Hello! I’m Sita.
Welcome to this patchwork of storytelling. I write novels, plays and short stories rooted in community and empathy. Lots of them are about the rites of passage moments in life.
My debut novel ‘Artichoke Hearts’ won the Waterstones Book Prize. Since then my stories have been honoured by national and international awards, translated into many different languages and are endorsed by Amnesty International.
Have a look around this site to find a collage of inspirations including: podcasts, reviews and events. I write stories across genres that explore themes of culture, history, environmental protection, refugee rights, identity and belonging.
The young protagonists whose voices you’ll discover here have often been underrepresented. They dare to ask the big questions facing our world today. They are seeking answers and are not afraid to challenge injustice.
Latest News
Amazed and honoured to have received the Malorie Blackman Impact Award from the Diverse Book Awards in a joyful ceremony at Waterstones Piccadilly. Congratulations to all the writers whose work was celebrated.
An amazing moment for me, I was honoured to be made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. I still can’t believe I got to sign my name in the Records with Andrea Levy’s pen. Her life and work is such an inspiration to me. (Photo: Kasia Bobula)
I’m delighted to have been made an Ambassador of Book Clubs in Schools along with Tom Palmer. BCiS build spaces for dreaming, well-being and making meaning for some of the young people who have the least access to books. Every child has a chance to fall in love with stories, to be sustained by them and to help navigate their lives with all the opportunities and life experiences reading brings.
Upcoming Events
Discussing vital questions around children’s literature today with Darren Chetty at English & Media Centre. More details here.
Events for October 2025
English & Media Centre - Teacher Talk on representation in Phoenix Brothers and Beyond the Secret Garden with Darren Chetty - October 23
Writing Room - Writing into the Heart of Childhood course - Nov 4 - Dec 9
Seen and Heard - Hear Our Voices children’s book. Gathering refugee and migrant children’s voices With Amnesty International Poland’s Nicky Parker and Chris Riddel.
“Remains with the reader long after the last page has been turned” - The Guardian
“Addresses complex ideas with grace and immense humanity” - Katherine Rundell
“Award-winning Sita Brahmahari has a great gift of understanding for the confusions and loneliness of adolescents and their need to be gently nurtured and cherished” - Julia Eccleshare
“I was moved and uplifted” - Michael Rosen