Hey! I'm H. Hayek aka Huda.
I was a journalist, primary school teacher and now I'm a children's book author.
I have six brothers and sisters – my favourite thing in the whole world is to annoy them and make them laugh (in that exact order). I’m the author of Huda and Me. Welcome to my website!
Huda and Me (2021)
A cheeky, fun and fast-moving tale of two Lebanese–Australian kids who escape their horrible babysitter by running away … to the other side of the world.
Huda’s sitting in the airport lounge, fiddling with our tickets. I can tell she’s excited because she has a little smile on her face and she keeps glancing at her pink digital watch. I can’t believe we’re doing this. I can’t believe we’re running away from home. Well, we’re not really running away. We’ll come back. We’re running to our parents. On the other side of the world.
A warm, hilarious story of sibling love, adventure and courage, Huda and Me is one of a kind.
Huda Was Here (2023)
Huda hatches a bold plan to help her dad get a job – which lands her and her brother in all kinds of trouble. A delightful and hilarious story from a CBCA award-winning author, about a lion-hearted girl who just wants the best for her family.
Huda yawns loudly and stretches out her arms. Almost like she’s bored in science class and waiting for the bell to go for lunch. Except we’re not at school, we’re in police custody. Because of her stupid idea.
When her dad loses his job as a security officer and has to work interstate, Huda convinces her brother Akeal to sneak out at night to make mischief, hoping to force their dad’s bosses to hire him back.
As their misdeeds escalate, will the daring duo be able to outsmart the authorities? How much are they willing to risk for family unity – and what else might they uncover along the way?
A thoroughly entertaining story full of hijinks, courage and hilarity.
'A charming, delightful and original story that kept me smiling the whole way through. Hayek has created a cast of unique and memorable characters - from the precocious, funny, daring Huda, to the big-hearted, patient Akeal, to the intriguing Anut Amel.
What I love the most about this story is its mischief, its spirit of adventure and its irresistible invitation to young readers to embrace a story that is familiar at times, and wonderfully fresh and new at others.'
Randa Abdel-Fattah
Australian Author
'Big adventure, big laughs and big heart. Huda and Me is exactly what #OzMG needs more of. Once minute you're laughing out loud and the next you're wiping away a cheeky tear.
Hayek delivers everything contemporary middle grade could hope for. Cheeky, hilarious, heartfelt and with an authenticity only #OwnVoices authors can offer, Huda and Me will have you on the edge of your aeroplane seat!'
Nat Amoore
Children's Author and Podcast Host
'Sparkling with mischief, adventure and family love, Huda and Me is a gem of a story. Hayek writes with warmth, humour and a keen understanding of children's capacity for loyalty and courage.
A brilliant new talent in Australian children's literature.'
Kirsty Murray
Author of Children's Fiction
Author and Speaker Workshops
- Identity, Belonging & Difference
- Writing in YOUR own voice
- Huda and Me: An in-depth exploration of the themes and writing process
Or send a query through the contact page and we can tailor a session to your needs and audience.