Wonderful hair The beauty of Annie Malone

Gr 1--4--For women of color, Western hair care has been historically problematic. Hair care companies ignored their needs, sending them to find their own solutions. Annie Malone, who loved styling hair, was one such woman; when she found that the treatments her clients were using were damaging their hair and scalps, she went to her aunt, an herb doctor, for help. Aunt Mary devised a formula that became the basis for hair products; Malone herself experimented with other products from the pharmacy, then offered training on hairstyling and other beauty treatments. She also started and ran a beauty school. This lovely picture book biography covers this story with beautiful representations of Black women to help readers fully understand the journey of this entrepreneur and her message. In addition to an author's note, there is a time line and a short bibliography for readers who want to know more. Readers will enjoy learning about the creativity and persistence of this early 20th-century businesswoman, who not only trained Madame C.J. Walker, another self-made millionaire, but made her money first. VERDICT Gorgeous paintings of industry and determination, set to a story of a practical young woman who wanted people to feel good about themselves and was a pioneer of natural Black hair care products, this is a good choice for the elementary biography section.--Debbie Tanner

The true story of the first self-made African American female millionaire. Annie Malone (1877-1957) loved playing "beauty parlor" by styling her sister's hair. She was so talented that even the adults in her community had Annie style their hair. Believing that hair was her "destiny," even as she was told that Black women could aspire only to be "maids, washerwomen, or cooks," she learned from her aunt, a herb doctor, to develop formulas for hair products that would help to style, protect, and heal the scalps of Black women, who often suffered from hair loss and scalp ailments due to inappropriate grooming products and the harsh process of straightening their hair. Her Wonderful Hair Grower was the first of many products and services that she would go on to create to enhance and affirm Black women's beauty. Catarevas weaves a lifetime of events--Malone's early years, her evolution to business owner, and the development of a successful business strategy during a time when career options for Black women were limited--into a well-paced, engrossing narrative that will have readers rooting for Annie. Marshall's illustrations, a mosaic of rich colors, skillfully complement the text and convey the feel of the period while capturing Annie's passion and the dignity of the women depicted. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A rousing blueprint for economic self-determination and success. (author's note, timeline, bibliography) (Picture-book biography. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.