With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab — a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are. (From Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

Ibtihaj Muhammad was the first Muslim American woman to compete for the United States in the Olympics while wearing a hijab. The Proudest Blue is her first book.

S.K. Ali is a YA author from Brampton, Ont. Her books include Saints and Misfits and Love from A to Z.

Hatem Aly is a children's book illustrator who lives in New Brunswick. He also illustrated the Unicorn Rescue Society series by Adam Gidwitz and the Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi.