The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship (The Proudest Blue)

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A joyous tale of strengthening community by lifting up one another …the message is perfect as well as vital for elementary children. An exuberant follow-up to The Proudest Blue.”— School Library Journal

Line up the Cover Flap on top of the Response Template so that it covers your responses. (See Sample Photos) This cheerful multicultural book, brimming with optimism and hope, will make a lovely read-aloud or bedtime story.”— Booklist The book starts with Mama passing on Asiya's dress to Faizah, that had been Mama's even before that. It is picture day, and the girls are helping each other get ready. At school Faizah and her friend Sophie twirl in their pretty dresses before heading in to class to discuss what kind of world they want. Versions 6-8: Use the prompts to share how you can pass kindness to your family, friends, teacher, and community.What I loved about the book is when Faizah was down, her friends gathered around her and asked what was wrong and how they could help. I pointed out that in our kindergarten class, some of them are very good at being caring.

It’s the doldrums of a Midwest winter, and some of my students are on edge with each other. So I was looking for a BIPOC friendship book to use for Valentine’s week. The bright red dress from the cover caught my attention along with the word Kindest. This charming book reminds children that even the smallest gesture can mean a lot to others. Faizah and Sophie make an excellent pair, spreading thoughtfulness everywhere, and there is gentle humour in the interactions between the class. The illustrations are dynamic and colourful, with some lovely cheeky and happy expressions on the kids’ faces. The sisters Faizah and Asiya also feature in the brilliant picture book The Proudest Blue, and the love they have for each other shines out powerfully in both books. A delight! My class understood the author wants us to be nice and kind. They liked the kindness superpower. A couple of my girls liked seeing the hijab because they wear one on special occasions. We talked about—what if the clothing was a different color than red? A girl suggested the kindest pink to match her sweater. A boy said, “a caring rainbow.” Others said, “the nicest teal” and “respectful violet.” I told them when they have time, they could illustrate their ideas. 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

This is a story about dreaming, about an inclusive world, about family and the threads that hold them together. It's less about Hijab's and Friendship actually than I think it probably was meant to be - instead it feels more about just "being", and I think I like that just as much. When you're little, just being is all you care about; it's only when we grow that we begin to understand that not everyone will accept us for who we are and the gross unfairness of that. So I loved the childlike, innocent lense we got to see this through. Lift the Cover Flap to reveal your responses and share what kind of world you want to live in, and how you can make that dream come true! Ibtihaj Muhammad is the first American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games. She is also the first female Muslim American woman to medal at the Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in the saber team event. An award-winning author, activist, and entrepreneur, Ibtihaj has written a memoir, Proud, as well as picture books included The Proudest Blue, and inspired the first hijabi Barbie, in her likeness. She invites you to visit her online at ibtihajmuhammad.com.