The Proudest Blue written by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali illus. by Hatem Aly

This beautiful story about the bonds of sisterhood is going to be my favorite book this year. It’s told through the eyes of Faizah, whose older sister is wearing a blue hijab on their first day of school. It’s an insightful look into bullying in a way that isn’t scary or traumatic for younger children going into school: The story, like Faizah, focuses on her sister’s strength and the words of her kinder classmates. - MJ