'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 11 March 2016

Review: Hijabi Girl

Unable to find any book characters in a hijab for school Book Parades, children’s librarian Ozge Alkan approached award winning author Hazel Edwards to write a story about one. And so, with collaboration, Hijabi Girl was birthed.

Hijabi Girl is a celebration of multicultural Australia. From diverse lunchbox snacks, to different cultural clothing, Hijabi Girl gives the reader a well-rounded view of what most Australian mainstream schools look like today.

Despite these differences, children are children wherever they are and whatever background they come from.

Hijabi Girl is a window into the world of four very different primary school children. There’s new girl Tien from Vietnam, who loves to draws everything that happens at school, soccer-mad Zac who enjoys teasing the girls, dress-ups-guru Lily who likes princesses, and 8 year old Melek, the very talkative, feisty girl in a hijab.

Tackling issues such as respect for other cultures and making friends even when people are from different backgrounds, Hijabi Girl is a refreshing look at the diverse mix of cultures within most Australian school yards. Coupled with excellent Teacher Resources and a glossary in the back of the book, this is a fun chapter book recommended for independent readers.

Title: Hijabi Girl
Author: Hazel Edwards & Ozge Alkan
Illustrator: Serena Geddes
Publisher: BookPOD, RRP $15 print  RRP e-book $5.00
Publication Date: March 2016
Format: Paperback
ISBN:  9780994358356
For ages: 7-12
Type: Junior Fiction