Game Changers: Stories of Hijabi Athletes from around the World
(eBook)

Meet 13 inspiring hijabi athletes who are changing the rules. Many of these women were the first in their sport to compete while wearing the hijab. Some were up against cultural traditions that didn't allow girls to play sports. And some fought to have institutional anti-hijab rules changed so that they, and Muslim girls after them, would be able to compete. Discover the stories of Egyptian beach volleyball player Doaa Elghobashy, UAE hockey player Fatima Al Ali, Afghani soccer player Hajar Abulfazl and Syrian-American runner Rahaf Khatib, among many others. Game Changers shows the next generation of Muslim girls that they don't have to choose between following their religion and following their dreams. Key Selling Points - This anthology features the true stories of 13 hijabi athletes from all over the world participating in a wide range of sports including hockey, basketball, parkour and downhill mountain biking. - Many of the women featured in the book were the first to participate in their sport wearing a hijab. Some had to overcome cultural norms and traditions to compete while others fought institutional anti-hijab rules. - It deals with topical themes such as racism, sexism, women's rights, girls' rights, diversity, equity and inclusion. Hijabi athletes are still fighting for their inclusion in sport on individual and global scales. - These true stories are inspiring for young female athletes, whether they are Muslim or not. Girls and women are fighting for equal footing in sport. Today most female athletes are paid less than male athletes and don't get as much media attention or respect. - The author and illustrator are Muslim. The author is also an athlete and spends her time skiing and mountain biking with her kids. This illustrated nonfiction anthology features the stories of 13 inspiring hijabi athletes from around the world. Charlene Smith is a hijabi who tries to keep up with her six children in various sports. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, and spends her summers downhill mountain biking in the Coast and Columbia Mountains of British Columbia. Game Changers is her first book. Natalya Tariq is an illustrator based in Ottawa, who grew up in Russia and lived in Saudi Arabia. With a professional background in translation, Natalya has a keen interest in different countries, languages and cultures. She started illustration in 2021 as a hobby and developed her art into a second career. We belong here! Meet 13 inspiring hijabi athletes! Many of these women were the first in their sport to play while wearing the hijab. Some overcame cultural expectations that discouraged girls from playing sports. And some fought to change institutional anti-hijab rules so that they would be able to compete. No matter the sport, these game-changing athletes show the next generation of Muslim girls that they don't have to choose between following their religion and following their dreams. "Truly a game-changing anthology. These inspiring stories of trailblazing athletes are a showcase of determination, courage and commitment. With heartwarming illustrations and perfectly sized chapters, Game Changers is sure to leave a lasting impression on young readers." We Belong Here