SISTER FRIEND: A PICTURE BOOK, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Shahrzad Maydani, Harry N. Abrams, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Two lonely girls find friendship through their shared cultural community in Sister Friend, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Shahrzad Maydani.
Ameena feels invisible. It’s been that way since she started at her new school. But now there is another new girl in class. Ameena sees her brownness and her hijab, even though the other kids do not.
Ameena wants to be her friend, but she can’t seem to find the right words or do the right things. Until one day, they find them together: “Assalamu Alaikum, Sister. Welcome.” —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
Sister Friend is the story of a girl who doesn’t quite fit in. Her loneliness makes her feel invisible. But when a new girl arrives, she’s determined to find a friend. Author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow conveys a lot of emotion in text that is a joy to read aloud. But it’s illustrator Shahrzad Maydani’s use of color that brings the story to life. Together, text and art combine to create a tender read. Children of all backgrounds will relate to the feeling of somehow not fitting in and the joy of finding someone who truly sees you.
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