The Proudest Color

Sheila Modir and Jeffrey Kashou's debut picture book, The Proudest Color, addresses the reality of racial identity for a child audience. The authors effectively use positive association and expression to show one girl overcoming colorism, a negative bias many children of color encounter when they begin elementary school.

Licensed mental health practitioners Modir and Kashou's expertise is evident in their realistic portrayal of a girl being affected by colorism. When the narrative begins, Zahra explains the colors she associates with different emotions. She proceeds jubilantly to profess why brown is her most favorite color of all. "When I am PROUD, I feel a beautiful brown in my heart. But, for me, brown is more than feeling proud. It's the color I see when I see ME." However, Zahra's self-esteem is affected by being the only child in her class with brown skin. The resulting swell of negative feelings leads to a frank conversation with her family about role models--Zahra's abuela, Malala Yousafzai, Kamala Harris--who also have different shades of brown skin.

Monica Mikai renders Zahra's demonstrative facial expressions in soft strokes and rich umber tones. Each scene draws readers into the narrative through the welcoming warmth of Mikai's palette: deep hues of orange, purple, gold, pink and, of course, many different browns. Educators and parents may find Zahra's story and the professional tips in the back matter helpful, while young readers of any race should be delighted by optimistic Zahra and her colorful world. --Rachel Werner, Hugo House and the Loft Literary Center teaching artist

Powered by: Xtenit