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Children's Fiction Prejudice & Racism

The Proudest Blue

A Story of Hijab and Family

by (author) Ibtihaj Muhammad

illustrated by Hatem Aly

with S.K. Ali

Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Initial publish date
Sep 2019
Category
Prejudice & Racism, Siblings, New Experience, School & Education, Muslim
Recommended Age
4 to 8
Recommended Grade
p to 3
Recommended Reading age
4 to 8
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9780316518987
    Publish Date
    Sep 2019
    List Price
    $12.99
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780316519007
    Publish Date
    Sep 2019
    List Price
    $22.99

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Description

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!

About the authors

Ibtihaj Muhammad's profile page

Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator who currently lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people. He has illustrated many books for young people that earned multiple starred reviews and positions on the New York Times bestseller list including The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali, In My Mosque by M. O. Yuksel, the Newbery Honor winner The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz, The Unicorn Rescue Society series also by Adam Gidwitz with several amazing coauthors, Meet Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi, Raj’s Rule (for the Bathroom at School) with Lana Button, How to Feed Your Parents by Ryan Miller, and Ethan and the Strays by John Sullivan. He has more upcoming books and projects in the works. You can find him online @MetaHatem or MetaHatem.com.

Hatem Aly's profile page

S. K. Ali is the author of Saints and Misfits, a finalist for the American Library Association’s 2018 William C. Morris Award and the winner of the APALA Honor Award and Middle East Book Honor Award; and Love from A to Z, a Today show’s Read with Jenna Book Club selection. Both novels were named best YA books of the year by various media including Entertainment Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. She is also the author of Misfit in Love. You can find Sajidah online at SKAlibooks.com and follow her on Instagram @SKAlibooks and on Twitter at @SajidahWrites.

S.K. Ali's profile page

Editorial Reviews

* "Memorable and inspiring... Triumphant and true."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Hatem Aly's ink-wash and watercolour illustrations perfectly complement the lyricism of Muhammed and Ali's moving text."—The Globe and Mail

* "This excellent story about identity, visibility, and confidence, touches on rites of passage, bonds between sisters, and bullying and is unapologetic in tackling misconceptions and demanding equality."—School Library Journal, starred review

* "A lovely blend of emotional lyricism and closely observed everyday life."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Aly's ink-wash-and-pencil illustrations settle and soar along with the language.... This story, as both window and mirror, inevitably educates, but more important, it encourages pride in and respect for hijab through a tale of two sisters, their bond strengthened by faith."—Booklist, starred review

Praise for The Proudest Blue:

"Inspiring... The lovely, playful illustrations by Aly capture the spirit of imagination and sisterly solidarity in the face of bullying."—New York Times Book Review

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