"Muhammad, Olympic medalist for the U.S. fencing team, presents a memoir emphasizing the role of sports in her life.

Muhammad, a black, Muslim American who grew up in New Jersey, was raised by loving, supportive parents in a stable home. Her parents had many expectations of her and her siblings, one of which was that they would always participate in a sport. Some readers know the general story of how Muhammad finally picked and stayed with fencing—a sport in which she could wear the team uniform without compromising the modest attire required of her faith—but there are surprises in the details. Muhammad’s experiences in schools, in sports, in social situations, and in national and international competitions include moments of joy and exhilaration as well as many periods of isolation and self-doubt. The honesty in her writing makes it easy to connect with her journey, so that even readers who are not interested in the details of fencing will want to keep going to see how she made it all the way. Her dedication is impressive, and the many other people populating the pages of her memoir create a portrait of what it takes to make a champion. Readers who are already fans of Muhammad will love her even more, and all readers will gain much inspiration from this heartfelt memoir of a true American hero.

Like Muhammad herself, this book is a timely gift to us all. (glossary, interview) (Memoir. 10-18)" Kirkus Starred Review, www.kirkusreviews.com

Very inspiring story from a terrific athlete. Hard to imagine all the years of hard work and discrimination that Ibtihaj went through, but she's an incredible example. ( )

Proud is a memoir by Ibtihaj Muhammed, and American Muslim. It is a story of how hard work, perseverance, believing in yourself when others don't, and faith can help you achieve your dreams. Not only did Ibtihaj win the bronze medal in team sabre fencing, she became an agent of change in the world. She became a role model for African Americans, Muslims, and females. I found myself having great empathy for the discrimination she faced as a woman, African American and Muslim. So many girls will have connections to this notable woman and they will be empowered by how she endured and overcame such struggles. Ibtijab grew up in New Jersey where she was often the only African American Muslim in her class. She took up fencing at 12 years of age, a sport primarily for wealthy white people, and made it a goal to obtain a scholarship to college. She received a substantial scholarship to Duke and struggled with finding a social network there. She spent a summer abroad in Morocco to gain further experience in her North African studies and to practice her Arabic and then returned to Duke for her senior year. Once she returned to New Jersey, she found difficulty getting a job. She became a substitute teacher while she focused on fencing with a goal to compete in the Olympics.

An inspiring, insightful story about Ibtihaj Muhammad's determination and drive to be a champion fencer and pursue excellence in her sport, and the rest of her life. As the first American women to compete wearing hijab in the Olympics, she has used her platform as a trailblazer to speak out and lift up others. She shares obstacles and discrimination faced along her journey. She is frank about those who mistreated her along the way as well. ( )

Please see my review on Amazon.com posted under C. Wong. Thank you. ( )