Saturday 18 April 2020

The Proudest Blue




The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Anderson Press) RRP HB $24.99 ISBN 9781783449712

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

The Proudest Blue is a story about love, family, faith and pride. It is a picture book full of lovely imagery delivered via stunning pictures, similes, metaphors and other powerful word choices.

The narrative is told in the first person by a little girl named Faizah, who shares her thoughts, feelings and actions throughout her big sister Asiya’s first day of year seven…her big sister’s first day of wearing hijab!

The day starts full of happiness and anticipation, with Faizah’s adoration of her big sister made very clear. However, once they arrive at school some peer questions and natural curiosity about her sister’s hijab ensue as well as some less than desirable actions and words towards Asiya in the yard.

The story is co-written by Olympic athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad and author S.K Ali who helps to bring Ibtihaj’s childhood memories to life. This book would be a useful resource in the primary classroom to spark discussion about bullying, resilience, religious traditions and cultural diversity. The Proudest Blue is highly recommended for children aged 5+ years.

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