The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

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!

Author: Ibtihaj Muhammad
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 09/10/2019
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 10.10h x 10.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780316519007
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 505347 / Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2019 pg. 125
Publishers Weekly 07/22/2019
School Library Journal 09/01/2019 pg. 102
Booklist 09/01/2019 pg. 114
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2019
Shelf Awareness 11/19/2019

About the Author
Ibtihaj 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. She invites you to visit her online at ibtihajmuhammad.com.
S. K. Ali is the award-winning author of Saints and Misfits and Love from A to Z and the coeditor of an upcoming Eid anthology. Like Faizah and Asiya, she and her sister visited hijab shops every year before the first day of school to choose their proudest colors.

Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured on television and in multiple publications worldwide. Among other books, he illustrated Newbery Honor winning novel The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz. He currently lives in New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people.