Book Descriptions
for The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, Hatem Aly, and S.K. Ali
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
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. (Ages 4–8)
CCBC Choices 2020. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2020. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.
**Discover more of Faizah and Asiya’s stories in The Kindest Red, a story of hijab and friendship; and The Boldest White, a story of hijab and community!
Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.
**Discover more of Faizah and Asiya’s stories in The Kindest Red, a story of hijab and friendship; and The Boldest White, a story of hijab and community!
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.