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The Proudest Blue #1
The Proudest Blue
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Picture Books (2019)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.
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.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2019
About the author
Ibtihaj Muhammad
9 books136 followersIbtihaj Muhammad is a fencer and the first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games. She is also the first female Muslim American to medal at the Olympic Games, winning bronze in the women’s saber team event. An activist, speaker, and entrepreneur, Ibtihaj has written a memoir, Proud, and inspired the first hijabi Barbie in her likeness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,203 reviews
February 8, 2020
“The first day of wearing hijab is important, Mama had said. It means being strong.”
And that just about sums up the book and the experience of every Muslim woman who decides to wear hijab and continue wearing it and not let any other factor get in the way of her choice.
It’s stupid that such a simple thing continues to cause such an uproar. But I like that this story viewed the hijab as something magical. Ethereal. And that strength of character, individuality and faith was at the forefront of it all.
And that just about sums up the book and the experience of every Muslim woman who decides to wear hijab and continue wearing it and not let any other factor get in the way of her choice.
It’s stupid that such a simple thing continues to cause such an uproar. But I like that this story viewed the hijab as something magical. Ethereal. And that strength of character, individuality and faith was at the forefront of it all.
July 23, 2023
My family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books every year. This is book #18 (of 20) of 2019, and we liked it. It was written By Olympic medalist, social activist (and hijab-wearing!) athlete Ibtihaj Muhammed with the help of (writer) She. K. Ali, illustrated by Hetem Aly. Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
Hank (13): 3. I like the art.
Harry (14): 3. Wait, what's with all the counting (steps, and so on) and numbers in this book?! This book is really about celebrating differences. I really like the cover.
Tara: 4. This is a pretty sweet book. Sisters. And dealing with prejudice, staying strong through that.
Rosanne (Grandma): 4.5. If I go by how it was for me as a reader, and my interests, I would say 4 stars, I liked it, but if I can imagine an audience of hijab-wearing girls, I would say definitely 5 stars. One thing I like is that the antagonistic boys are depicted non-racially, just plain brown, so that makes it see less judgmental about a particular race.
Dave: 4 I liked this on first read, thought maybe 3 stars, as I found it good, okay, about the hijab, sisters, bullying, the story and art just fine, but I was influenced by other factors in my rating, finally. I happened to have read this on the train on the way to my class and when I came in the room I pulled the book out of my backpack, gave it to my three hijab-wearing Muslim students who hovered around it together, delighted with it, and that moved me a lot (see above, Grandma's comment). They said that in Arabic there are such resources for children, but this is the first such book they have seen in English, so they loved it. I really do like the cover, and all the blue, that seems to in many ways be about pride and happy energy for the girl. It's not written primarily for non-hijab-wearers (though we can learn from it what the purposes might be for Muslims; see above where Harry, a white kid, says it is about "celebrating differences" for him), but for young girls who will and do wear it. Cool!
Hank (13): 3. I like the art.
Harry (14): 3. Wait, what's with all the counting (steps, and so on) and numbers in this book?! This book is really about celebrating differences. I really like the cover.
Tara: 4. This is a pretty sweet book. Sisters. And dealing with prejudice, staying strong through that.
Rosanne (Grandma): 4.5. If I go by how it was for me as a reader, and my interests, I would say 4 stars, I liked it, but if I can imagine an audience of hijab-wearing girls, I would say definitely 5 stars. One thing I like is that the antagonistic boys are depicted non-racially, just plain brown, so that makes it see less judgmental about a particular race.
Dave: 4 I liked this on first read, thought maybe 3 stars, as I found it good, okay, about the hijab, sisters, bullying, the story and art just fine, but I was influenced by other factors in my rating, finally. I happened to have read this on the train on the way to my class and when I came in the room I pulled the book out of my backpack, gave it to my three hijab-wearing Muslim students who hovered around it together, delighted with it, and that moved me a lot (see above, Grandma's comment). They said that in Arabic there are such resources for children, but this is the first such book they have seen in English, so they loved it. I really do like the cover, and all the blue, that seems to in many ways be about pride and happy energy for the girl. It's not written primarily for non-hijab-wearers (though we can learn from it what the purposes might be for Muslims; see above where Harry, a white kid, says it is about "celebrating differences" for him), but for young girls who will and do wear it. Cool!
October 1, 2020
Hijabi appreciation
Really sweet and beautiful book with an equally important message!
And while I am not Muslim...as someone who has been Othered/bullied for being brown, I am so thankful to see media like this where diversity is celebrated. It also shows that breaking stereotypes is so vital. The author herself is a legend!
Content warning: bullying/racism
Really sweet and beautiful book with an equally important message!
And while I am not Muslim...as someone who has been Othered/bullied for being brown, I am so thankful to see media like this where diversity is celebrated. It also shows that breaking stereotypes is so vital. The author herself is a legend!
Content warning: bullying/racism
March 20, 2024
A young girl (Faizah) goes to school with her older sister (Asiya) on her first day of wearing a hijab. Seen through the eyes of Faizah we see the challenges Asiya has to face and how she is able to stand up for who she is. I am sure this story is similar to what lots of young Muslim girls have had to go through all over America. A powerful tale of acceptance and empowerment.
November 19, 2019
It is the first day of school and Faizah is excited. Most of all, she is excited because it is the first day of school in which her sister Asiya is going to wear her blue hijab. Faizah thinks her sister looks like a most beautiful princess and does not understand why others at school do not see it in the same way. As she deals with the bullies, Faizah learns to truly appreciate the beauty of the hijab.
Another great children's book with a most important message. Faizah admires her older sister Asiya and she just loves her bright blue hijab. To her, it represents beauty and tradition. To the kids at school, its strange and thus they make mean comments about it. Faizah, however, is not swayed by them. In fact, with every negative comment, she finds something else that is remarkable of her sister's blue hijab. These are absolutely gorgeous illustrations that go along perfectly with a strong narrative. It is a message thats needs to be heard by children and adults alike. In a world that can be so divisive, books like this one are necessary. A wonderful work all around.
Ibtihaj Muhammad is the author behind this book. She is a member of the United States Fencing team. In the 2016 Summer Olympics, she won a bronze medal in the Women's Individual Sabre category. She is also known for being the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab during competition. Ibtihaj is not only an ambassador for sports but also a strong representative of her culture. In 2017, a Barbie with her likeness was released by Mattel, making it the first time one of their dolls donned a hijab. This certainly is one impressive woman.
Another great children's book with a most important message. Faizah admires her older sister Asiya and she just loves her bright blue hijab. To her, it represents beauty and tradition. To the kids at school, its strange and thus they make mean comments about it. Faizah, however, is not swayed by them. In fact, with every negative comment, she finds something else that is remarkable of her sister's blue hijab. These are absolutely gorgeous illustrations that go along perfectly with a strong narrative. It is a message thats needs to be heard by children and adults alike. In a world that can be so divisive, books like this one are necessary. A wonderful work all around.
Ibtihaj Muhammad is the author behind this book. She is a member of the United States Fencing team. In the 2016 Summer Olympics, she won a bronze medal in the Women's Individual Sabre category. She is also known for being the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab during competition. Ibtihaj is not only an ambassador for sports but also a strong representative of her culture. In 2017, a Barbie with her likeness was released by Mattel, making it the first time one of their dolls donned a hijab. This certainly is one impressive woman.
December 18, 2020
A Wonderful Story.
“Proudest Blue” is a truly a wonderful book by Ibtihaj Muhammad. It is up to date in both explaining the hijab and showing the cultural tension from other races.
In our nation, we are encountering women in hijabs. Books like this are truly needed so the majority can be exposed to the wonderful culture of this family.
This is not a Childrens Story but a story for all ages.
I fully recommend!
“Proudest Blue” is a truly a wonderful book by Ibtihaj Muhammad. It is up to date in both explaining the hijab and showing the cultural tension from other races.
In our nation, we are encountering women in hijabs. Books like this are truly needed so the majority can be exposed to the wonderful culture of this family.
This is not a Childrens Story but a story for all ages.
I fully recommend!
September 8, 2019
This book is GORGEOUS! Empowering and celebratory of Muslim girls who are hijabis, and their families. The type of book that will help kids feel seen, and help other kids become more understanding. This is an important book that should be on all the shelves.
February 4, 2022
I grabbed up this book from the library the day it was available, because I have always wondered about hijab and what it means. (For what it's worth, I am not a religious person, but cultural/religious rituals and habits fascinate me)
Color me curious: the one thing this book did not offer is the "why" of wearing hijab, only suggesting the power and pride that comes with wearing it. I still have no idea what it represents or why it's important, only that the author says it is. I live in a place where it's cold, and I often bundle up with a scarf wrapped around my head and hair, which may suggest hijab. I wonder what people might be thinking about me wearing this.
*sigh* I really wanted this book to offer a basic explanation. A glance at other reviews shows plenty of us are disappointed. Is it some big secret?
Color me curious: the one thing this book did not offer is the "why" of wearing hijab, only suggesting the power and pride that comes with wearing it. I still have no idea what it represents or why it's important, only that the author says it is. I live in a place where it's cold, and I often bundle up with a scarf wrapped around my head and hair, which may suggest hijab. I wonder what people might be thinking about me wearing this.
*sigh* I really wanted this book to offer a basic explanation. A glance at other reviews shows plenty of us are disappointed. Is it some big secret?
September 11, 2019
A beautiful book! It’s a true window & mirrors book; readers will see themselves and others will learn about the Muslim faith.
November 17, 2019
Goodreads Choice Awards Project: Read as many of the Best Picture Book nominees as possible. 4 to go!
Again, nice sentiments and art, like fellow nominee Sulwe that I just read, but I really feel odd about any religion that tells people how to dress in their daily life (and I'm looking at you Mormon underwear, Amish hats, Roman Catholic school uniforms, Jewish yarmulkes, etc.), especially considering that in the Garden of Eden story clothing seems to be a human construct whereas God apparently would rather have us all be nude.
Also, I was much more interested in the author bio and her experience as an Olympic saber team member. Where's the book about that?
Again, nice sentiments and art, like fellow nominee Sulwe that I just read, but I really feel odd about any religion that tells people how to dress in their daily life (and I'm looking at you Mormon underwear, Amish hats, Roman Catholic school uniforms, Jewish yarmulkes, etc.), especially considering that in the Garden of Eden story clothing seems to be a human construct whereas God apparently would rather have us all be nude.
Also, I was much more interested in the author bio and her experience as an Olympic saber team member. Where's the book about that?
August 17, 2021
A simple and direct affirmation for hijab wearing girls from the Olympic fencer.
It is just a scarf, but one with special significance. I live in a community where one might see head coverings- Jewish, Muslim, Catholic - on many people out and about. This is a nice picture book about a girl and her hijab.
It is just a scarf, but one with special significance. I live in a community where one might see head coverings- Jewish, Muslim, Catholic - on many people out and about. This is a nice picture book about a girl and her hijab.
January 2, 2021
Little sister Faizah watches her big sister, Asiya, pick out a hijab for the first day of middle school -- the first day Asiya will begin wearing hijab every day. Pink, like their mother wants? No; Asiya wants blue, so her hijab meets the sky. Then the first day of school comes, and Faizah watches with pride as Asiya handles it with grace, despite some taunting.This book was utterly charming! The illustrations are beautiful, with great expression and colors. Faizah's admiration for and belief in her big sister make for a terrific story. And Asiya sets a heartwarming example for her little sister, so Faizah will know how to carry herself when her first day of wearing hijab comes, as well.
This book is a great story for girls who will wear hijab one day, full of faith and pride and strength. But it's also a great story for kids who are not Muslim, because it shows how wearing hijab isn't about anyone except the person wearing it, and it also gives some insight into how nervous that girl might be, not knowing how her choice is going to be viewed or treated.
I especially liked how the kids who made fun of Asiya were not drawn with faces, but are instead unimportant, insubstantial shadows.
Ibtihaj Muhammad's author's note at the back of the book is beautiful and inspiring. I love that the two sisters in the story are named for her sisters.
Recommended for building understanding and empathy, and for the inspiring tone and lovely pictures.
December 15, 2020
2.5/5
This was a beautifully illustrated picture book about sisterhood and a girl's first day of wearing her hijab.
While really enjoyed the illustrations and liked the intent of the story and the empowering message that it sends, I felt like the book lacked substance. Perhaps it's because I'm not the target audience and that this book is targetted towards little girls who are preparing to wear a hijab full-time - but nowhere in the story does it explain and show why Asiya should be excited or proud of her first day of hijab. Or why she chose to wear a hijab. Nor did she stand up to the bullies or try to educate others on why she's suddenly decided to don a headscarf.
The story keeps repeating that hijabs are beautiful as if it's just a fashionable accessory, nothing more. It goes into very vague reasoning as to why hijabs are important such as "It means being strong" and it also means that "you understand who you are." But what does that mean exactly?
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book for those who want to learn more about hijabs and Muslim culture - I think would be a good and empowering book for young Muslim girls instead.
*** #18 of my 2020 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - Read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community ***
This was a beautifully illustrated picture book about sisterhood and a girl's first day of wearing her hijab.
"Asiya's hijab isn't a tablecloth.
Asiya's hijab is blue.
Only blue.
While really enjoyed the illustrations and liked the intent of the story and the empowering message that it sends, I felt like the book lacked substance. Perhaps it's because I'm not the target audience and that this book is targetted towards little girls who are preparing to wear a hijab full-time - but nowhere in the story does it explain and show why Asiya should be excited or proud of her first day of hijab. Or why she chose to wear a hijab. Nor did she stand up to the bullies or try to educate others on why she's suddenly decided to don a headscarf.
The story keeps repeating that hijabs are beautiful as if it's just a fashionable accessory, nothing more. It goes into very vague reasoning as to why hijabs are important such as "It means being strong" and it also means that "you understand who you are." But what does that mean exactly?
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book for those who want to learn more about hijabs and Muslim culture - I think would be a good and empowering book for young Muslim girls instead.
*** #18 of my 2020 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - Read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community ***
Read
October 30, 2020I loooooove this. It's what we are ACTUALLY asking for when we say we want more diverse books--not books about pain or Big Racial Issues, just your typical, adorable picturebook about being the younger sister and looking up to your big sister, and as it just so happens, you're jealous of her because of her hijab, because wearing a hijab is totally fucking normal and fine and doesn't need to be pathologized. I love the art so much and this got me squarely in the little sister feels.
May 29, 2021
This was so cute! I love how unapologetically Muslim this is! If you're looking for a hijab-positive book to read to your kids, I highly recommend The Proudest Blue. It's both an empowering and educational read that oozes out with sisterly love!
February 10, 2023
"If you understand who you are, one day they will too."
I almost cried tears of blue like Asiya's Hijab. This story of a younger sister Faizah worried about her older sister being bullied for wearing Hijab to school for the first time is so sweet I wanted the book to continue forever. Read it.
I almost cried tears of blue like Asiya's Hijab. This story of a younger sister Faizah worried about her older sister being bullied for wearing Hijab to school for the first time is so sweet I wanted the book to continue forever. Read it.
July 27, 2021
As James Brown said, "Say it loud, say it proud." Except in this book, he could sing, "Say it loud, wear it proud, wear it in a crowd."
A celebration of religious freedom, there is no reason to be ashamed of your faith in this first day of school stories about sisters, Asiya and Faizah. What happens when Asiya wears a hijab for the first time?
A celebration of religious freedom, there is no reason to be ashamed of your faith in this first day of school stories about sisters, Asiya and Faizah. What happens when Asiya wears a hijab for the first time?
March 15, 2019
What a wonderful story about rites of passage, the bonds of sisters, overcoming classmate cruelty and taunts, and the importance of faith to a young girl. Little sisters look up to older sisters usually and for Faizah watching her sister buy her first hijab and wear it to school on the first day is a special moment. Aly's illustrations are beautiful as they bring to life the ocean/sky blue color that Asiya selects for her hijab. The anonymous way in which the bullies are portrayed is powerful as well.
How heartbreaking to put down this book with a smile on my face this morning and then pick up my phone and learn about the terrorist attacks on New Zeeland mosques. All the more reason to have books like this in our world.
How heartbreaking to put down this book with a smile on my face this morning and then pick up my phone and learn about the terrorist attacks on New Zeeland mosques. All the more reason to have books like this in our world.
October 18, 2019
Gorgeous illustrations accompany an empowering story. I loved the supportive and loving relationship of the sisters and the encouraging words from their strong mother. "Some people won't understand your hijab, Mama had said. But if you understand who you are, one day they will too."
October 3, 2019
There are so many things I loved about this book. Authored by a former Olympic medalist, the stunning illustrations, especially the faceless bullies, and the message.
November 20, 2021
This is a beautifully illustrated story of two sisters attending the first day of school for the year, which coincides with older sister Asiya's rite of passage to wearing hijab. The story is told from the perspective of younger sister Faizah, an imaginative and ebullient child, full of pride and admiration for her sister's strength and beauty in her new blue hijab.
Faizah encounters her non-Muslim classmates' curiosity about Asiya's hijab, and later in the day witnesses some other students making fun of Asiya for wearing a hijab, and making disrespectful and ignorant comments about "that tablecloth" she has on her head. Asiya is resilient in the face of these comments, and Faizah reflects on her mother's wise words about rising above misunderstanding and prejudice, developing a strong understanding of your own sense of self, and not allowing the unkind words of others to affect your self-worth.
Author Ibtihaj Muhammad, a proud hijabi herself, is the first Muslim-American woman in hijab both to compete and to medal for the USA at the Olympic Games, in the sabre team event (fencing). She and her co-author, S.K. Ali both reflect on their personal experience of their choice to wear the hijab in their Author's Notes. Both refer to having experienced misunderstanding and hurtful behaviour from others and they convey their shared recognition of the importance of sharing positive stories and role models with other young people, encouraging pride in those who wear the hijab and greater understanding in those who don't.
Illustrator Hatem Aly's colourful and often whimsical work complements the story beautifully.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family is a book full of important messages, about the importance of family relationships and cultural identity, living in a multicultural society, respecting diversity and overcoming negativity. I'd recommend it to both Muslim and non-Muslim young readers, whether embarking on their own hijab journey, or to foster greater understanding of other cultures.
Faizah encounters her non-Muslim classmates' curiosity about Asiya's hijab, and later in the day witnesses some other students making fun of Asiya for wearing a hijab, and making disrespectful and ignorant comments about "that tablecloth" she has on her head. Asiya is resilient in the face of these comments, and Faizah reflects on her mother's wise words about rising above misunderstanding and prejudice, developing a strong understanding of your own sense of self, and not allowing the unkind words of others to affect your self-worth.
Author Ibtihaj Muhammad, a proud hijabi herself, is the first Muslim-American woman in hijab both to compete and to medal for the USA at the Olympic Games, in the sabre team event (fencing). She and her co-author, S.K. Ali both reflect on their personal experience of their choice to wear the hijab in their Author's Notes. Both refer to having experienced misunderstanding and hurtful behaviour from others and they convey their shared recognition of the importance of sharing positive stories and role models with other young people, encouraging pride in those who wear the hijab and greater understanding in those who don't.
Illustrator Hatem Aly's colourful and often whimsical work complements the story beautifully.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family is a book full of important messages, about the importance of family relationships and cultural identity, living in a multicultural society, respecting diversity and overcoming negativity. I'd recommend it to both Muslim and non-Muslim young readers, whether embarking on their own hijab journey, or to foster greater understanding of other cultures.
May 11, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
I've been wanting to read this to my group for awhile now. . . and since we were visiting the topics of Ramadan and mosques, this fit right in. I appreciate the author, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and the illustrator S. K. Ali, for sharing their thoughts and hearts in this story of a girl growing into her duties as a woman as it is taught to her by her family and community. All of us find the landmarks that we can post along the road that is our Growing Up Days: walking? potty training? saying the prayer by ourself? helping mom cook? walking to school on without family? wearing lipstick? buying nylons? a bra? a tampon? a kiss? This book shows us where, when and what those are in a muslim household with an observant young girl and her sister.
What I really appreciated and was eager to share with my group was the ways other cultures in either ignorance, indifference or intentional bigotry can insult, bully or mock these earnest women. Often it is just children reflecting what they hear and see at home, and it is good that there would be some push back, or a willingness to teach the ignorance out of the schoolyard. The earlier a habit of bigotry is shown for the cowardice it is, the sooner we are all on a smoother path of peace.
We were all interested in this book, with eyes and ears glued on each page, through to the end. Thank you for letting us in, to see why it is so important and how we can best show respect!
I've been wanting to read this to my group for awhile now. . . and since we were visiting the topics of Ramadan and mosques, this fit right in. I appreciate the author, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and the illustrator S. K. Ali, for sharing their thoughts and hearts in this story of a girl growing into her duties as a woman as it is taught to her by her family and community. All of us find the landmarks that we can post along the road that is our Growing Up Days: walking? potty training? saying the prayer by ourself? helping mom cook? walking to school on without family? wearing lipstick? buying nylons? a bra? a tampon? a kiss? This book shows us where, when and what those are in a muslim household with an observant young girl and her sister.
What I really appreciated and was eager to share with my group was the ways other cultures in either ignorance, indifference or intentional bigotry can insult, bully or mock these earnest women. Often it is just children reflecting what they hear and see at home, and it is good that there would be some push back, or a willingness to teach the ignorance out of the schoolyard. The earlier a habit of bigotry is shown for the cowardice it is, the sooner we are all on a smoother path of peace.
We were all interested in this book, with eyes and ears glued on each page, through to the end. Thank you for letting us in, to see why it is so important and how we can best show respect!
August 17, 2019
A beautiful #ownvoice story about a girl who wears hijab to school for the first time and her adoring little sister. There are bullies, but the girls' faith keeps them strong.
January 30, 2020
This is a story about faith, strength, and sisterhood. Faizah is so ready to fight for her sister! I adore them both so much.
January 5, 2021
age range: 4-8 years
Story - 3
Art - 4.5 (love the color)
First day of school of Faizah's older sister wearing a hijab , she is excited , and show it.
It's not religion oriented , instead more like been different and grow up in yourself. In general, it's lovely.
Since this is for young children I found the letters a bit small.
*Estaba buscando un libro de un autor musulmán, y he aqui que me encuentro con este libro , de una ganadora olímpica , activista, y que usa hijab. Esto , claramente, esta destinado para niñas musulmanas y como pueden sentirse al usar hijab por primera vez en la escuela.
Las ilustraciones son preciosas.
“Some people won’t understand your hijab,” Mama had said. “But if you understand who you are, one day they will too.”
Story - 3
Art - 4.5 (love the color)
First day of school of Faizah's older sister wearing a hijab , she is excited , and show it.
It's not religion oriented , instead more like been different and grow up in yourself. In general, it's lovely.
Since this is for young children I found the letters a bit small.
*Estaba buscando un libro de un autor musulmán, y he aqui que me encuentro con este libro , de una ganadora olímpica , activista, y que usa hijab. Esto , claramente, esta destinado para niñas musulmanas y como pueden sentirse al usar hijab por primera vez en la escuela.
Las ilustraciones son preciosas.
“Some people won’t understand your hijab,” Mama had said. “But if you understand who you are, one day they will too.”
October 1, 2020
This was a sweet, hopeful book. I wish there had been more exploration of why it was important for the characters to wear hijab, other than it made them feel close to their culture and family. But I suppose that's more of an adult complaint. I don't know. I might have wanted to know if I read this as a kid. I didn't realize before reading this that the author was an Olympic medalist, so that's pretty neat. The pictures are gorgeous.
Read Harder Challenge 2020: Read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community.
Read Harder Challenge 2020: Read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community.
October 5, 2023
Mama, don't carry around the hurtful words that others say, drop them, they are not yours to keep, they belong only to those who said them.
June 2, 2021
I really wanted this story to be about Ibtihaj and her childhood, not about her sisters. I wanted to read about how she became the first hijabi Muslim girl fencer, her beginning, and why she chose that sport, was she angry? defensive? I really wanted for this story to represent a sporty young girl who wore hijab bravely and become a champion and a winner.
October 26, 2021
How many ways is this book stellar? First of all, all children deserve to see themselves in books; we’re long past the day of limiting characters to Dick, Jane and Sally. But, secondly, and more importantly, Asiya’s story of being true to her faith and who she is inspiring, regardless of how you worship, or whether you worship at all.
Sixth-grader Asiya reaches the age to begin wearing a hijab, and her little sister Faizah is so proud. But some kids are school are not kind, but Asiya sets a wonderful example of courage and grace.
Sixth-grader Asiya reaches the age to begin wearing a hijab, and her little sister Faizah is so proud. But some kids are school are not kind, but Asiya sets a wonderful example of courage and grace.
September 14, 2019
A book about two Muslim sisters who celebrate pride in their faith by wearing hijab, and also about the cruel remarks bullies can make, and how personal, emotional strength can overcome those remarks. As Asiya and Faizah's mother says, "Don't carry around the hurtful words that others say. Drop them. They are not yours to keep. They belong only to those who said them." This valuable story will encourage young readers to try to understand and celebrate differences and to take strength in faith, traditions, and family. It also includes authors' notes at the end, including a "Dear Reader" from co-author and Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, which talks about how her personal story impacted the way she told this story, "so that children who look like me could see themselves in a picture book." As a librarian, because of the crucial importance of representation in picture books, these are the kinds of stories we are always looking for for our youngest customers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,203 reviews