About this 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.

Reviews

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