The Proudest Blue
“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.”
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad follows two sisters on the first day of hijab. The younger sister admires the beauty of her older sister's ocean blue hijab, while also noticing the whispers, laughs, and yells of other children at school.
Despite the stares and calling of Asiya's hijab as a tablecloth, her younger sister remembers all of the wise words of their mother and the strength of beauty of the hijab.
Through the description of the hijab, the pride of sisterhood, and the strength in differences, children will explore the pride in being who they are no matter what others think and say about them.
Written by guest reader/writer Dawnavyn James. You can find her on Instagram at @queendomteaching
Teachers
We often talk about books being an opportunity to provide students with cultural mirrors and windows. Books can mirror childrens’ experiences as well as offer a glimpse into the worlds of those around them. Whether or not you have students observing hijab, this story has value in your classroom.
Encourage children to ask questions after reading the book. Children who ask questions increase their learning potential. This is a perfect time to become co-researchers, taking time to dispel misconceptions. Be sure to read the author’s note as it will likely lead to questions about the author herself.
Some Things to Think About…
What does the color blue make you think of? What kinds of feelings can the color blue represent?
Why do you think the main character chose the color blue for her first hijab?
Why does what we wear matter so much to those around us? What can our clothes tell others about us?
Activity Idea: Ibtihaj Muhammad is an incredible woman! Check out this video where she shows off her Olympic fencing skills
Use pool noodles, paper towel tubes, or foam swords and try fencing at home!
illustrated by S.K. Ali
