Book Review: They Call Me Lioness by Ahed Tamimi & Dena Takruri

They Called Me a Lioness is a raw and unflinching memoir co-authored by Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi and journalist Dena Takruri. The book details Ahed’s coming-of-age under Israeli occupation in the West Bank, highlighting her courage, defiance, and the cost of resistance. At just 16 years old, Ahed’s slap of an Israeli soldier went viral—but the memoir shows that her bravery was born long before that moment.

This deeply personal account shines a spotlight on the day-to-day struggles of life under military control, generational trauma, and what it means to grow up in a war zone. It’s not just a political narrative—it’s the voice of a teenage girl shaped by injustice and determined to be heard.

My Review

I rated They Called Me a Lioness 5 out of 5 stars for its urgency, honesty, and powerful storytelling. Ahed’s voice—authentic, brave, and deeply human—reminds us that youth are often on the frontlines of history.

The collaboration with Dena Takruri adds journalistic clarity to Ahed’s lived experiences, giving readers both emotional depth and political context. The memoir doesn’t shy away from pain or anger, but it also centers love: for land, for family, and for justice. It’s a story that demands to be read, discussed, and remembered.

This book left me shaken, inspired, and more committed to listening to young voices speaking truth to power. It’s ideal for readers of memoirs like I Am Malala or Persepolis, and anyone interested in human rights and youth activism.

My Scrapbook Spread

For this layout, I used rich reds, olive greens, and muted earth tones to reflect the Palestinian flag and the emotional tone of the memoir. I included maps of the West Bank, a clenched fist to symbolize resistance, and layers of journal-style handwritten notes echoing Ahed’s reflections. The spread includes a young girl in silhouette, facing a wall—both literal and symbolic of the occupation and the boundaries she refuses to accept.

Quotes from the book frame the layout, emphasizing voice, identity, and fearless truth-telling. The layout is both a tribute and a call to action.

🎥 Watch the Review

Want to explore how Ahed Tamimi’s story comes to life on the page—and in my journaling layout? Watch the full YouTube review, where I share my thoughts on the memoir and how I translated her courage into visual storytelling.