Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Muslim girl fights Islamophobia and grief in magical tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE OCEAN WOULD PAINT ME BLUE, 17-year-old Jihad is grieving the sudden death of her mother and struggling with the loss of her magical ability to see vibrant colors, facing a world that is literally gray to her, day after day. Things only get harder when she starts a new private school for her senior year. The promise of better opportunities comes at a high cost as she faces Islamophobic classmates and open harassment and violence. Her only sources of comfort are her school assigned buddy, Jamie, the school heartthrob who cares more about kindness and standing up against racism than he does about impressing classmates, and a magical sketchbook she finds in her mother's belongings. The sketchbook brings her more than just solace as her art starts to literally jump off the page. In the whirlwind of the escalating bullying that has her dreading school and the mysterious murals popping up around New York, Jihad finds out just how courageous she must be and just how much of her name she embodies.
Is It Any Good?
This magical, heartwarming novel has enough beauty to outweigh the harsh violence, plus a strong, endearing main character who's committed to herself and her beliefs in the face of extreme hardship. The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue is packed with emotion, from heartbreak and rage for Jihad to elation and excitement with each mural appearance. The powerful, authentic Muslim representation of integrity, perseverance, and faith is impressive. Zoulfa Katouh writes with a loving hand, and Muslim and Arab readers will especially appreciate seeing themselves in every page of this well-crafted story, though readers of all backgrounds will also relate to Jihad as an inspiring heroine who uses art for healing and social change. The stark severity of the Islamophobia that Jihad faces might be startling for some readers, but it's an important read in a world where violence against perceived outsiders is an ongoing crisis.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violent Islamophobia and targeted bullying that Jihad and her family face in The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue. Have you seen similar behavior in the real world? What happened?
There are many people who see what Jihad is going through but don't do anything about it, even if they have to power to change things. Why do you think these characters fail to act to protect Jihad? What can happen when adults and peers fail to stop violent and prejudiced behavior? Is there a solution to this issue?
Jamie bravely intervenes and stands up for Jihad. What did that mean for him? What did that mean for Jihad? What about those who witnessed it? Have you ever stood up for someone who was being teased, bullied, or harassed? Or watched someone else who did? What did you experience or learn from the situation? What role does courage or integrity play in the decision to stop harassment?
Jihad stops being able to see colors because of her grief and depression. How does she manage to cope with her grief and related difficult emotions over the cours eof the story? What are ways that you can support someone like Jihad who is going through a difficult time?
Jamie is a thoughtful character who chooses to explore a big life change. How does he pursue the beliefs that are important to him? What beliefs are important to you, and how do you pursue them?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Activism ( Racial justice ) , Arts , Faith ( Islam ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : June 2, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 367
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : June 1, 2026
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