These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary) their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Faizah’s family is black the other schoolchildren are multiracial.Īll the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.Įach spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. Bullies are depicted as faceless shadows, emphasizing the importance of discounting what they say. This sensitive representation of family relationships that provide a loving coat of armor against the world’s difficulties is memorable and inspiring. But “Asiyah’s hijab isn’t a whisper” according to Mama, “It means being strong.” These spreads show Aly’s close-up illustrations of a smiling Asiyah, with her blue hijab extending into an image of “the sky on a sunny day” or “the ocean waving to the sky.” Faizah triumphs over the misunderstandings and bullying she witnesses, her pride in her sister still intact. A girl whispers, asking Faizah about the hijab. I’m walking with a princess.” Once they arrive at school, the reactions of other children alternate with spreads depicting Faizah’s thoughts about Asiyah’s hijab, which are paired with Mama’s words. Mama takes Asiyah and Faizah to the hijab shop so that Asiyah can pick out her “first-day hijab.” Mama likes pink, but Asiyah picks out “the brightest blue.” Faizah has a new backpack and light-up shoes for the first day of school, but when Asiyah walks out in her blue hijab, “It’s the most beautiful first day of school ever. A young girl admires her older sister’s “first-day hijab” in this team effort by hijabi Olympian Muhammad ( Proud, 2018) and YA novelist Ali ( Love From A to Z, 2019).

Book the proudest blue