The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community (The Proudest Blue) Hardcover – 2 Jan. 2025

This comes as the third in a loose series of picture books based around identity and colour, and at first I was suspicious as sometimes latter books on a theme can feel forced. However, this was quite the most lovely surprise, managing to bring together the wonderful sense of community a child needs to feel, as well as the bravery to stand out as an individual when the time is right, and also a clear nod to women’s sports.On the cover, as opposed to the ‘family’ and ‘friend’ themes of The Proudest Blue and The Kindest Red, The Boldest White speaks of community, and this recurs throughout the story in the many ways a child might feel community spirit. The book opens with the girl’s family (one kind of small community), and leads into her religious community, then a class community.There are tasks done in unison, and also tasks done alone, as well as the sense that sometimes its good to be part of a crowd and lean on others, and sometimes its good to lead. But it’s all done quite subtly and with bravery as a main theme.There are also touching moments of friendship and sisterhood, a beautiful palate of colours, and and some wonderful illustrations - when the shadow of the hairbrush shows as a fencing sword.This is a brave, strong book - leading the pack in the primary sector, and a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read.With thanks to Walker for the ARC

The Boldest White is the third children's book in The Proudest Blue series by author and first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete and to win a medal for the United States in the Olympic Games, Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad.The book follows a young Muslim girl called Faizah who is having fencing lessons but while she can do all the moves in private she struggles when she is in front of other people.The story is about believing in yourself, having faith and being bold. I loved the motto throughout 'Bravery grows in your mind but its roots are in your heart - so very true.The book is illustrated highly with colourful, full-page drawings that showcase the plot perfectly. It is a quick and easy read and entertaining too. I'm sure youngsters will enjoy this book and the others in the series too.*I received a free copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed

Quite deep themes for a picture book. I loved the other two in this series and only now realised as I saw the content of this episode, the biography of the writer.Preparations for Eid are going on, while Faizah is nervous about standing up in front of everyone at a fencing competition. She likes to fit in, feel part of a group and not stand out. What if she makes mistakes? She's not as brave as her big sister.Making a Muslim family and young protagnoist the focus of these books is just such a wonderful sight. For those with little experience of the religion or culture, these books instantly whip up questions about clothing, festivals, places of worship, food, and I expect many to be surprised that Faizah and her friends like fencing. What a wonderful way to show similarities and shared interests, dispel misconceptions.Simply told, with great lessons at its heart, I love the pictures too, with strong female characters and bright, bold colours at the core of it.For school classrooms ideally, ages 5-10.With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.