Under My Hijab

Under My Hijab follows a young Muslim girl as she observes the women in her life wearing their hijabs in different ways and settings. The narrator notes how her female family members and friends style their head coverings at work, home, and during social activities. The picture book showcases various career paths and roles of modern Muslim women, from doctors to artists to teachers. Through simple observations, the story presents how these women maintain their religious practices while participating fully in American society. The text and illustrations work together to depict hijab-wearing as a personal choice that can be both religious and fashionable. This window into contemporary Muslim life in America offers young readers a celebration of identity, family bonds, and individual expression through faith and culture.

Readers appreciate how the book depicts Muslim women wearing hijab in everyday settings while showcasing their diverse personalities and careers. Parents note it helps normalize hijab for both Muslim and non-Muslim children. Multiple reviews mention the quality of the illustrations showing the characters' personalities through facial expressions and body language. Readers liked: - Representation of modern Muslim women in professional roles - Explanations of different hijab styles - Focus on personal choice rather than religious obligation - Inclusion of both public and private family moments Readers disliked: - Limited discussion of religious significance - Some found the rhyming text forced Ratings: Goodreads: 4.27/5 (876 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (396 ratings) One teacher reported her students requesting repeated readings, while another mentioned it prompted classroom discussions about cultural practices. Several Muslim mothers noted their daughters felt validated seeing themselves represented in a children's book.

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The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad Two sisters navigate their first day of school when one begins wearing hijab, learning about strength through their shared experiences.

Mommy's Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow A child explores imagination and connection while playing with her mother's collection of headscarves.

Night of the Moon by Hena Khan A Pakistani-American girl learns about Ramadan through the phases of the moon while sharing her cultural traditions with her classmates.

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan A Muslim girl born in Pakistan navigates birthday parties and sister relationships in her new North American home.

📚 Author Hena Khan has written over a dozen children's books exploring Muslim culture and traditions, making her one of the most prominent Muslim-American voices in children's literature 🎨 The book's illustrator, Aaliya Jaleel, created the warm, detailed illustrations while she was still a college student at the University of Texas at Dallas 👗 The story shows how Muslim women choose to wear their hijab differently in various settings, helping readers understand that hijab practices are personal and diverse 🌟 Under My Hijab was named among the Best Books of 2019 by both Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal 🤝 The book was inspired by Khan's desire to help young readers understand that women who wear hijab are active participants in all aspects of modern life - as artists, doctors, teachers, and athletes