Overview and Outcomes:

Children enter the classroom to find an array of fabrics of different colours and textures. They use lucky dip descriptions to describe the fabrics and oracy skills to guide a tour around the fabric store. Using their descriptions, they create advertising posters. Considering the feelings of a first day, children write a packing list. Children find information about Islam and create fact files to help educate others. In response to bullying comments, children write letters as allies and anti-bullying speeches. Children include character descriptions in a letter to Asiya. They then write in role as Faizah on her first day. Finally, children build up to an own version first day narrative.

Synopsis of Text:

Asiya's hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave.

It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong?

This is an uplifting picture book with Islam at its heart, with a universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond shared by siblings and of being proud of who you are, from Olympic medallist and celebrated Muslim author Ibtihaj Muhammad.

Text rationale:

The Proudest Blue written by Olympic medalist and social activist, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and award winning author, S. K. Ali, promotes themes of identity, confidence, sisterhood and pride in who you are. A New York Times bestseller, the book celebrates cultural diversity and encourages empathy and respect for others. It also addresses bullying and resilience, helping children understand the importance of kindness, inclusion, and being proud of who they are.

Links and themes:
Bravery & pride, inclusivity, identity, kindness, activism, empathy

Date written: June 2026

Cover used with permission of Hachette Book Group and Little Brown Books for Young Readers, New York, NY. All rights reserved.