Under My Hijab

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan & illustrated by Aaliya Jallel. It would be a good book to read at any level to
share customs and beliefs about the hijab.  Since it is a picture book I would recommend to use it in
elementary or middle school. I think students of Islamic faith would find it neat that they are represented in a book. 
It would be (according to Hollie’s definition) a culturally specific text that illuminates the authentic experience
of growing up as a member of a particular cultural group. 

This book is about a little girl observing different women in her life and how each woman uses her  hijab as an
extension of her personality. It features relatives and friends of the young girl. At the end it has a brief
explanation of the hijab and the customs and beliefs around it.

I think this book would be interesting to students because they get to learn about other people. 
Children are naturally curious and if they have ever seen someone wearing a hijab they will want to know why. 
This book shares how and why Muslim women wear a hijab. If you had a student who wore a hijab you could
read this to explain more about it.  It could lead to interesting discussions.

Child read aloud of book

Author discussing the book