MCPS recently shared the news of Maya Mourshed, a student at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring, who not only shines in STEM subjects but also expresses her passion for science through her writing as a young author. Mourshed recently published her debut book, Chemistories, where she melds her fascination with science and storytelling.
In this collection, she brings elements from the periodic table to life, giving them unique personalities and challenges. “It’s a dream come true for me,” Mourshed shared in the MCPS news story. “It’s incredible to see the characters and plots that originated in my imagination come to life in pages and illustrations for readers to enjoy and learn from.”
According to an interview with Young Inklings, Mourshed discovered her love for creative writing when she was just eight years old. The now-seventh grader began crafting poems and stories as part of school assignments and later pursued this passion on her own, ultimately leading to the creation of “Chemistories,” which she illustrated using her stylus.
While this is her first book, it’s not her first experience with publication. Mourshed is a member of the Society of Young Inklings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting diverse young writers. The organization hosts an annual writing contest, with winning entries published in a collection. Mourshed has had success in this forum, with her stories “Plan B for School” in 2023 and “Outnumbered” in 2024 both earning recognition.
“Chemistories” is available for purchase on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. Eager to continue her writing journey, Mourshed is currently working on a new book that delves into the world of math. “It’s wonderful to see people engaged in my stories and inspired to learn more about chemistry,” she said.