Written by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir and Judith Henderson, Illustrated by Katherine Ahmed
Bilquis Abdui-Qaadir, Quis for short, is a Muslim-American girl who has been playing basketball since the age of three. She continues playing the game and eventually makes the high school basketball team. This is about the same time she starts wearing her hijab. She is told by the high school that she cannot compete wearing a hijab. Quis is adamant about wearing her hijab while competing because this is what she believes in and she is not willing to give it up. By challenging the rule and standing up for what she believes in, Quis is allowed to compete while wearing her hijab. She went on to the college level and became the first women to play in a hijab in NCAA history. She faced adversity again when she made it to the pro level, but unfortunately didn’t receive the same outcome. She did, however, advocate for the rights of other Muslim-American girls and encouraged them to stand up for their rights and use their voice to make their dreams and beliefs known. Very inspiring book!
Reviewed by Laura Schmidt, Librarian, Fox Hills Elementary
Review shared in December 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grade 4-8
Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball
Written by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, Illustrated by Katherine Ahmed
Kids Can Press
40 pages
Release Date: September 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781525310034
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
