Being True and Proud in ‘The Proudest Blue’

"The Proudest Bluez is a Children’s Picture Book Written by Ibtihaj Muhammad and Illustrated by S.K. The book tells the story of Faizah, a young Muslim girl, and her first day of school. The book centers around the significance of the hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women, particularly Faizah's older sister Asiya, who is starting sixth grade and wearing a hijab for the first time. Faizah admires her sister's beautiful new blue hijab, which reminds her of the sky on a sunny day. As they walk to school together, Faizah witnesses how her sister confidently handles the stares and comments from others. She learns from her mother that the hijab is a symbol of faith, strength, and beauty. Throughout the day, Faizah faces questions and misunderstandings from her classmates about her sister's hijab. However, she proudly defends her sister and her faith, finding strength in her family's love and her understanding of the hijab's significance.

"The Proudest Blue" is a heartwarming story about sisterhood, identity, and the power of faith. It encourages readers to accept their own distinct identities, embraces variety, and fosters empathy and understanding. In all the years I've read picture books for young readers, I have seldom ever come across a Muslim image that talks explicitly about a girl wearing a veil. The diversity that Asiya has brought to the school is evident in one tale alone. Her first hijab wear leaves a lot of impression. While some find it endearing and respond well to it, others find it unusual and even don't know what a hijab is and assume that she was wearing a blue tablecloth. Faizah's answer demonstrates her concern for her sister despite her doubts.

The color blue is prominently featured throughout the book, symbolizing the hijab worn by Asiya and its significance to her and her family. Blue is often associated with serenity, faith, and stability, reflecting the calm confidence with which Asiya wears her hijab. The story is enriched by its use of vivid imagery and sensory details, such as Faizah's comparison of Asiya's hijab to the sky on a sunny day. This helps to make the story more relatable and engaging for young readers, allowing them to connect with the characters and themes on a deeper level. One of the strengths of the storytelling in "The Proudest Blue" is its ability to address complex themes such as faith, identity, and diversity in a way that is accessible and easy for children to understand. Through Faizah's eyes, readers can see the beauty and significance of the hijab, as well as the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and embracing one's cultural heritage.

The proudest blue shows the importance of embracing one's identity and cultural heritage with pride and confidence. The story encourages readers to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, even in the face of misunderstanding or discrimination. It also emphasizes the significance of supporting and respecting others' choices and differences, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society. From here I can see that many kids were probably not that educated about this kind of topic, therefore this book doesn't just empower Muslim children but I think it can also teach others that hey wearing hijab is a normal thing, for the one who wears it, they should keep their chin up high and proud.

The story highlights the hijab's significance as a show of bravery and faith, inspiring Muslim readers to be proud of their religious identity and practices. That is also why it is called the proudest blue, we must be proud, even I as a Muslim feel proud of using my hijab. It also encourages the value of tolerance and perseverance in the face of difficulties or misunderstandings regarding one's religious beliefs. The narrative also emphasizes how important unity in families and support are to maintaining religious and cultural values. In light of Islamic customs and beliefs, the story's overall lesson for Muslims may be understood as a celebration of faith, humility, and the ties that bind families.

If you are interested, you may read on the link that is provided down below!

The Proudest Blue