Mom and daughter partner to publish new children’s book on belonging and respect

Safiya Bikah, 8, and her mother, Salma Hussein co-authored “Safiya’s Big Idea,” a children’s book inspired by Safiya’s idea for a “Respect Club.” Photo: Binta Kanteh

When eight-year-old Safiya Bikah came up with the idea for a “Respect Club,” she was thinking about how children could make their schools more welcoming. Her mother, Salma Hussein, knew the idea was worth taking seriously – and together, the Burnsville mother and daughter turned it into a children’s book.

“Safiya’s Big Idea” follows a girl who wants to build a culture of belonging and respect, drawing on ideas from the real Safiya and her mother’s experience as principal of Gideon Pond Elementary School. Now, the pair is preparing to celebrate the book’s launch together, bringing Safiya’s idea from the page into the community.

In 2022, Hussein became the first Somali woman principal in Burnsville. It is believed she is the first Somali woman in the state to hold the honor of serving as principal. She recently led the school to attain the designation 2026-27 Minnesota School of Excellence, awarded by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association. 

The two will host a launch of the book at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Zawadi Center, 1701 American Blvd. E. in Bloomington. 

Safiya Bikah holds a copy of “Safiya’s Big Idea,” the children’s book she co-authored with her mother, Salma Hussein. Photo: Binta Kanteh

In the book, there’s a concept called a “Respect Club” that students join. This concept emerged from a prior draft Safiya penned that explored themes of bravery, confidence and self respect. 

“Respect Club means a lot because it can change the school or the people,” Safiya said. “It could start off with a few people and then the class and then the whole grade and then the whole school and then the whole city, and then keeps going.” 

In addition to being a principal, Hussein is also a licensed clinical social worker, which set the foundation for her to become a principal. 

“I took the unconventional route. I became a social worker because I attended an information session where they talked about creating a just society, and having the experiences that I had fleeing a civil war, living in public housing, receiving free and reduced lunch – that really resonated with me,” Hussein said. “I wanted to help create a more just society where everyone has what they need.

“When I became a social worker, I worked at South High School in Minneapolis, and a friend of mine shared with me that there was a pathway to school leadership. I went to Hamline University, received my K12 principal licensure, and that is how I became a principal,” said Hussein, who is celebrating her fifth year leading Gideon Pond. 

The mom and daughter authors wrote “Safiya’s Big Idea” to remind readers and their families that everyone has a role in improving the world, starting with daily actions. Hussein has a call to action for parents. 

“I want parents to know that their kids have ideas and that their ideas are worth investing in, and that they are important as well too,” Hussein said. “It is important that we support those ideas, it does not have to be something grand. It really can be something as small as inviting people to care.” 

“Safiya’s Big Idea” is available for purchase on Amazon.