Francis Scott Key Student Bonds Creativity and Chemistry in First Book about Periodic Table

Francis Scott Key Middle School student Maya Mourshed not only excels in STEM but she channels her love for science as a young author.

Mourshed released her first book, "Chemistories", where she combines her interest in science and storytelling to create a collection of tales about elements from the periodic table as if they were alive with distinct personalities and dilemmas.

“It’s a dream come true for me," said Mourshed. "It’s amazing to see the characters and plots that were in my imagination brought to life on pages and illustrations that readers can enjoy and learn from."

Mourshed found her love for creative writing early in elementary school. The seventh-grader began writing poems and stories that started as school assignments. She later expanded on this creativity in her own time, which led to the creation of "Chemistories", a book she illustrated using her stylus. 

Though this is her first book, it isn’t the first time Mourshed has been published. She is a member of the Society of Young Inklings, a nonprofit youth writing community dedicated to nurturing diverse young writers. The organization holds an annual writing contest, publishing the winning works in a book. Mourshed’s winning stories include “Plan B for School” in 2023 and “Outnumbered” in 2024.

Mourshed wants to continue writing and is working on a new book that explores math. 

“It’s wonderful to see people engaged in my stories and inspired to learn more about chemistry," said Mourshed.  

“Chemistories” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble's.