We Are Big Time by Hena Khan
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary
Publishing Date: August 6, 2024
Synopsis:
SWISH! Cheer courtside for a Muslim teen as she joins an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team and learns that she’s much more than a score. This energetic graphic novel is inspired by a true story!
Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything feels different than Florida. The Islamic school is bigger, the city is colder, and her new basketball team is…well, they stink.
Aliya’s still excited to have teammates (although the team’s captain, Noura, isn’t really Aliya’s biggest fan), and their new coach really understands basketball (even if she doesn’t know much about being Muslim). This season should be a blast…if they could just start to win. As they strengthen their skills on the court, Aliya and the Peace Academy team discover that it takes more than talent to be great–it’s teamwork and self-confidence that defines true success.
For fans of The Crossover and Roller Girl, this graphic novel goes big with humor and heart as it explores culture and perceptions, fitting in and standing out, and finding yourself, both on and off the court.
Content Warning: islamophobia, microaggressions, racism, anxiety
Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90590111
About the Author:
Hena Khan writes books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences and culture. Hena’s novels include AMINA’S VOICE, MORE TO THE STORY, and DRAWING DEENA. She is the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s picture books include GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS, UNDER MY HIJAB, and IT’S RAMADAN, CURIOUS GEORGE, among others.
Author Links:
Website: https://henakhan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henakhanbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/170644
Tour Schedule:
We are Big Time was a fascinating read about a Muslim Girl Basketball team who faced discrimination but used the game to show what they were made of. I loved how the girls built friendships and together learnt to cope with everything which was flung at them.
I loved Hena's writing and Safiyah's artwork which were so together it really made the story flow and I ate it all up. Not bad considering I am not keen on sports
We are Big Time receives 4 stars as it is clearly obvious that Hena had done her research which I love and I do hope that they team up again.
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