The Kindest Red
Book Summary:
The Kindest Red tells the story of Faizah, a young girl who looks forward to wearing her hijab for the first time, inspired by her older sister Asiya. When Faizah faces an unexpected challenge at school, a friend’s act of kindness helps her feel seen and supported. The story highlights identity, empathy, and the power of kindness within a school community.
Recommended Questions:
How would you answer the teacher’s question ‘What type of world would you want to live in’, and what values (kindness, fairness, respect, inclusion) matter most to you?
Faizah’s mom says, “My kind, beautiful girls. Remember, you are strong and smart. You can do and be anything.” Imagine you are an adult saying goodbye to children—what words of encouragement would you want to share, and why?
Faizah wishes for a world where friends help one another and describes ways she does this at school. List three ways you can help promote kindness and friendship in your school.
Most of the book focuses on how Faizah helps others. Near the end, Sophie notices Faizah is sad and offers to help her. Do you think Faizah’s kindness earlier in the day inspired Sophie? Why or why not?
Research World Kindness Day, created by the World Kindness Movement in 1998. Why do you think kindness is celebrated globally?
What are two or three ways your class or community could celebrate World Kindness Day?
Imagine you are making a commercial promoting World Kindness Day—what would you say?
NCSS Theme 4: Individual Development and Identity
This book explores how personal identity—including culture, religion, and self-expression—shapes how individuals see themselves and interact with others. Faizah’s experience demonstrates how affirmation, empathy, and inclusion support healthy identity development and help children understand and respect differences.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 4: Express pride and confidence in oneself without denying this dignity to others
Faizah’s story affirms the importance of embracing one’s identity while respecting others. The book shows how confidence in who we are can coexist with kindness and connection, reinforcing that everyone’s identity deserves dignity and respect.
WA Civics 4: Understands civic involvement
The Kindest Red illustrates how individual actions contribute to a positive and inclusive school community. Through Faizah’s everyday acts of kindness and Sophie’s choice to help in return, students learn that civic involvement begins with small, thoughtful actions that support fairness, respect, and belonging in shared spaces. The book helps students see themselves as active participants who can shape their community through kindness and responsibility.
