annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
Ibtihaj Muhammad won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in 2016 for team saber fencing. This is her story of how she got to that place while keeping her faith, Muslim, intact. At times inspiring (hard work pays off) and at times frustrating (team members won't associate with her, issues wearing her hijab) I was very glad to read this and thrilled that Muslim women have a strong, healthy roll model for themselves in Ibtihaj Muhammad.
This book is the young adult version of her adult book, Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream, which was also published in 2018.
This book is the young adult version of her adult book, Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream, which was also published in 2018.
dlberglund's review against another edition
4.0
A memoir of grit and perseverance that tells us of her struggles while staying overwhelmingly positive.
juha's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Especially recommend for those who are interested in fencing
mariahroze's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book that everyone should pick up and read, especially in the USA. Right now, there is so much hate towards Muslims and their religion. Our president is trying to ban all Muslim immigrants and make life harder for Muslim-Americans. This book really highlights all the good that is happening in the Muslim community. Reading this book is a way to open your eyes and to fight against the hate that is going on in the USA and around the world.
"At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ibtihaj Muhammad smashed barriers as the first American to compete wearing hijab, and made history as the first Muslim-American woman to medal. But it wasn't an easy road--in a sport most popular among wealthy white people, Ibtihaj often felt out of place. Ibtihaj was fast, hardworking, and devoted to her faith, but rivals and teammates (as well as coaches and officials) pointed out her differences, insisting she would never succeed. Yet Ibtihaj powered on. Her inspiring journey from a young outsider to an Olympic hero is a relatable, memorable, and uniquely American tale of hard work, determination, and self-reliance."
"At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ibtihaj Muhammad smashed barriers as the first American to compete wearing hijab, and made history as the first Muslim-American woman to medal. But it wasn't an easy road--in a sport most popular among wealthy white people, Ibtihaj often felt out of place. Ibtihaj was fast, hardworking, and devoted to her faith, but rivals and teammates (as well as coaches and officials) pointed out her differences, insisting she would never succeed. Yet Ibtihaj powered on. Her inspiring journey from a young outsider to an Olympic hero is a relatable, memorable, and uniquely American tale of hard work, determination, and self-reliance."
christcore's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.75
A fine read. Nothing incredible. Reading the young readers' version makes me wonder if the adult/original version dives deeper into the topics that I felt were lacking (sexism/harassment, acknowledgement of class, threats of violence...). It's a very preachy book, as is to be expected. Every triumph is attributed to her being American. At a certain point, it becomes redundant.
aheinicke27's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
bheadley's review against another edition
5.0
Such an inspiring and beautiful woman. I appreciated hearing about her faith, devotion, and defense of it. As a woman of faith, sometimes it’s easier for me to not defend, and just say “it’s all good, no big deal.” After this book, I will find the courage to stand my ground and stand up for things I believe in. Thank you, Ibtihaj!
sarlope12's review against another edition
one of my favorites for the year, i wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't for this assignment. highly highly highly recommend it. It was so fascinating to read more about fencing, and overcoming barriers in that world.
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
This book is inspiring, particularly for women looking for ways to go to college and have it paid for through sports. The author chooses fencing, because at the time there weren't many women fencers, although she's never at a loss for competitors. But there were no others who wore the hijab. Although the author graduated from an Ivy League school in 2008, at the height of the Great Recession, and at one point worked for a dollar store, she pursed her passion relentlessly and by her 30s went to the Olympics. An all-around inspiring sports story!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/