The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship (The Proudest Blue)

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This is a story about dreaming, about an inclusive world, about family and the threads that hold them together. It's less about Hijab's and Friendship actually than I think it probably was meant to be - instead it feels more about just "being", and I think I like that just as much. When you're little, just being is all you care about; it's only when we grow that we begin to understand that not everyone will accept us for who we are and the gross unfairness of that. So I loved the childlike, innocent lense we got to see this through. The book starts with Mama passing on Asiya's dress to Faizah, that had been Mama's even before that. It is picture day, and the girls are helping each other get ready. At school Faizah and her friend Sophie twirl in their pretty dresses before heading in to class to discuss what kind of world they want. S.K. Ali is the award-winning and bestselling author of a number of books for children and young adults, including Saints and Misfits, The Proudest Blue (coauthor), and Once Upon an Eid (coeditor and contributor). She lives in Toronto with her family and invites you to visit her online at skalibooks.com. Line up the Cover Flap on top of the Response Template so that it covers your responses. (See Sample Photos) This is an absolutely beautiful book – one that is positive and empowering. In the author-illustrator team’s previous book The Proudest Blue, we saw the beautiful bond between sisters Faizah and Asiya and heard the supportive and uplifting words of their mother. In The Kindest Red we see this again throughout the story as we ponder the question posed by Faizah’s teacher, ‘What kind of world would you like to live in?’ A beautiful world? A strong world? A kind world?

Hatem Aly's ink-wash and watercolour illustrations perfectly complement the lyricism of Muhammed and Ali's moving text."— The Globe and Mail This charming book reminds children that even the smallest gesture can mean a lot to others. Faizah and Sophie make an excellent pair, spreading thoughtfulness everywhere, and there is gentle humour in the interactions between the class. The illustrations are dynamic and colourful, with some lovely cheeky and happy expressions on the kids’ faces. The sisters Faizah and Asiya also feature in the brilliant picture book The Proudest Blue, and the love they have for each other shines out powerfully in both books. A delight! Faizah wants a kind world, where there's always a friend nearby, where everyone helps. At recess, Sophie and Faizah combine their visions, superheroes and kindness, to help other kids on the playground. When picture time arrives the class is full of smiles, but when it is time for sibling pictures, Faiza and Asiya realize they don't match. S.K. Ali is the award-winning and bestselling author of a number of books for children and young adults, including Saints and Misfits, The Proudest Blue (coauthor), and Once Upon an Eid(coeditor and contributor). She lives in Toronto with her family and invites you to visit her online at skalibooks.com.Ibtihaj Muhammad is the first American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games. She is also the first female Muslim American woman to medal at the Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in the saber team event. An award-winning author, activist, and entrepreneur, Ibtihaj has written a memoir, Proud, as well as picture books included The Proudest Blue,and inspired the first hijabi Barbie, in her likeness. She invites you to visit her online at ibtihajmuhammad.com. Lift the Cover Flap to reveal your responses and share what kind of world you want to live in, and how you can make that dream come true!

What I loved about the book is when Faizah was down, her friends gathered around her and asked what was wrong and how they could help. I pointed out that in our kindergarten class, some of them are very good at being caring.Aly's ink-wash-and-pencil illustrations settle and soar along with the language.... This story, as both window and mirror, inevitably educates, but more important, it encourages pride in and respect for hijab through a tale of two sisters, their bond strengthened by faith."— Booklist, starred review