Above / Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad is set to return to Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Naperville to sign her latest work, a children’s book, beginning at 7PM Wed., Sept. 11, 2019.
The competition to become an Olympic athlete is grueling. To rise to be among the world’s elite in any sport is a feat to be admired. And Ibtihaj Muhammad reached that exceptional goal: earning an Olympic medal in fencing.
But in addition to the physical demands on this young athlete were social and religious demands unequaled by any before her. Yet, hailing from Maplewood, New Jersey, Muhammad’s truly unique American and Olympic dreams were realized. She revealed her experiences in her first book: Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream.
Muhammad will sign picture book designed for young fans
Next month, Muhammad introduces her latest title, The Proudest Blue, aimed at her youngest fans. It’s a picture book with a heart-warming story of new experiences, the jittery feelings of the first day of school and the bond of sisters. The Proudest Blue has a strong positive message of empowerment.
Muhammad’s new book will be celebrated at a special book event at Naperville’s Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. This event takes place at 7PM on Wed., Sept. 11.
This special event is free and open to the public. To join the booksigning line, please purchase the author’s featured book at Anderson’s Bookshop.
About The Proudest Blue
A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school—and two sisters on one’s first day of hijab—by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab—a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
Paired with Hatem Aly’s beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.
Brief Bio of Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ibtihaj Muhammad is a fencer and the first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games. She is also the first female Muslim American to medal at the Olympic Games, winning bronze in the women’s saber team event. An activist, speaker, and entrepreneur, Muhammad has written a memoir, Proud, and inspired the first hijabi Barbie in her likeness. She invites you to visit her online at www.ibtihajmuhammad.com.
Anderson’s Bookshops in downtown Naperville & beyond
Booksigning events and upcoming visits are part of Anderson’s Bookshops’ calendar of special author events. Anderson’s Bookshops specialize in book sales, author events, book signings, and building a sense of community, learning and fun. The store has been helping Naperville readers for six generations. Additional locations include Downers Grove, at 5112 Main Street (630) 963-2665 and La Grange, at 26 S. La Grange Rd. (708) 582-6353. A toy shop, Anderson’s Toyshop, at 111 W. Jefferson Ave., in Naperville, opened in 2016.
Story and photos submitted by Candy Purdom and Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter for Anderson’s Bookshops.
