I was drawn to this graphic novel for the cultural story of a family who moves to a new city and house. I like how the family supports each other, making it a bit easier for the youngest children to face any novelty or difficulty in the new school. Knowing it was inspired by a true story of a team makes this fiction a great, valuable, and educational read. It's uplifting and inspiring. Major themes: moving, all the changes and stress it brings to kids, changes in friendship, new school, playing for a new basketball team, community, media, standing by cultural values, and never giving up.
Book Info:
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
@tbrbeyondtours & @henakhanbooks
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:
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