created a safe and creative space where participants felt free to share their thoughts and explore their writing. We had brilliant feedback and highly recommend her as a skilled and sensitive facilitator.'"