When I first read The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family, I knew it would spark meaningful classroom conversations. Written by Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and author S.K. Ali, this picture book shares a touching story of pride, identity, and strength. The illustrations by Hatem Aly make it even more powerful.
If you’re building a collection of diverse and inclusive picture books, you can find my running list of recommended multicultural read-alouds here.
A Celebration of Identity
The story follows Faizah, a young girl watching her sister wear hijab for the first time. Asiya, her older sister, walks into school confidently, her hijab bright blue and beautiful. Faizah admires her. However, not everyone reacts kindly. Some classmates are supportive, while others mock and tease.
Yet Asiya remains calm. She doesn’t let the negativity affect her. Instead, she stands tall—an example of quiet strength. Through Faizah’s eyes, we see how pride in one’s identity can overcome fear.
Want more background before introducing the book? Ibtihaj Muhammad shares her own powerful real-life story in this TED Talk.
Classroom Connections
This book connects beautifully with Ontario’s 2023 Language Curriculum. It supports Strand C (Comprehension), where students make connections between texts and their own lives. It also aligns with Strand B1 (Oral Communication), encouraging discussion and empathy.
Moreover, The Proudest Blue offers an excellent example of culturally responsive teaching. It helps students explore diversity in a safe and thoughtful way. Most importantly, it gives students a chance to see both themselves and others represented in a respectful light.
For additional ways to bring culturally responsive practices into your classroom, I recommend exploring Teaching Tolerance’s Educator Resources.
You can also check out my Equity-Inclusive Picture Book Guide which includes suggested discussion questions and extensions for The Proudest Blue and other titles like it.
Why It Matters
Literature like this plays a key role in building inclusive classrooms. When students see characters that reflect their own identities, they feel more engaged. Additionally, it opens a window for others to learn about different cultures with empathy and curiosity.
If you’re looking to pair The Proudest Blue with additional classroom materials, Colorín Colorado has excellent resources for teaching English Language Learners using diverse texts.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. The Proudest Blue is ideal for students in Grades 1–5. It’s a strong text for teaching themes like resilience, family, and belonging. While the story is simple, it prompts deep thinking and valuable classroom conversations. Whether used for group discussions or independent reading, it belongs in every classroom library.
Looking for lesson ideas? Download my free picture book response pages designed to help students reflect and respond with both text and visuals.