Proud (Young Readers Edition): Living My American Dream

by Ibtihaj Muhammad Narrated by Suehyla El Attar, Ibtihaj Muhammad

Overview

The inspiring and critically acclaimed all-American story of faith, family, hard work, and perseverance by Olympic fencer, activist, New York Times bestselling author, and Time "100 Most Influential People" honoree Ibtihaj Muhammad

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Ibtihaj Muhammad smashed barriers as the first American to compete wearing hijab, and she made history as the first Muslim American woman to win a medal. But before she was an Olympian, activist, and entrepreneur, Ibtihaj was a young outsider trying to find her place.

Growing up in suburban New Jersey, Ibtihaj was often the only African American Muslim student in her class. When she discovered and fell in love with fencing, a sport most popular with affluent young white people, she stood out even more. Rivals and teammates often pointed out Ibtihaj's differences, telling her she would never succeed. Yet she powered on, rising above bigotry and other obstacles on the path to pursue her dream.

Ibtihaj's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to the international stage is told in her own words and enhanced with helpful advice and never-before-published photographs. Proud is an all-American tale of faith, family, hard work, and self-reliance.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Proud (Young Readers Edition):
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2018

"Engaging...Muhammad's ability to face down multiple challenges will doubtless be inspiring to young readers."—The Washington Post

* "Readers who are already fans of [Ibtihaj] Muhammad will love her even more, and all readers will gain much inspiration from this heartfelt memoir of a true American hero. Like Muhammad herself, this book is a timely gift to us all."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "eye-opening...[Ibtihaj] Muhammad's story is an inspiring one that will encourage readers to question what it means to be American."—Booklist, starred review

* "Fencer and Olympic medalist Muhammad pens an eminently readable account of her childhood through her win at the 2016 Rio Olympics in this must-have memoir."—School Library Journal, starred review

"compulsively readable and highly relatable."
—VOYA

School Library Journal

05/01/2019

Gr 6 Up—The young readers edition of U.S. Olympic fencer Muhammad's memoir explores her family's roots and attraction to Islam, her formative childhood and educational experiences, and her rise to Olympic fame, including the painful bigotry of her teammates. Muhammad skillfully discusses the ways that race, class, gender, and religion have affected her ambitions. This examination of what it means to be an accomplished African American Muslim woman will resonate with students.

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2018-05-14
Muhammad, Olympic medalist for the U.S. fencing team, presents a memoir emphasizing the role of sports in her life.Muhammad, a black, Muslim American who grew up in New Jersey, was raised by loving, supportive parents in a stable home. Her parents had many expectations of her and her siblings, one of which was that they would always participate in a sport. Some readers know the general story of how Muhammad finally picked and stayed with fencing—a sport in which she could wear the team uniform without compromising the modest attire required of her faith—but there are surprises in the details. Muhammad's experiences in schools, in sports, in social situations, and in national and international competitions include moments of joy and exhilaration as well as many periods of isolation and self-doubt. The honesty in her writing makes it easy to connect with her journey, so that even readers who are not interested in the details of fencing will want to keep going to see how she made it all the way. Her dedication is impressive, and the many other people populating the pages of her memoir create a portrait of what it takes to make a champion. Readers who are already fans of Muhammad will love her even more, and all readers will gain much inspiration from this heartfelt memoir of a true American hero. Like Muhammad herself, this book is a timely gift to us all. (glossary, interview) (Memoir. 10-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173667199
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	07/24/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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