LION ON THE INSIDE

Love of sports and unwavering faith play starring roles in this true story.

Abdul-Qaadir, a Black athlete and the first Muslim woman to play NCAA Division I basketball while wearing a hijab, shows talent in childhood, dunking the ball in a child-sized hoop at age 3 and playing against boys at 12. Her grandmother is her biggest cheerleader; her mother reminds her to choose her battles. In high school, she’s a star player—but in a playoff game, a referee says she can’t play in her hijab. Her teammates back her up, and she plays, becoming the all-time lead scorer in Massachusetts state history. Abdul-Qaadir plays college basketball and is recognized by President Barack Obama for her accomplishments. She’s ready to play professionally when “it happens again”: She is told she can’t play wearing her hijab. She must choose, and she chooses her faith. By the time Abdul-Qaadir and supporters help convince the International Basketball Federation to change the rules, it’s too late for her own athletic career but not for other girls’. Lingering on key moments, the well-paced, crisp verse highlights Abdul-Qaadir’s strength of character, emphasizing that despite the injustices she faced, she triumphed by living by her principles. Ahmed’s playful images of an active Muslim girl dispel stereotypes with joyful representation. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Stirring and impactful.