Feb. 1 is World Hijab Day, a day of recognition for the millions of Muslim women and girls worldwide who choose to wear hijab. For those unaware, the term hijab encompasses a variety of head coverings that cover the hair of Muslim women including the standard hijab, as well as niqab, khimar, chador, and more. To celebrate this right of religious expression, we’ve gathered five books that celebrate the wearing of hijab and what it represents.
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan, Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
A lovely representation of the many reasons and ways that women wear hijabs, the story follows a young girl as she considers all the women in her life and how their varied hijabs allow them to express their unique personalities. Her grandmother, for instance, folds her long hijab out of the way while she works as a baker, yet prefers to wear her hair in a neat bun while cooking in the privacy of home. She adores the way her mother’s cheerful pink hijab contrasts with her white doctor’s coat, and how her camp counselor wears a practical sun hat over hers when she’s out for a hike. Overall, Khan’s words and Jaleel’s artwork weave a rich tapestry of how each woman featured is a unique and complex individual under her hijab.
Hana’s Hundreds of Hijabs by Razeena Omar Gutta, Illustrated by Manal Mirza
Hana is undoubtedly the most fashionable kid at her school, owing to her incredible collection of glamorous hijabs and accessories. Every day, she spends copious amounts of time styling her outfit to match each one — unfortunately, this is making her late for school, and her collection is starting to take over the entire house! Can Hana learn how to par down her collection, and perhaps help those who have less? In addition to being a lovely tale about selflessness, Gutta’s story also makes clear that Hana does not view hijab as an obligation but as an outward expression of her inner self, and that wearing hijab is a personal choice (for instance, Hana’s mother also wears hijab, but her aunt does not).
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali, Illustrated by Hatem Aly
Rightfully considered by many to be a modern classic of hijabi representation in children’s literature, this touching story of sisterhood begins with little sister Faizah accompanying big sister Asiya to pick out her “first-day” hijab; Asiya chooses a beautiful blue that reminds Faizah of the color of the ocean meeting the sky on a clear day. When the two arrive at school, Asiya’s new hijab is met with mixed reactions, including some bullying and cruel remarks, yet Asiya refuses to acknowledge the bigotry. Muhammad and Ali tell a stirring story of cultural and family pride that is ably enhanced by Aly’s gorgeous artwork, while also giving a roadmap to young hijabi readers on how to deal with hurtful and ignorant words.
Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Illustrated by Ebony Glenn
A classic story of mother and daughter told through a hijabi perspective, this title begins with a little girl looking through her mother’s collection of khumur, admiring the rainbow of colors. Her favorite is the yellow khimar, and when she takes it down to try it on, she feels like a queen, a mama bird, and a superhero. There’s timelessness and cross-cultural relatability in this one — after all, what child doesn’t try on their parent’s too-big clothing to feel close to them? Thompkins-Bigelow and Glenn also do a fantastic job of showing that the khimar makes the young narrator feel empowered and free, as well as a connection to her family and culture.
Noor Needs to Know! by Farhana Islam, Illustrated by Nabila Adani
Titled Not Now, Noor! in some editions, this sweet and humorous look at the reasons behind wearing hijab is explored through the eyes of a curious young girl with plenty of questions. Noor loves that all of the women in her family wear a variety of hijab, but she wonders why! Are they hiding snacks in there for later? Are they having a bad hair day? Are they super spies? Sadly, most of the women seem a little too busy to answer the precocious Noor’s queries at the moment, leading to frustration. At last, her mother explains that hijab is part of their Muslim faith and something that makes them feel peaceful and powerful. Clever absurdity mixed with warm-hearted authenticity makes this a charming ode to hijabi culture.
Hijab and the culture surrounding it deserve meaningful representation in children’s literature, especially as it is so often misunderstood. We hope that these five books help you and your little readers celebrate hijab and the women who wear it, and we wish you happy reading!
To see more picture books with hijabi representation, check out our article on Children’s Books with Arab Main Characters.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
