UAE: Homeschooled 12-year-old Indian expat boy releases novel at Sharjah International Book Fair

Tazeen has won accolades for his writing style, and he uses dragons and dinosaurs as characters in his novels to reflect his outlook on life.

Although the name and plot seem to be children’s themes, the description is like a historical drama, which makes readers forget the author’s age factor, and integrates various elements such as education, politics, family, equality, emotion, friendship, war and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking to Gulf News, Tazeen said he completed the book in just eight months.

“I have my own views on war, peace and world affairs, and I think it’s better to portray my characters as dragons and dinosaurs,” he said.

Set in the fictional land of “Panhuang”, Tazeen’s novel revolves around the danger of dragon brothers Mark and Pearl and their mother Helen entering the domain of another dragon race.

Published by Al Rewaya, the book is available in major bookstores and online platforms, and Tazeen has been invited to several international book fairs.

Swabri Abdul Khader Khasim, a father who runs an advertising agency, said the book will be translated into Arabic and Chinese by March 2023.

When asked if Tazeen’s writing was influenced by his parents, Swabri said: “We didn’t have a good command of English. We had to ask a professor to help edit his book. But I helped him write for the book. book and his [Tazeen’s] Cousin Shayan Shareef, 13, created an imaginary map of the continent based on Tazeen’s description. “

He said his two sons had mastered different languages ​​and subjects on their own. “We just helped them get started and provided all the equipment and guides. Tazeen only taught English for a few months when he was 5 years old.”

Tazeen says he is an avid reader with interests in languages, geography, history, aviation and astronomy. He also likes to sing and play the piano.

“Homeschooling has helped us [him and his brother] Benefit from the flexibility and freedom to create our own courses and schedules,” he said.

His 15-year-old brother, Naji Swabri, is currently completing a second-level certification exam for the National Open Schools Academy, a part of the Indian government.

Like his younger brother, he is self-taught and has talents in 3D modeling, game development, animation, and more. He is also passionate about aviation, space and rocket science, and loves dancing and acting.

Naji, who created the animated video trailer for Tazeen’s book launch and officiated at the ceremony when previously appointed professionals couldn’t attend, said he was honored to have been offered a job offer at a car manufacturing company in Dubai.

“I got a job in their creative department. I was told to join after completing my exams this month. We thank the UAE for allowing people over 15 to work part-time,” he said.

The homeschooled brothers have been volunteering with the Dubai Astronomy Group and have learned to operate the single-engine flight cockpit by watching videos and using simulators at home.

A YouTube video posted by the siblings in January 2021 shows “pilot” Tazene assisted by his “co-pilot” Najib as he pilots a Cessna Skyhawk G1000 aircraft simulator.

Swabri, who wrote and directed the 2009 Indian feature film De Nova – The Road Less Trodden, said Naji wanted to follow in his footsteps in the film industry, while Tazeen wanted to be an airport terminal manager. “He doesn’t like math very much. Otherwise, he would want to be a pilot,” he added.

Their mother Jubairiya A. Khader, who works in accounting, said her sons are learning “almost everything” via the Internet. “When schools started online classes during COVID-19, we enrolled them at an Indian curriculum school in Dubai because we thought they might enjoy sitting at home. They did well in every way and had three in a row Months were at the top of their class. But they weren’t happy with the school’s education system and their homework. So they dropped out,” she said.