Reviewed by Paige Pagan
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Book Author: Farhana Islam
Precocious Noor needs to know why the women in her family wear hijab, all in different ways that suit them just right. There’s Affa, the best sister and the coolest hijabi whose hijab is always wrapped stylishly. There’s Auntie Salma, the toughest hijabi, whose hijab seems to help her better see what everyone is up to. There’s Nanu, the sassiest hijabi, whose hijab seems to help her be more secretive and Dadu, the wisest hijabi, whose hijab seems to help her sleep. Used to Noor’s incessant questions, each woman turns her away until she reaches Ammu, Noor’s mother and the cleverest hijabi who always has the answers. Ammu reassures Noor that whether a Muslim woman wears the hijab or not, they are always enough, and while she chooses the hijab because it makes her feel like her most authentic self, Ammu reassures Noor that whether or not she wears hijab in the future is up to her.
This book not only brings representation to the religious/cultural practice of wearing hijab, but also delves into the importance of hijab being a choice, actively working against the common misunderstanding that hijab/niqab, etc. is a requirement for Muslim women. The text goes a step further in showing how each decision to wear the hijab is personal, unique, and a life milestone, helping Noor look forward to the day when she gets to make that choice for herself.
Perhaps readers might have benefitted from hearing the perspectives of the other women in Noor’s family, had they been more receptive to her inquiry, but that would’ve taken away from the playful and humorous tone of the narrative. Ultimately, this is an ideal text for young readers to counteract the racist rhetoric we often hear about female Muslim attire and to encourage respect for all faiths.
Paige Pagan is a Social Justice Books program specialist at Teaching for Change.
Find more recommended books on this topic on our Muslim booklist.
Noor Needs to Know! by Farhana Islam
Published by Simon and Schuster on May 21, 2024
Genres: Muslim, Read Alouds
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9781665957854
Review Source: Teaching for Change
Publisher's Synopsis: A precocious girl makes it her mission to find out why the women in her family wear hijabs in this heartwarming yet funny picture book celebrating Muslim women, curious children, and family love.
Noor loves her mum and all the other hijabi women in her family but wonders why they wear headscarves. Is it to hide snacks for later? Or because they’re super spies hiding their secret identities?
Full of curiosity, Noor sets out to find her answer, but her family are all busy and have no time to answer this important question. Just as Noor is ready to give up on her quest, her Ammu arrives home and knows just the thing to say to crack the case wide open.
Leave a Reply