Grandma's hijab clasps under her chin. Auntie pins hers up with a whimsical brooch. Jenna puts a sun hat over hers when she hikes. Iman wears a sports hijab for tae kwon do. As a young girl observes the women in her life and how each covers her hair a different way, she dreams of the possibilities in her own future and how she might express her personality through her hijab.
With cheerful rhyming text by the author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, and charming illustrations from a talented newcomer, Under My Hijab provides a friendly introduction to hijabs for all readers, and celebrates the many Muslim women and girls who choose to wear them.
Hena Khan
is the author of multiple children's books, many of which focus on contemporary Muslim life, including Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns; It's Ramadan, Curious George; and Amina's Voice, which was named to multiple best-of-the-year lists. Born and raised in Maryland, she now lives near Washington, DC, with her family. Please visit her online at henakhan.com and follow her at @henakhanbooks.
Aaliya Jaleel
is a student at the University of Texas-Dallas, where she studies animation and enjoys trying new dessert places with her friends. Under My Hijab is her first picture book. She lives near Dallas. Please visit her online at aaliyamj.com and follow her at @aaliyamj.
"A window into the world of a Muslim-American girl and the diverse women in her family and community. . . Informative and genuine, the book offers much to learn about the settings and situations of hijab."
— Kirkus Reviews
"The narrator, a Muslim girl, has many impressive women in her life. In public, each of these women wears a hijab in a style that s as individual as they are; at home or with other women or girls, they uncover their heads, and their chosen hairstyles are equally expressive. [T]heir matter-of-fact approach accomplishes what it sets out to do: celebrate the diversity and autonomy of contemporary Muslim women."
— Publishers Weekly
"This book is a generous invitation by both author and illustrator to young Muslim girls to witness a variety of ways and reasons women wear hijabs. . . An author's note explains when and why some Muslim women choose to cover, or not. Cheerful, colorful images complement the affirming tone and message of this timely book."
— Booklist
"Written in sprightly rhyme by Hena Khan and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, Under My Hijab honors the diverse lives of contemporary Muslim women and girls, their love for each other, and their pride in their culture and faith. A very special addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, Under My Hijab is especially and unreservedly recommended reading for children ages 4-7."
— Midwest Book Review
On Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year list [2020 edition]
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