WE ARE ONE!

Kids unite in protesting an unfair ban on a fellow elementary school student’s cultural tradition in Elzein’s picture book.

Lisa is delighted when Lulu, a little girl about her age, moves in across the street. They bond over ice cream in the park, and Lisa admires the pretty headscarf, a hijab, that Lulu wears. The next day, the two friends walk together to school, where the principal tells Lulu that, due to a new ban, she must remove her hijab to enter. Lulu tells him that she cannot do so; he’s sympathetic, but says that everyone must follow the rules. Lisa supports Lulu’s stand by refusing to go to school if Lulu can’t, and soon gets other students to join their cause. Elzein’s clear text is never heavy-handed and models empathy in the actions of the students, parents, and a teacher, showing how simple action can effect positive change. The author’s vision of peaceful coexistence is complemented by Hasan’s full-color cartoonlike illustrations, which visualize the suburban world of Lisa (who’s Black), and Lulu (a light-skinned Muslim), in deft, full-page imagery. Lively, detailed scenes feature the park, a classroom, the interiors of the girls’ homes, and kids with varying skin tones and abilities. Sharp-eyed readers will also spot two cheery birds, yellow and blue, recurring throughout.

A well-illustrated tale with thoughtful, age-appropriate messages of unity and diversity.