About the Book:

‘Listen, Ardent Lassie, engaging in sports while wearing a hijab is next to impossible.

There is no stride length, no flexibility, and no exposure. How do you expect to perform in sports in it?’

The protagonist, Maria Chicago, a spirited sports person, has recently broken her old school record in long jump, adding to her other accolades. She dreams to reach greater heights in sports and achieve recognition in both the national and international arenas. She always wanted to make her father proud by winning laurels in sports. Although life after wearing a hijab and the ensuing social problems certainly felt like an abrupt knee jerk, but she never took it as an obstacle. That said, Maria can’t help but wonder if she will be able to pursue sports in the future and fulfil her dream of becoming a professional?

About the Author:

Husaina Divasli is a student at M.S.B Educational Institute, Mumbai, currently studying in grade nine. She is a sports aficionado and has brought forth her admiration for tennis and football. She has also won bronze in relay race at the district level and in the Speed Skating Championship.

Her debut book ‘Ardent Lassie’ is very close to her heart as it explores her personal experiences in sports. Some accolades highlighted in the story come from the author’s personal and awe-inspiring journey.

She loves writing poetry and has also secured recognition for Creative Writing at the state level. First, it was difficult for her to write a novel but she quelled her fear by giving herself a sweet treat. She was inspired to write this book as an answer to the burning social problem of wearing a Hijab in the modern world.