The story of Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, a Muslim American basketball star who broke barriers and continues to advocate for Muslim women in sport, Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir with Judith Henderson and illustrated by Katherine Ahmed will spark conversations with readers.

In this Citizen Kid title, readers learn all about Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir and her journey playing basketball through high school and college until she was forced to choose between her religion and her sport in order to play at the international level. Readers learn not only about her but the fierce women who stood behind her as she pursued her dream. This narrative non-fiction book will spark many conversations especially as we look toward the summer Olympics in Paris next year. If you are following the news, there is much discussion about wearing the hijab and competing in the Olympics.

I really love the writing of this book. There is a lyrical melody to the text that flows from page to page, punctuated by the SWISH when the basketball enters the hoop. Many readers will relate to that sound and it creates a song of a story keeping the content engaging and impactful.

Katherine Ahmed’s illustrations are big and bold! She shines the spotlight on Bilqis throughout the book and captures her determination and spirit perfectly. She shows the lion on the inside.