Review by Booklist Review
This companion to The Proudest Blue (2019) and The Kindest Red (2023) follows sisters Faizah and Asiya in their daily life. Faizah loves attending Jummah (Friday prayers) with her sister and mother, where each dons a hijab, "covered from head to toe." Afterward, Faizah attends fencing class, where once again she is covered, noting that both situations feel just right. Despite her enjoyment, she feels insecure about making mistakes, especially when others are watching. But with coaching from older sister Asiya and encouragement from Mom, she finds the courage to be bold and succeed. Muhammad, an Olympic bronze medalist in fencing herself, writes knowingly about this subject. The text reads smoothly and the information about fencing will intrigue, but the true message here is of gaining self-assurance and feeling pride in oneself. Aly's digitally enhanced pencil-and-ink wash illustrations are upbeat, with purples, pinks, and blues predominating, making the white fencing outfits pop off the page. Although lacking a glossary of Arabic terms used, this will encourage standing up with confidence.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--The third installment in Muhammad and Ali's chronicles of a young Muslim girl focuses on summoning courage in the middle of discomfort. This book tracks Faizah through her fencing journey and her struggle with performance anxiety. Uncomfortable with being the center of attention, she finds solace in retreat--being part of the crowd at her mosque, or as part of her fencing class. She feels safety and security in being covered by her hijab, and by her fencing uniform. Being part of the crowd "feels right." Standing out does not. Her supportive mother encourages her, assuring that bravery will come to her when it is needed. Rich, digitally enhanced ink and pencil illustrations beautifully evoke all the movements of fencing and the warmth in the community of which Faizah is a part. Fans of the previous titles will not be disappointed. VERDICT A recommended addition to picture book collections in elementary schools and public libraries.--Jennifer Noonan
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Olympic fencer Muhammad, co-author Ali, and illustrator Aly team up for another tale about young Faizah. Faizah adores summer Fridays, attending Jummah prayers at the mosque with her mom and big sister, Asiya. Faizah loves fencing lessons, too--except when she must perform in front of her peers. Are they staring at her because she's messing up? Faizah prefers to fade into the background: At the mosque, she feels safe in the crowd behind the imam, and at home, she shadows Asiya's fencing moves. When the coach asks if she'll compete in the fencing tournament, Faizah is reluctant. But after her mom imparts some wise words on courage ("Water the roots for the right reasons, and bravery will grow. Exactly when you need it to"), Faizah learns step by step how to show her skills in front of people, so that when it's the right time to be bold, she can step out from the crowd. This heartwarming story centering a Black Muslim family and their community showcases lessons from Muhammad--the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing in the Olympics--about fitting in, faith, and confidence. With Eid on the horizon for Faizah and her family, her busy summer days and anticipation of the holiday result in a vividly depicted milestone in a young girl's life. Aly's energetic illustrations reach new heights with compositions that get inside Faizah's mind and heart. A winning tale to be shared over and over. (authors' notes)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
