The Proudest Blue Books

Ibtihaj Muhammad is a New York Times bestselling author, 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. Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world, she serves as a sports ambassador for the US State Department, cofounded Athletes for Impact and her clothing company Louella, and inspired the first hijabi Barbie in her likeness. Ibtihaj invites you to visit her online at ibtihajmuhammad.com.

Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured in multiple publications worldwide. He currently lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people. When he is not dipping cookies in a cup of tea or staring at blank pieces of paper, he is usually drawing books. One of the books he illustrated is The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz, which won a Newbery Honor and other awards despite Hatem’s drawings of a farting dragon, a two-headed cat, and stinky cheese.