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mg_in_md_'s review
5.0
I selected this as my pick for the 2020 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge prompt "read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community." I thought the story and illustrations were lovely, and would be an excellent choice for teaching a child about a religious tradition that may be different from their own. The author's note about her own experience growing up is worth a read, especially since she incorporated some real events from her childhood into the story.
carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful illustrations, a beautiful story, and a beautiful message. I absolutely adore that this book is about a little sister being proud of her big sister. While I think the length is a little too long for storytime, I'll absolutely be using this picture book for recommendations.
jaij7's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful book. I absolutely loved the author’s note at the end. Share this story, parents and teachers. Teach love, tolerance, and acceptance.
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
5.0
A young girl experiences with her sister a coming of age tradition of picking out her(the older sister's) first hijab! Her sister goes with this proud blue - a vibrant color that reminds her of the sky and ocean. She draws pictures in class of her and her sister both wearing the hajab and she is beaming with pride for her sister!
This book also encounters some bullies - the sister is still proud to show her faith and tradition that it can not diminish the beautiful blue, the young sister loves and wants to stand up but finds inner strength ~
Also, be sure to read about the author who is an accomplished american fencer and was the inspiration for the first hijab wearing barbie doll!
This book also encounters some bullies - the sister is still proud to show her faith and tradition that it can not diminish the beautiful blue, the young sister loves and wants to stand up but finds inner strength ~
Also, be sure to read about the author who is an accomplished american fencer and was the inspiration for the first hijab wearing barbie doll!
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book as a means of conveying culture, community, and color! Not everybody thinks that Asiya's hijab is as beautiful as Faizah, but Faizah thinks that it's a rich blue color, like the ocean or sky, and that helps her to ignore Asiya's bullies. Through it all, these two sisters stand together and make it known that they stand firm in what they believe in. Aly's illustrations, too, are beautiful: they are whimsical and help the pages flow together in big, luminous spreads. Overall, this is a great book that reinforces the notion that anyone can wear whatever they want and for whatever reason, and great for celebrating differences. Great for grades 1-3.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
in_and_out_of_the_stash's review against another edition
4.0
A good book both for those who wear/will wear a hijab and for non-Muslims to understand.
thecamilleae's review against another edition
5.0
What an excellent book! This book is a wonderful introduction to a faith-based and cultural tradition that was new to my children. The book also addressed themes of bullying and how to rise above it. The illustrations were also quite beautiful.
rafacolog's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Islamophobia and Bullying
sserenityreads's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mnstucki's review against another edition
5.0
The Proudest Blue is beautiful and touching. I found myself getting teary-eyed as I read it and wanting to revisit it for my own sake, not because I wanted to share it with my husband or my students, which is usually why I re-read picture books these days.
I have heard some people say that members of my faith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and those who practice Islam have quite a bit in common. In the general sense of both groups being very misunderstood I have always felt that to be true. In recent years I have started to see more of the nuances of similarity. Both religions have a code of conduct related to food and health. Both religions have offshoots that have broken away and twisted and abused their doctrine to justify the abuse and oppression of women. Both are missionary churches (it wasn’t until my early adult years that I realized not all faiths actively seek converts). Both faiths have codes of conduct regarding dress and modesty and even have special religious garb that they wear daily. Because of many of these similarities I could very much connect with the story of these young girls, and the story of how their mother taught them to be strong in the face of ridicule from those who don’t understand their beliefs.
I’m kicking myself for not holding on to the library copy of this book long enough to include a couple of my favorite lines in this review, but there’s a good chance I am going to end up buying this book, so perhaps I will just add them later.
I have heard some people say that members of my faith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and those who practice Islam have quite a bit in common. In the general sense of both groups being very misunderstood I have always felt that to be true. In recent years I have started to see more of the nuances of similarity. Both religions have a code of conduct related to food and health. Both religions have offshoots that have broken away and twisted and abused their doctrine to justify the abuse and oppression of women. Both are missionary churches (it wasn’t until my early adult years that I realized not all faiths actively seek converts). Both faiths have codes of conduct regarding dress and modesty and even have special religious garb that they wear daily. Because of many of these similarities I could very much connect with the story of these young girls, and the story of how their mother taught them to be strong in the face of ridicule from those who don’t understand their beliefs.
I’m kicking myself for not holding on to the library copy of this book long enough to include a couple of my favorite lines in this review, but there’s a good chance I am going to end up buying this book, so perhaps I will just add them later.