Theme 1: Culture

Muhammad, Ibtihaj. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family. Andersen Press, 2020.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43853210-the-proudest-blue

Summary:

The Proudest Blue is a book about the first day of school and two sisters, Faizah and Asiya. Asiya gets to pick out a first-day hijab for sixth grade, and Faizah is envious of her. The story demonstrates the hurtful words people say who don’t understand her hijab and how well her sister takes it. This book is well written, and the illustrations are well done and expand the story.

Rationale:

The Proudest Blue gives students a better cultural understanding of hijabs and the religion Islam. Students are appreciative of the role of culture of Islam and how to recognize cultural perspective more deeply. This text also dives into the role of hurtful words and how these can affect people from different cultures when there's a misunderstanding or cultural barrier.

Discussion Questions

1. How are the two sisters, in the story, similar and different to you? To your classmates?

2. What is culture?

3. How does the hijab make both sisters feel? Why?

4. Why are some students mean about her hijab? How do others step in to help?

5. How can YOU make sure everyone feels welcome and safe no matter what their culture is?

Extension Activity

For the extension activity, students will read the follow up book, Under My Hijab by Hena Khan. This book shares different women who wear hijabs and how they take it off when at home. It is about the strength of women who wear hijabs and connects to The Proudest Blue. After reading the book, students will discuss the similarities and differences of the two books.

Digital Resources