Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh
Mar23
Despite my initial hesitancy, the book really won me over. The inspiration behind the story is impressive, but even if it was complete fiction, it would still be a cute book. Over 40 pages, the illustrations and simple text introduce you to Zahra, a young girl in the UAE with big dreams and a lot of determination. And that is before she even sets foot on the ice. Four to eight year old kids will enjoy the humor, with the older readers appreciating what she was able to overcome and accomplish. Adults will appreciate the authors’ and illustrator’s notes at the end and seeing their kids being inspired to pursue their dreams.
The book begins with Zahra watching a movie at a theater and being inspired by the skaters on the screen. She slides across the floor in her socks that night when she gets home, and declares she is going to be a figure skater. Her brother points out that she doesn’t know how to skate. When she asks her friend to make her a costume, it is revealed that she isn’t even taking lessons. It seems everyone wants to point out the flaws in Zahra’s plans. To which she responds, “not yet.”
Luckily her dad supports her, and takes her to the only ice skating rink in the country, where she promptly falls over again and again. But there is something to be said for not giving up, and the true story of Zahra Lari shows that sometimes you have to be the one to break the barriers and remove the “not yets” on the path to achieving your dreams.
I found this book at my public library, but it can also be purchased here.