Asiya's hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave.
It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong?
This is an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable
bond shared by siblings and of being proud of who you are, from Olympic
medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad. - Publisher
Blue is my favourite colour. That's not why I read this picture book, but it certainly didn't hurt! Following little Faizah and her older sister Asiya on their respective first days was a lesson in acceptance of oneself and one's beliefs.
What starts out as a wonderful experience for Faizah, where she imagines her sister as a princess in her hijab, becomes tainted by one boy's taunting. But with her mother's words in mind and her sister's unshakeable sense of self in the face of the boy's ignorance, Faizah quickly finds her equilibrium.
I loved the connection between the blue hijab and the ocean, which I equate with stability and depth. And Hatem Aly's illustrations really bring that imagery to bold, beautiful life.
Verdict
This is one of those books that you can read over and again and still find new meanings in the text and the art. One to read.