(A Graphic Novel)
SWISH! Cheer courtside for a Muslim teen as she joins an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team and learns that shes much more than a score. This energetic graphic novel is inspired by a true story!A slam dunk!” Minh LAliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything feels different than Florida. The Islamic school is bigger, the city is colder, and her new basketball team iswell, they stink.Aliyas 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.
About Artists & Writers:
Hena Khan is a Pakistani American writer. She is the author of the middle-grade novel Aminas Voice, which was selected as a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus, NPR, Washington Post, and Chicago Public Library. Her other titles include Aminas Song, More to the Story, and the Zaras Rules seriesand picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and Its Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family.Safiya Zerrougui is acartoonist, character designer,andillustrator based in Montreal, Quebec. Shes worked withNetflix,Disney TVA, andHBO Maxas acharacter designerandvisual developmentartist. Safiya’swork pulls inspiration from her Kabyle heritage, fashion history, bold colors, and intricate patterns. Give her a sketchbook, a cup of coffee, and a museum archive website, and shell be entertained for hours!