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Under My Hijab
Grandma wears it clasped under her chin. Aunty pins hers up with a beautiful brooch. Jenna puts it under a sun hat when she hikes. Zara styles hers to match her outfit. As a young girl observes six very different women in her life who each wear the hijab in a unique way, she also dreams of the rich possibilities of her own future, and how she will express her own personality through her hijab. Written in sprightly rhyme and illustrated by a talented newcomer, Under My Hijab honors the diverse lives of contemporary Muslim women and girls, their love for each other, and their pride in their culture and faith.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 22, 2019
About the author
Hena Khan
52 books505 followersHena Khan writes books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences and culture. Hena’s novels include AMINA'S VOICE, MORE TO THE STORY, and DRAWING DEENA. She is the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s picture books include GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS, UNDER MY HIJAB, and IT'S RAMADAN, CURIOUS GEORGE, among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
September 4, 2021
Another wonderfully written book by Hena Khan with charming illustrations respectfully showing Muslim women wearing hijabs in public using different styles, as well as "letting their hair down" in private. Khan's "Author's Note" describes what a hijab is, as well as where, when, why and how it is worn, beginning at adolescence.
An enjoyable read-aloud for children in Grades 1 to 4. I also highly recommend this book to my Alberta Grade 3 teacher colleagues when introducing Tunisian culture in the social studies curriculum. Please see my review of another suitable book, also written by Hena Khan, regarding Muslim culture calledGolden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors.
An enjoyable read-aloud for children in Grades 1 to 4. I also highly recommend this book to my Alberta Grade 3 teacher colleagues when introducing Tunisian culture in the social studies curriculum. Please see my review of another suitable book, also written by Hena Khan, regarding Muslim culture calledGolden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors.
April 18, 2019
Reading this book to my son and having a discussion gave me the courage to do something. Last night I was at Chipotle ordering dinner to go. I hesitated a moment and then asked the young girl taking my order if she was wearing was a hijab. She looked at me wearily and replied, "Yes, it is." I then said, "I read an amazing picture book called Under My Hijab to my seven-year-old last night and it was so awesome to have a discussion about it!" She immediately smiled and said, "Really? What is the name of that book?" I told her again and said, "It's by Hena Khan. Definitely look for it."
I loved the opportunity to learn about and share the Muslim religion and the significance of hijabs with my son in an age-appropriate way. The more we can open our children's hearts and minds the better our world will be.
I loved the opportunity to learn about and share the Muslim religion and the significance of hijabs with my son in an age-appropriate way. The more we can open our children's hearts and minds the better our world will be.
February 1, 2019
More books like this, please.
February 11, 2019
Under My Hijab is a celebration of a beautiful element of traditional Muslim culture. Hena Khan shares in gentle rhyme and Aaliya Jaleel vividly depicts with colorful illustrations all the ways girls and women use hijabs in their busy lives, in work and play, to express their beliefs and complement their beauty. The final notes of the author provides information about the hijab, including the interesting side note that the author herself, despite being an observant Muslim, chooses not to wear a hijab.
It's a splendid picture book for both those familiar with Muslim culture, those who are unfamiliar, and those who have impressions of the culture not based on facts. I wish I had had this book in my school library last year when we talked about Muslim culture at school; this book would have added so much to the discussion.
It's a splendid picture book for both those familiar with Muslim culture, those who are unfamiliar, and those who have impressions of the culture not based on facts. I wish I had had this book in my school library last year when we talked about Muslim culture at school; this book would have added so much to the discussion.
February 22, 2019
This is the story of a girl talking about all the amazing women in her life (mother, aunt, cousin, sister, etc.). We meet them all in a public space working or playing and wearing hijab and then we get a glimpse of them at home without it. It's uplifting and a lovely celebration of this cultural dress aspect. It is fresh and modern and bright. Definitely should be added to public library and school library shelves.
February 17, 2020
Reading Challenge: Book 3 for the #Pondathon
April 5, 2019
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Under My Hijab feels like a breath of fresh air with everything that has gone around in the world lately. It celebrates the diversity within the Hijab community through the eyes of a Muslim child. The girl observes her family members who wear the hijab: how they wear it, how they style their hair when they are not wearing it, and what their interests are. The illustrations are stunning and the writing’s rhyme scheme is gorgeous. We really do need more books like this one.
Check it out on my blog.
Under My Hijab feels like a breath of fresh air with everything that has gone around in the world lately. It celebrates the diversity within the Hijab community through the eyes of a Muslim child. The girl observes her family members who wear the hijab: how they wear it, how they style their hair when they are not wearing it, and what their interests are. The illustrations are stunning and the writing’s rhyme scheme is gorgeous. We really do need more books like this one.
Check it out on my blog.
April 13, 2019
An Author’s Note in this book tells us that Islam asks its followers to dress in a modest way. A hijab is the common name for the headscarf that Muslim women wear to cover their hair. Khan writes:
“They may choose to dress in the hijab to reflect their faith, to feel closer to God, or because they believe their religion requires them to keep these parts of the body private.”
Many Muslim women take off the hijab in the privacy of their homes, and many Muslim women choose not to wear it at all. It all depends, Khan writes, on a person’s individual taste and culture.
You may wonder why anyone who is not Muslim cares whether a Muslim woman wears a head scarf or not. This book doesn’t provide that answer, because there isn’t really one besides fear and hatred. Instead, this book shows all the ways in which women and girls might wear the hijab, in a poetic format with bright appealing pictures by Aaliya Jaleel, and in a tone of pride and celebration.
The young girl in the story, who is pointing out the variety in the ways the headscarf is worn, includes examples of all kinds of Muslim women in different settings who have not been limited by wearing it.
For example, she describes her artistic aunt who has hair streaked with pink and purple:
“Auntie works hard in her studio.
She’s always dressed funky and cool!
Her silky hijab towers up high,
Pinned with a handmade jewel.”
She shows her older sister in high school, who “wraps her hijab a cute way,” and expresses admiration for a Muslim women athlete whose sporty hijab always stays in place.
When not out in public, women may opt not to wear the hijab.:
“When she’s at home in her kitchen,
Grandma fixes her hair in a bun.
We mix up some chocolate cookies
And share a sweet treat when they’re done.”
The little girl declares:
“Under my hijab, in a headband,
Or a clip with butterfly wings,
My hair shines bright - like my future.
I can’t wait to see what it brings.”
Illustrator Aaliya Jaleel has created bright and pleasing pictures of this multiracial family and community enjoying all sorts of activities. The format reflects Jaleel's background in animation.
In an interview the author stated:
"I wanted to write a book that celebrates the women I know who choose to wear hijab, and presents them as they are: strong, independent, educated, successful, and fashionable individuals who are talented in a multitude of ways and not limited by their headcovers. I hoped it would serve to answer very basic questions as well as to represent women and girls who wear it and aren’t very visible in children’s literature."
Evaluation: Khan successfully demonstrates that those who wear the hijab “are not solely defined by a piece of cloth.” The simple rhymes will appeal to the intended age group of 4 to 8.
“They may choose to dress in the hijab to reflect their faith, to feel closer to God, or because they believe their religion requires them to keep these parts of the body private.”
Many Muslim women take off the hijab in the privacy of their homes, and many Muslim women choose not to wear it at all. It all depends, Khan writes, on a person’s individual taste and culture.
You may wonder why anyone who is not Muslim cares whether a Muslim woman wears a head scarf or not. This book doesn’t provide that answer, because there isn’t really one besides fear and hatred. Instead, this book shows all the ways in which women and girls might wear the hijab, in a poetic format with bright appealing pictures by Aaliya Jaleel, and in a tone of pride and celebration.
The young girl in the story, who is pointing out the variety in the ways the headscarf is worn, includes examples of all kinds of Muslim women in different settings who have not been limited by wearing it.
For example, she describes her artistic aunt who has hair streaked with pink and purple:
“Auntie works hard in her studio.
She’s always dressed funky and cool!
Her silky hijab towers up high,
Pinned with a handmade jewel.”
She shows her older sister in high school, who “wraps her hijab a cute way,” and expresses admiration for a Muslim women athlete whose sporty hijab always stays in place.
When not out in public, women may opt not to wear the hijab.:
“When she’s at home in her kitchen,
Grandma fixes her hair in a bun.
We mix up some chocolate cookies
And share a sweet treat when they’re done.”
The little girl declares:
“Under my hijab, in a headband,
Or a clip with butterfly wings,
My hair shines bright - like my future.
I can’t wait to see what it brings.”
Illustrator Aaliya Jaleel has created bright and pleasing pictures of this multiracial family and community enjoying all sorts of activities. The format reflects Jaleel's background in animation.
In an interview the author stated:
"I wanted to write a book that celebrates the women I know who choose to wear hijab, and presents them as they are: strong, independent, educated, successful, and fashionable individuals who are talented in a multitude of ways and not limited by their headcovers. I hoped it would serve to answer very basic questions as well as to represent women and girls who wear it and aren’t very visible in children’s literature."
Evaluation: Khan successfully demonstrates that those who wear the hijab “are not solely defined by a piece of cloth.” The simple rhymes will appeal to the intended age group of 4 to 8.
March 22, 2019
I saw someone else read this book and decided to get it from the library. I liked that it showed the different women wearing the hijabs in public and in their homes. Good educating book for young children.
October 15, 2020
Did you know Muslim women do not wear their hijabs at home? Did you know there's more than one way to wear one? I enjoyed this story that shows and teaches us about the many ways and places Muslim women wear hijabs.
February 27, 2019
Celebrating diversity and self-expression, Under My Hijab is a beautiful exploration of the different ways that Muslim women and girls choose to wear (or not to wear) the hijab as an expression of their faith.
Told in rhyming couplets, a young girl watches her family and friends as they do the things they love: her mother the doctor attends to patients at work and gardens at home, her teenage cousin pursues a black belt in tae kwon do and then has a dance party with her, and so many more of the women she loves do incredible things that inspire her to follow her own dreams. The different ways they wear the hijab are as unique as they are.
This beautiful diversity shines through with first-time picture book illustrator Aaliya Jaleel's art. The details in her warm, gentle illustrations immediately give each character their own personality, building a strong sense of love and community. Author Hena Khan's story is one of joy and hope, and she ends it with some facts about the hijab and how unique it is to each wearer.
This #ownvoices book will be a lovely way for young Muslim girls to see themselves and their loved ones represented in fictional stories, and it will be a fun way to introduce other children to Muslim characters and show them the beauty, kindness, and diversity in the Muslim community.
My thanks to Lee & Low Books and Edelweiss+ for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Told in rhyming couplets, a young girl watches her family and friends as they do the things they love: her mother the doctor attends to patients at work and gardens at home, her teenage cousin pursues a black belt in tae kwon do and then has a dance party with her, and so many more of the women she loves do incredible things that inspire her to follow her own dreams. The different ways they wear the hijab are as unique as they are.
This beautiful diversity shines through with first-time picture book illustrator Aaliya Jaleel's art. The details in her warm, gentle illustrations immediately give each character their own personality, building a strong sense of love and community. Author Hena Khan's story is one of joy and hope, and she ends it with some facts about the hijab and how unique it is to each wearer.
This #ownvoices book will be a lovely way for young Muslim girls to see themselves and their loved ones represented in fictional stories, and it will be a fun way to introduce other children to Muslim characters and show them the beauty, kindness, and diversity in the Muslim community.
My thanks to Lee & Low Books and Edelweiss+ for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
UNDER MY HIJAB is the story of a young girl who observes how, when, and where her female family members wear their individual headscarves. Hena Khan's story is for anyone curious about modern Muslim women who chose to wear a hijab. Most often women cover their hair, ears, and neck but to show just how individual that choice is, the cool artist aunt covers her hair and ears pinned with a handmade jewel. Illustrator Aaliya Jaleel adds other details like henna designs worn on the hands of these characters while at an outdoor event. Highly recommended!
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October 9, 2019This beautiful book shows many different Muslim women (including a white-appearing woman, representation which I have not seen before) wearing hijab and relaxing at home and not wearing hijab. This is a great book to start a conversation about hijab or to answer questions from young children who might be curious about what's under a woman's hijab. An author's note at the end explains reasons why Muslim women might choose to wear hijab and that some observant Muslim women choose not to wear hijab.
A great resource and a celebration of hijab! Pair with THE PROUDEST BLUE by Ibtihaj Muhammad.
A great resource and a celebration of hijab! Pair with THE PROUDEST BLUE by Ibtihaj Muhammad.
May 6, 2019
What a terrific way to introduce a piece of Muslim culture to others. It was pages of learning for me and I can only imagine the deep discussions that would be had by families with children. I’m so glad to see more #ownvoices books gracing our library’s shelves. It warms my heart to see little kids racing up to a book because they see themselves or someone they love depicted on the cover.
January 9, 2020
This is an excellent book to use when describing diversity to a young child. The author does a wonderful job and the book also has beautiful illustrations.
March 9, 2019
Little girls love to look up to and try to emulate their mothers and other women they admire, often wearing their jewelry, scarves and/or shoes, or carrying their purses. And why not? These are the women who love them and care for them, and who try to make the world a safe place for them. Here is a book that invites readers into the world of a young Muslim American girl who also looks up to the women around her who follow the teachings of Islam and choose to wear a hijab as part of their daily life outside the home. For young Muslim readers, this book is a chance to see and celebrate who they are, and for non-Muslim readers, it is an opportunity to learn about and dispel some of the mystery and negative connotations surrounding the hijab that they may have heard.
The narrator, a young girl, introduces the reader to the six influential women in her life that wear a hijab whenever they are in public. Each person is depicted on a two page spread going about her usual activities and wearing a hijab. Turn the page, and readers see the same person at home where they do not have to cover their head around family. Her grandmother folds her hijab carefully when she bakes bread at work, but at home she puts her hair up in a bun while she bakes cookies.
Mama, a doctor, tidily tucks her cheerful pink hijab into the white lab coat while at work, but a long braid at home. Auntie, an artist, wears a silky hijab with a handmade jewel and who would ever suspect that underneath her hair is striped pink and purple. Likewise, the narrator's troop leader Jenna wears a sun hat over her hijab, but lets it hang free while telling scary stories at night in a tent. Stylish sister Zayna wear her hijab in a cute way for school, and at home, the sisters pick out what she will wear the next day, matching outfit to hijab. Cousin Iman knows how to keep her sporty hijab in place while working on getting her first black belt in karate but at home she lets it down while they listen and dang to music. The book ends with a gathering of family in a park, and a gathering of the six women the narrator introduced us to and the young narrator now wearing her own hijab.
Under My Hijab is told in cheerful four line rhyming stanzas and each page is illustrated soft gentle illustrations that really depict the difference in each women and how personality comes through in the way she wears her hijab. I also like the way the illustrations depicts what isn't said in the text. Readers doing a close reading of the illustrations will notice that the narrator's family is multiracial, grandmother and father appear to be black, while other characters have various skin tones. Be sure to read Hena Khan's About the Hijab at the end of the book to learn more about why these head coverings are worn by some women but not by others of the Islamic faith.
This book is recommended for readers age 6+
This book was an EARC received from Edelweiss+
The narrator, a young girl, introduces the reader to the six influential women in her life that wear a hijab whenever they are in public. Each person is depicted on a two page spread going about her usual activities and wearing a hijab. Turn the page, and readers see the same person at home where they do not have to cover their head around family. Her grandmother folds her hijab carefully when she bakes bread at work, but at home she puts her hair up in a bun while she bakes cookies.
Mama, a doctor, tidily tucks her cheerful pink hijab into the white lab coat while at work, but a long braid at home. Auntie, an artist, wears a silky hijab with a handmade jewel and who would ever suspect that underneath her hair is striped pink and purple. Likewise, the narrator's troop leader Jenna wears a sun hat over her hijab, but lets it hang free while telling scary stories at night in a tent. Stylish sister Zayna wear her hijab in a cute way for school, and at home, the sisters pick out what she will wear the next day, matching outfit to hijab. Cousin Iman knows how to keep her sporty hijab in place while working on getting her first black belt in karate but at home she lets it down while they listen and dang to music. The book ends with a gathering of family in a park, and a gathering of the six women the narrator introduced us to and the young narrator now wearing her own hijab.
Under My Hijab is told in cheerful four line rhyming stanzas and each page is illustrated soft gentle illustrations that really depict the difference in each women and how personality comes through in the way she wears her hijab. I also like the way the illustrations depicts what isn't said in the text. Readers doing a close reading of the illustrations will notice that the narrator's family is multiracial, grandmother and father appear to be black, while other characters have various skin tones. Be sure to read Hena Khan's About the Hijab at the end of the book to learn more about why these head coverings are worn by some women but not by others of the Islamic faith.
This book is recommended for readers age 6+
This book was an EARC received from Edelweiss+
September 8, 2019
https://raisethemrighteous.com/2019/0...
Under My Hijab, written by Hena Khan and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, is a celebratory picture book that highlights the diversity of Muslim women and girls. The story unfolds from the point-of-view of a pre-adolescent girl who does not often wear a hijab, likely due to her age. The reader is introduced to women in her world who do wear a hijab, all of whom the narrator admires. The narrator’s grandmother is a baker, her mother a doctor, her Auntie an artist, her sister a fashionable high school student, and her cousin just earned a black belt. Each woman represented is different and wears her hijab differently. Far from hindering individuality, the hijab is an extension of one’s uniqueness in this beautifully told story.
The author and illustrator are both Muslim women. In an afterward, the author, Hena Khan, notes that she chooses not to wear a hijab, whereas the illustrator, AAliya Jaleel, is pictured on the book jacket wearing a hijab. This reiterates wearing a hijab as a choice women make based on their interpretation of Islam.
Under My Hijab is a wonderful book that will reflect the life experiences of many Muslim children, while introducing children who are not Muslim to the religious and cultural meanings of wearing a hijab.
I think this one should be in every school library, and I highly recommend it for personal collections.
Under My Hijab, written by Hena Khan and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, is a celebratory picture book that highlights the diversity of Muslim women and girls. The story unfolds from the point-of-view of a pre-adolescent girl who does not often wear a hijab, likely due to her age. The reader is introduced to women in her world who do wear a hijab, all of whom the narrator admires. The narrator’s grandmother is a baker, her mother a doctor, her Auntie an artist, her sister a fashionable high school student, and her cousin just earned a black belt. Each woman represented is different and wears her hijab differently. Far from hindering individuality, the hijab is an extension of one’s uniqueness in this beautifully told story.
The author and illustrator are both Muslim women. In an afterward, the author, Hena Khan, notes that she chooses not to wear a hijab, whereas the illustrator, AAliya Jaleel, is pictured on the book jacket wearing a hijab. This reiterates wearing a hijab as a choice women make based on their interpretation of Islam.
Under My Hijab is a wonderful book that will reflect the life experiences of many Muslim children, while introducing children who are not Muslim to the religious and cultural meanings of wearing a hijab.
I think this one should be in every school library, and I highly recommend it for personal collections.
February 20, 2019
Important book in a classroom library! Love that this book shows that Muslim women do everything any woman might do. It also shows that under the hijab is hair that looks like many other colors and styles women have. Sometimes fear is just from not knowing, so this book allows kids who might know anyone close to them who wears a hijab, to see that women who do are just like any other woman in their life! Students need books that are windows and mirrors. For many students in my school, this book would be a window that is so desperately needed. For some, it would be a mirror that allow them the see themselves/their family represented in their classroom library, when mostly they aren't. Definitely an important book. (Also a great author's note in the end that should be shared with the kids as well!)
June 24, 2019
Grades K-4. Rhyming text show women who choose to wear the hijab in many different careers/settings, contrasting it to their hair/what is shown in the privacy of home and amongst females.
I think this is an important book because it satisfies the curiosity many non-Muslims have about the hijab-- what's under there? Why is worn so many different ways? The author notes the different reasons and situations where Muslim women might decide to wear this traditional head covering. It opens a good discussion with school children who like to tease by pulling off hats, tugging hair and remarking on differences in style. One of the authors even explains that she does not choose to wear the hijab except in certain situations like entering a mosque. Ultimately it is the individual woman's decision about when and how to wear the hijab in our country.
I think this is an important book because it satisfies the curiosity many non-Muslims have about the hijab-- what's under there? Why is worn so many different ways? The author notes the different reasons and situations where Muslim women might decide to wear this traditional head covering. It opens a good discussion with school children who like to tease by pulling off hats, tugging hair and remarking on differences in style. One of the authors even explains that she does not choose to wear the hijab except in certain situations like entering a mosque. Ultimately it is the individual woman's decision about when and how to wear the hijab in our country.
February 28, 2019
I can't say enough about this book! Readers get an intimate look at different at the women in the main character's life and see how they wear their hijab to bring out their unique personality and how they style their hair when they are at home. This is such a beautiful book that celebrates diversity - Hena Kahn, please keep writing! Under My Hijab is Aaliyah Jaleel's debut picture book, and her illustrations are warm and expressive.
I added this book to my collection of mentor texts for narrative writing. A great example of how students can write a story about special people in their lives.
I added this book to my collection of mentor texts for narrative writing. A great example of how students can write a story about special people in their lives.
March 8, 2019
This is a wonderful book about girls who wear hijabs. They can wear their hijabs in many locations such as school, home, hiking, during sports, and during many activities. Hijabs is a way to dress modestly for many Muslim women and it isn't bad or inconvenient. It's normal and can look very, very pretty. Wearing a hijab is a source of pride for many Muslim women and not scary in the least. This is a wonderful picture book about girls who wear hijabs as a normal part of their lives.
February 7, 2019
Beautiful book with beautiful drawings. I'm glad to see hijabs spoke in a positive light.
October 5, 2019
Excellent children's book about the hijab.
May 11, 2021
A warm, vibrant celebration of the hijab. I've read other picture books about the hijab and I think this one excels in a few unique ways. First, it does a very good job of highlighting that the hijab is worn in public, but that women uncover when they are at home. It shows Muslim women wearing the hijab in many different settings, from adult professionals (baker, doctor, artist) to young people wearing them to school or in sports. I also think it's notable that one of the women wearing a hijab appears to be white and has blonde hair (I don't think I've seen any white Muslims in any other picture books I've read, yet they do exist!) I also appreciate the About the Hijab afterward which states that Muslim women may choose to dress in the hijab "to reflect their faith, to feel closer to God, or because they believe their religion requires them to keep these parts of their body private." Yet, she also says that, "It is important to note that many observant Muslim women, including the author of this book, choose not to wear a hijab, based on their personal interpretations of Islamic religious requirements. Yet they may cover their hair in certain situations, such as when visiting a mosque or while praying." Again, this is an important point that is often missing from other picture books about the hijab. For such a short book, I think it does a good job of conveying a lot of important information. It is a celebration for Muslim girls and an education for those unfamiliar with the significance of the hijab.
July 21, 2020
This book is a 2021 Monarch Award nominee. The smiling girl on the front of the book welcomes the reader into a world that while maybe unfamiliar to some, can be very beautiful and loving. The illustrations are very cheerful. I didn't know that while many women wear the hijab head covering during the day, at home they do not. I think there are many times when a good book can teach us something, and this book succeeds in that point. This book also points out the commonalities between us all. While we each may observe different religious (or other) customs, we all share the idea of family. I'm glad that I read this book!
Reviewed by: Lisa Coleman, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Lisa Coleman, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
December 16, 2019
"Mama makes jokes with her patient, as she peers in his eyes and his throat.
Her bright pink hijab looks so cheerful, tucked into her tidy white coat."
I was really hoping to like this book more than I did. Externally, it all looks and sounds great, but the underlying values throughout really bother me. I borrowed this from the library and am really glad I didn't pre-order before it came out.
This book tells the story, in rhyme, of a young girl and all the hijabi women around her. It talks about the achievements they have outside the home, while in hijab and then the normal, everyday, relatable stuff they do at home (or in an all female environment). It ends by the girl talking about how inspired she is by those women, and how under her hijab, she too has hair shining bright.
The rhyming is smooth and flows nicely. The pattern and rhythm is just like the It's Ramadan, Curious George book. There is two spreads on each person, mostly family members but also her troop leader. These women are doctors, bakers, high schoolers, into karate... then at home they aren't wearing their hijab and planting flowers, making cookies, studying, singing, etc. The idea is that their hijabs don't hold them back and that underneath it, they're just normal people like you and me.
The illustrations are cute and well done. They portray happy, intelligent, determined Muslim women getting on with life. Really nice images for a Muslim child (and non-Muslim child) to see.
In regards to fiqhi things, some parents may want to know that the hijab styles vary. All cover their hair fully except one who has some hair showing at the front (obviously very purposely). Some are in more fitted clothing but they're all covered. Another point is that the girl and her cousin are dancing and signing along to music when they're at home.
So to the things that really bother me about this book.
I find it all very shallow. There is a huge emphasis throughout the book on how these women look. Everyone's hijab is described and then their hair 'under the hijab' is too. That's obviously the point but it really undermines the purpose of the hijab in the first place. I feel like the whole spirit of the hijab is lost. This garment is an act of worship, it's a reminder that our body is made by, and belongs to, Allah and when we cover, we're doing it in obedience to Him. And regarding the wisdoms of that, it's about modesty, about aknowledging that Allah made us beautiful and wanting to be responsible with that beauty- not flaunting it. But then the artist auntie is described being dressed "funky and cool" and the interpretation of this is wearing a turban style hijab that shows the front of her hair and all her neck. And the big sister wears a "fashionable outfit" to school and spends part of the evening finding "tomorrow's fresh look" with her little sister. I understand this book is written for a non-Muslim audience, but I find it sad that the hijab is being made non-threatening or beautiful by taking the real meaning out of it.
Secondly, I don't like how the author is communicating what success and achievement for a woman really is. Each of these women is celebrated for something she does outside of the home, usually professional. They are all things that a man too would strive for and it really would have been nice to have something more feminine included. I don't want my daughter to think she has to become a doctor or have an art studio to be successful. I want her to know that she can raise children with strong principles or feed her family and still be contributing hugely to society. I think our girls are getting the message over and over that they need to have a great career and it's a message that so majorly harms women when they also want to care for their families or have other goals. I don't want a book about Muslims drumming in the same message.
Lastly, at the end of the the author's note, it says: "It is important to note that many observant Muslim women, including the author of this book, choose not to wear the hijab, based on their personal interpretations of Islamic religious requirements. Yet they may cover their hair in certain situations, such as when visiting a mosque or while praying. As you saw on these pages, the hijab, like other types of clothing, is worn in many different styles depending on a person's individual taste and culture, and it can be a beautiful expression of the Islamic faith." I quoted so you can decide how you feel yourself. This for me really tainted my whole reading of the book. Why write a book celebrating women in hijab if you then want to tell everyone 'You don't actually have to wear it!' and 'It can be a beautiful expression of the Islamic faith'? Leave it! This is not the time! I get that she wants to explain why some Muslim women don't wear it (including herself) but there are more respectful ways of wording it! Say it's a higher level of worshipping God if you really don't want to admit that it's an obligation. Why do you have to discredit it totally? I also don't like that she said a 'personal interpretation', as if the rulings of the faith are up to a layman's opinions.
All in all, I do not recommend this book for a practicing Muslim family. I can see its benefit in a secular setting to humanise and normalise hijab but nothing more than that.
Her bright pink hijab looks so cheerful, tucked into her tidy white coat."
I was really hoping to like this book more than I did. Externally, it all looks and sounds great, but the underlying values throughout really bother me. I borrowed this from the library and am really glad I didn't pre-order before it came out.
This book tells the story, in rhyme, of a young girl and all the hijabi women around her. It talks about the achievements they have outside the home, while in hijab and then the normal, everyday, relatable stuff they do at home (or in an all female environment). It ends by the girl talking about how inspired she is by those women, and how under her hijab, she too has hair shining bright.
The rhyming is smooth and flows nicely. The pattern and rhythm is just like the It's Ramadan, Curious George book. There is two spreads on each person, mostly family members but also her troop leader. These women are doctors, bakers, high schoolers, into karate... then at home they aren't wearing their hijab and planting flowers, making cookies, studying, singing, etc. The idea is that their hijabs don't hold them back and that underneath it, they're just normal people like you and me.
The illustrations are cute and well done. They portray happy, intelligent, determined Muslim women getting on with life. Really nice images for a Muslim child (and non-Muslim child) to see.
In regards to fiqhi things, some parents may want to know that the hijab styles vary. All cover their hair fully except one who has some hair showing at the front (obviously very purposely). Some are in more fitted clothing but they're all covered. Another point is that the girl and her cousin are dancing and signing along to music when they're at home.
So to the things that really bother me about this book.
I find it all very shallow. There is a huge emphasis throughout the book on how these women look. Everyone's hijab is described and then their hair 'under the hijab' is too. That's obviously the point but it really undermines the purpose of the hijab in the first place. I feel like the whole spirit of the hijab is lost. This garment is an act of worship, it's a reminder that our body is made by, and belongs to, Allah and when we cover, we're doing it in obedience to Him. And regarding the wisdoms of that, it's about modesty, about aknowledging that Allah made us beautiful and wanting to be responsible with that beauty- not flaunting it. But then the artist auntie is described being dressed "funky and cool" and the interpretation of this is wearing a turban style hijab that shows the front of her hair and all her neck. And the big sister wears a "fashionable outfit" to school and spends part of the evening finding "tomorrow's fresh look" with her little sister. I understand this book is written for a non-Muslim audience, but I find it sad that the hijab is being made non-threatening or beautiful by taking the real meaning out of it.
Secondly, I don't like how the author is communicating what success and achievement for a woman really is. Each of these women is celebrated for something she does outside of the home, usually professional. They are all things that a man too would strive for and it really would have been nice to have something more feminine included. I don't want my daughter to think she has to become a doctor or have an art studio to be successful. I want her to know that she can raise children with strong principles or feed her family and still be contributing hugely to society. I think our girls are getting the message over and over that they need to have a great career and it's a message that so majorly harms women when they also want to care for their families or have other goals. I don't want a book about Muslims drumming in the same message.
Lastly, at the end of the the author's note, it says: "It is important to note that many observant Muslim women, including the author of this book, choose not to wear the hijab, based on their personal interpretations of Islamic religious requirements. Yet they may cover their hair in certain situations, such as when visiting a mosque or while praying. As you saw on these pages, the hijab, like other types of clothing, is worn in many different styles depending on a person's individual taste and culture, and it can be a beautiful expression of the Islamic faith." I quoted so you can decide how you feel yourself. This for me really tainted my whole reading of the book. Why write a book celebrating women in hijab if you then want to tell everyone 'You don't actually have to wear it!' and 'It can be a beautiful expression of the Islamic faith'? Leave it! This is not the time! I get that she wants to explain why some Muslim women don't wear it (including herself) but there are more respectful ways of wording it! Say it's a higher level of worshipping God if you really don't want to admit that it's an obligation. Why do you have to discredit it totally? I also don't like that she said a 'personal interpretation', as if the rulings of the faith are up to a layman's opinions.
All in all, I do not recommend this book for a practicing Muslim family. I can see its benefit in a secular setting to humanise and normalise hijab but nothing more than that.
September 2, 2021
Books like this should be promoted more and more so it becomes easy for non Muslims to learn about our religion and hijabs relationship. It's our choice to wear it. When we wear it, we feel special in our own way. We are not oppressed. Hijab is part of us❤️.
October 19, 2021
*PopSugar Reto #24: Autor o autora musulmán-estadounidense*
"Debajo de mi Hijab, en una diadema o en un clip con alas de mariposa, mi cabello brilla como mi futuro"
"Debajo de mi Hijab, en una diadema o en un clip con alas de mariposa, mi cabello brilla como mi futuro"
August 31, 2020
Diverse, cute, special. I really liked the art style and the message of this picture book. And Hena Khan is an author I've come to enjoy and would read other books by her.
June 3, 2021
This is a great story about how a young girl observes the women she comes into contact and the different ways they wear their Hijab. The story displays the many different positions that the women have and how they all stay true to their culture. The pictures are vivid however; I disagreed with how some pf the pictures were presented for example the family pictures were very dark in complexion but the women who held traditional positions were lighter skinned. It also displayed pictures that were very a bit biased for example all the women who did not hold jobs were darker in complexion and those who help positions were lighter in complexion. Overall, the book is a cute book for children with the illustration exceptions. Geared to preK-2nd grade anything is too young however it can be used as an independent reader for younger students.
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