32 pages 978-0593889732 Ages 3-7
Keywords: hair, braids, diverse books, Black Girl books, self image, creativity, self confidence, African American and Black stories, 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old. poem
Read alike: I Love My Hair
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The CROWN Act, which failed in the Senate, allows for freedom of hairstyle
choices including afros, twists, braids and locs in workplaces and schools.
This important picture book celebrates black hairstyles.
Based on a viral poem, Jaylene Clark Owens celebrates braids and their
importance, in her words, "...of my culture, my nwighborhood, of my family
background..." Braids not only protect the hair, they are considered a
crown. Sadly, some schools do not allow students to wear braids or afros.
The author mentions the CROWN Act which stands for Creating and Respecting
an Open World for Natural Hair, an act that passed in the House but failed
in the Senate. It will ban race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and
schools allowing afros, braids, locs and twists.A young black girl revels in her braids--they are her identity and give her
strength and power. With braids, her hair is always protected and easy to
care for. The book says it best,"Rooted in Africa, it's a style that never
fades. Ain't nothin' in this world like a black girl and her braids!"
Illustrations celebrate the close mother/daughter relationship as mother cares for her daughter's hair and insures frequent trips to the shop to have her daughter's hair braided by professionals. Cover art is welcoming and appealing and sure to attract readers.
Highly recommended grades 1-up.
Recommended by: Pamela Thompson McLeod, Teacher Librarian Blogger, Florida USA
See more of her recommendations: http://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/
