Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater - by Hadley Davis & Zahra Lari (Hardcover)

About the Book

"After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she's too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don't look like her... not yet at least! Illustrated with Sara Alfageeh's energetic lines and colors that pop right off the page, we follow Zahra's story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink... and as she repeatedly says 'not yet' to naysayers -- including herself -- who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream. An inspiring tale of self-empowerment and perseverance as we see the refrain -- not yet -- grow from a low, meek mumble to a mantra and promise filled with determination"--

Book Synopsis

A universal story about courage and determination that is loosely based on the life of five-time Emirati National Champion, Zahra Lari, who was the first figure skater to compete internationally in a hijab.

After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she's too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don't look like her... not yet at least! Illustrated with Sara Alfageeh's energetic lines and colors that pop right off the page, we follow Zahra's story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink... and as she repeatedly says ''not yet'' to naysayers -- including herself -- who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream. An inspiring tale of self-empowerment and perseverance as we see the refrain -- not yet -- grow from a low, meek mumble to a mantra and promise filled with determination.

Review Quotes

Though Zahra's first time on the ice doesn't meet her expectations, she refuses to give up, and her aspirations and skill continue to grow. The authors' notes in the back are delightful, emphasizing the power of realizing one's dreams... A stirring tale of perseverance. -- Kirkus Reviews

In their uplifting collaboration, the pair narrate a story of true determination as Lari, the first skater to internationally compete in a hijab, prepares to take the ice for the first time... Alfageeh's digital renderings have inky outlines and amplify the titular refrain with lettering that takes on the shape of clouds or flowing textiles throughout this truncated, but no less triumphant, account. -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Hadley Davis is an author, essayist, and screenwriter with many writing credits, including the skating classic, Disney's Ice Princess.
Zahra Lari is the first figure skater to compete at the international level in a hijab and was featured on Forbes' 30 under 30 list last year. She lives in the United Arab Emirates.
Sara Alfageeh is a Jordanian-American illustrator and creative director whose first graphic novel, Squire, was published in March 2022 through Quill Tree. She has done work for Marvel, Star Wars, and Google, and she is also the co-founder of One More Multiverse, a gaming platform.