Three years ago Ibtihaj Muhammad became the first Muslim wearing hijab to represent Team USA in the Olympics. Now the bronze medalist has launched a book to help children like her see themselves.
Muhammad shared her excitement about the book’s launch on her Instagram account, noting why it was important for her.
“I wanted to tell this story so that children who look like me could see themselves in a picture book – a story of family, love and faith. So that they can see two sisters taking pride in hijab, and see that the parts of ourselves that might make us appear ‘different’ are worth celebrating.”
The book follows Muhammad’s younger sisters, Faizah and Asiya as they prepare for the first day of school and one’s first day of hijab. In it the two learn that not everyone sees the beautiful hijab in a good way, but they work to find strength in who they are and the bond they share as sisters.
During an interview on the Today Show, Muhammad shared how she didn’t have the opportunity to see herself reflected in children’s literature growing up. This book, gives her the opportunity to change.
“The book is about sisterhood, it’s about resilience and about being prideful despite the differences people might see,” she said.
Muhammad’s book comes one year after the release of her own hijab-wearing Barbie doll by Mattel. The doll was a part of the toy maker’s “Shero” collection.
We love it! The Proudest Blue is a book all children should read. It’s available online and in bookstores today.