CCBC Booklists

CCBC Review:

Faizah (Black) loves the feeling of belonging to a community and feeling part of the crowd at mosque when she prays. “It feels right. / I feel right.” But at her fencing class, her teacher is encouraging her to take a step outside her comfort zone by competing in an upcoming tournament. Faizah doesn’t feel ready. “Bravery grows in your mind. But its roots are in your heart,” Mama says, telling Faizah not to worry because “bravery will grow.” Faizah’s looks up to her big sister Asiya, who’s also a fencer. Asiya encourages Faizah to enter the tournament too. But it isn’t until Faizah’s teacher asks her to demonstrate a move for the class that Faizah finds the courage to step up and stand out. When she does, she realizes that people aren’t looking at her, they are looking at what she can do. “So that they can do it too.” Colorful mixed-media illustrations provide a cheery backdrop for this story about developing the confidence to shine. Scenes show Faizah’s loving family, joyful best friendship, and her Muslim faith, all of which are woven seamlessly through the story. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Hatem Aly

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: African Americans Community Competitions and Contests Confidence Faith, Spirituality and Religion Families Muslim People
Diversity subject: Black/African Muslim
On CCBC Booklist: Religion in the Lives of Children and Teens 

Publisher: Little, Brown
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780759555716
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Muhammad

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