Do you want a fun book about basketball, being true to yourself and girl power? Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball is the book for you. Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, Judith Henderson and Katherine Ahmed made this book. They took Abdul-Qaadir’s life and show us how one brave woman fought the system to stay true to who she was and honor her faith.
The idea that as a Muslim girl, Bilqis Abul-Qaadir was not allowed to “wear a scarf” while playing basketball. It did not matter that she probably could beat any other player on the teams, male or female, she just couldn’t be herself. Of course, all she had to do was take it off. It did not mean she wasn’t still herself, it was just a “scarf” but of course, it was so much more than that. All through her career she would have to deal with this issue. Sometimes winning the fight and sometimes losing. By the time the rule had been changed, it would be too late for her to play professionally.
This is an inspiring story that has unique images to paint the story for us. Not “realistic” but not “cartoon” or abstract, the colors and details give us the story as much as the words. The two (text and art) compliment each other. This book is not just for basketball lovers, women/girls, or people of the Islamic faith. It is a book that can inspire anyone to fight for what they feel is right, and know that maybe they won’t win right away, but they cannot give up.
Read via an online reader copy, though available.
