Layla's Journey

Meet Layla—a curious, creative girl navigating a new world with courage and heart. When her family moves to the United States, everything feels unfamiliar. But through science experiments, new friendships, and joyful moments of cultural exchange, Layla discovers that “home” can grow in unexpected places. With 16 original and bold illustrations from acclaimed artist Pouya Afshar, Layla’s Journey is a heartfelt celebration of identity, resilience, and the beauty of difference. 
Pouya Afshar’s art is held in the permanent collections of LACMA, the Denver Art Museum, and the Detroit Institute of Arts, and he teaches as an Associate Professor at UMass Lowell.
Neda Moridpour, co-author, a Professor of the Practice at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, is a celebrated artist-activist whose collaborative projects have earned international recognition and prestigious awards.