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The Proudest Blue
The first day of school includes a new backpack and light-up shoes for Faizah, and a new hijab for her sister Asiya, a sixth grader wearing hijab for the first time. Asiya chose blue “the color of the ocean” for her first hijab. Faizah knows someday she’ll choose the same. But at school, when kids ask what Asiya is wearing, Faizah’s voice comes out in a whisper. “Asiya’s hijab isn’t a whisper. Asiya’s hijab is like the sky on a sunny day.” On the playground, a boy laughs at Asiya. “Asiya’s hijab isn’t a laugh. Asiya’s hijab is like the ocean waving to the sky.” Another threatens to “pull that tablecloth off your head.” Each time, Faizah takes comfort in her older sister’s strength and ability to ignore the insults (helped by the presence of friends who are supportive and kind—often conveyed in illustrations), and in remembering their mother’s wise words about wearing hijab. Faizah is such a believable child, honestly articulating uncertainty and pride, her habit of counting, and her adoration of her big sister in this lively, warmhearted story about a Black Muslim girl. ©2020 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Hatem Aly
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Affirmation
African Americans
Bullying and Teasing
Islamophobia
Muslim People
School
Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Sisters
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Muslim
Publisher:
Little, Brown
Publish Year: 2019
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780316519007
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Muhammad