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

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The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K.Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly This cheerful multicultural book, brimming with optimism and hope, will make a lovely read-aloud or bedtime story.”— Booklist It’s the doldrums of a Midwest winter, and some of my students are on edge with each other. So I was looking for a BIPOC friendship book to use for Valentine’s week. The bright red dress from the cover caught my attention along with the word Kindest. 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?

Mae Faizah a Sophie'n gwneud pâr rhagorol, yn lledu meddylgarwch i bobman, ac mae yna hiwmor tyner yn ymwneud y dosbarth â'i gilydd. Mae'r darluniau'n ddeinamig a lliwgar, gydag ambell edrychiad hyfryd o ddigywilydd ar wynebau'r plant. Mae Faizah hefyd yn ymddangos yn The Proudest Blue, llyfr lluniau ardderchog arall gan yr un creawdwyr.The creators of the bestselling The Proudest Blue (2019) return with a tale of siblings, friendship, and acts of kindness. Line up the Cover Flap on top of the Response Template so that it covers your responses. (See Sample Photos) My class understood the author wants us to be nice and kind. They liked the kindness superpower. A couple of my girls liked seeing the hijab because they wear one on special occasions. We talked about—what if the clothing was a different color than red? A girl suggested the kindest pink to match her sweater. A boy said, “a caring rainbow.” Others said, “the nicest teal” and “respectful violet.” I told them when they have time, they could illustrate their ideas. Faizah is sad, and Sophie notices, can the kindness be passed along like the dress to help the sisters? To make Faizah happy too? I'm not going to give away the conclusion, but it is sweet and idyllic and shows how lovely the world can be if we all just share some kindness.

Inspiring.... The lovely, playful illustrations by Aly capture the spirit of imagination and sisterly solidarity in the face of bullying."— New York Times Book ReviewIbtihaj 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. 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. 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! A joyous tale of strengthening community by lifting up one another …the message is perfect as well as vital for elementary children. An exuberant follow-up to The Proudest Blue.”— School Library Journal