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lsparrow's review against another edition
4.0
an inspiring story about being unappologetically yourself. and of working for the life you want. I think I wanted more - I wanted to hear more about her faith.
Although she talks about many experiences of racism and very obvious discrimination and the hurt and anger she felt she seems to move forward - I wanted to know more about that.
Although she talks about many experiences of racism and very obvious discrimination and the hurt and anger she felt she seems to move forward - I wanted to know more about that.
mamagames's review against another edition
Previewing for J's 8th grade year. This one is deeper and more detailed than some of the other memoirs she has read, but I think she'll really enjoy it, especially reading about how Ibtihaj felt "other" and how she dealt with that.
christieb123's review against another edition
5.0
We actually read this young reader's edition as a family read aloud, and it was great. My kids got into it even more than I expected. Our family has a background in fencing, so that probably helped. It brought up great discussions of discrimination, anxiety, and working hard for what you want. It was also good for my kids to read about someone praying before competitions and having personal faith, especially someone of a different religion than theirs.
saidtheraina's review against another edition
4.0
What a cool and fascinating person.
I really enjoyed reading this, for myself. I originally picked it up thinking it might be a good book to take out to local middle schools, and it wasn't a great fit for that.* But for me, just reading it, it was great.
I spent 7 years or so of my youth on a synchronized swimming team, and I imagine that synchronized swimming and fencing have some things in common. They're niche cultures, with lots of lingo, politics, and very specialized skills. I loved Muhammad's reflections on how she was so attracted to this particular sport, the times she considered dropping it, and what drove her to be the best.
*For some of the same reasons I go into in my review of [b: Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town|2874621|Outcasts United A Refugee Team, an American Town|Warren St. John|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320518676l/2874621._SY75_.jpg|2900784].
I really enjoyed reading this, for myself. I originally picked it up thinking it might be a good book to take out to local middle schools, and it wasn't a great fit for that.* But for me, just reading it, it was great.
I spent 7 years or so of my youth on a synchronized swimming team, and I imagine that synchronized swimming and fencing have some things in common. They're niche cultures, with lots of lingo, politics, and very specialized skills. I loved Muhammad's reflections on how she was so attracted to this particular sport, the times she considered dropping it, and what drove her to be the best.
*For some of the same reasons I go into in my review of [b: Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town|2874621|Outcasts United A Refugee Team, an American Town|Warren St. John|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320518676l/2874621._SY75_.jpg|2900784].
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."