Sister Friend: A Picture Book

by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Shahrzad Maydani (Illustrator)

Overview

Perfect for fans of The Day You Begin and Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrator Shahrzad Maydani’s Sister Friend is a heartwarming new picture book celebrating the unique joy of cultivating friendships within your cultural community.

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.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419767210
Publisher:	Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	05/07/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	413,251
Product dimensions:	10.80(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, M.S.Ed, is a Philadelphia-based educator and children’s book author. A curriculum writer and former English teacher, she has educated children and teens in traditional and alternative learning settings for 15 years. As an inaugural AMAL fellow with the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC), she developed foundational curricular frameworks for youth and adult anti-racist programming. Her picture books and short stories, which feature young Black and Muslim protagonists, have been recognized as the best in children’s literature by TIME magazine, Read Across America, and NPR. These works include Mommy’s Khimar, Once Upon an Eid (anthology contributor), Grounded (coauthor), Your Name Is a Song, Abdul’s Story, and Hold Them Close.


Shahrzad Maydani is an illustrator of Iranian-English descent, raised in Niger and Kenya. Her debut children’s book, Poetree, received the Crystal Kite Award and was a Spring 2019 Kids’ Indie Next selection. She lives with her family in California.

Editorial Reviews

★ 05/13/2024

At her new school, every day is “play-by-herself day” for Ameena: “Was it the twists in her hair? Her brown skin? No one else in class had twists and brownness.” Ameena sees a possible companion in new student Sundus, portrayed with brown skin and wearing a lilac-hued hijab, but a well-meaning greeting goes awkwardly awry, and Ameena is called a copycat by classmates when she wears her own hijab to school in hopes of connecting with Sundus. The masjid on family night is the one place Ameena doesn’t feel alone, and it’s there that an encounter with Sundus leads to an in-school welcome and a growing bond. Thompkins-Bigelow’s sweetly complex treatise speaks to experiences of loneliness and marginalization as well as of kinship and joy. In saturated, chalky textures, Maydani draws the girls’ intent expressions against moody backgrounds that lead to scenes of heartfelt friendship. Background characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. Ages 4–8. (May)

Publishers Weekly

"[G]racefully acknowledging the complexity of communications and relationships, while the illustrations capture every nuance of the characters’ emotions in this moving picture book."

Booklist

***STARRED REVIEW***
"Thompkins-Bigelow’s words resonate deeply and convey feelings of isolation, exclusion, and joyful acceptance. A powerful exploration of what it means to be welcomed, seen, and accepted."—Kirkus

"[G]racefully acknowledging the complexity of communications and relationships, while the illustrations capture every nuance of the characters’ emotions in this moving picture book."—Booklist

***STARRED REVIEW***
"Thompkins-Bigelow’s sweetly complex treatise speaks to experiences of loneliness and marginalization as well as of kinship and joy."—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

07/26/2024

K-Gr 2—A touching picture book of cultural connection, embracing differences, and finding that very special friend. Little Ameena feels invisible at her new school—always settling for "play-by-herself" days—as she notices how her brownness stands out against the fair complexions of her classmates, and she is repeatedly excluded. She feels this way for months, until a new student named Sundus joins the class in her beautiful, vibrant hijab. As Sundus settles into her new surroundings, Ameena is excited to connect with a fellow student of color, but finds this increasingly difficult as Sundus's uneasiness hinders interactions with others. But, with the right words, a sisterhood is born: "Assalamu Alaikum, Sister. Welcome." Maydani's illustrations pair perfectly with Bigelow's story, as whimsical pinks, oranges, and greens dance across the pages where Ameena and Sundus are at the forefront, while darker colors depict the girls' classmates. VERDICT A wonderful addition to any elementary setting, as well as the perfect partner read with a special friend.—Kerra Mazzariello

School Library Journal