Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a young Black girl explores the history of black hair through a series of vignettes. Readers are taken throughout periods of history from the lands of ancient Egypt to 1970s discos as hairstyles change but are always worn proudly. Various historical and contemporary figures, such as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Malcom X, are showcased in evocative narration. The book is amplified perfectly by Ladd's illustrations, as the sumptuous colors and art style make this book truly soar. An outstanding collaboration has created a title that will be shared by all. VERDICT Filled with extraordinary art, this picture book is a necessary addition to shelves on culture, image-positivity, and SEL, in a wonderful ode to the beauty of Black hair.--Maria Graybosch
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Review by Horn Book Review
Oso praises the diversity, beauty, and history of Black hair with poetic language in this ode to self-acceptance and cultural identity, joining Barnes's Crown (rev. 11/17) and other similarly celebratory picture books. Through imaginative metaphors, she likens hair to a thesaurus ("There are so many words to describe it"), an atlas ("It contains maps to freedom"), and even a cookbook ("full of the sweetest recipes"), each image rich in cultural significance. Ladd's (recently Black Gold, rev. 1/23) dynamic illustrations present a vibrant exhibition of color and texture, using acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper to encapsulate the pride in embracing one's distinctive hair. Each illustration vibrates with movement and vitality. The text dances across the page, following the rhythm of Oso's poetry. This is an empowering picture book for promoting discussions about representation and self-esteem. In her author's note, Oso shares her motivation to write the book -- which serves as a joyful affirmation of identity and heritage, honoring the beauty and diversity of Black hair. Annisha JeffriesNovember/December 2024 p.73 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"My hair is a book. / Watch me open it, /partit, / take a look." So begins this creative homage to the plethora of bold adjectives, nouns, verbs, and nicknames that people of African descent use to describe their hair and hairstyles--descriptors that also apply to books. Like books, hair conveys histories; like books, Black hair has often come under scrutiny or deemed unacceptable. Oso's metaphors illustrate how Black hair tells the story of those who wear it; hair announces its wearer's beauty to the world, be it cornrowed, locked, twisted, or curled. The author also nods cleverly and generously to other Black-authored books: Camille Yarbrough and Carole Byard'sCornrows (1979), Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James'Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017), Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson'sThe Undefeated (2019), Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo'sI Am Enough (2018), and even Alex Haley'sRoots (1976). Some of Ladd's stunning acrylic, cut-paper, and tissue paper collage illustrations depict recognizable historical figures such as Shirley Chisholm, Malcolm X, and Madam C.J. Walker (the first American woman millionaire, who made her fortune on Black hair products), while others portray Black kids, cooks, and athletes, all of whom take pride in their hair despite those who might judge them. The Afro pick on the cover, with a Black Power fist protruding from a girl's capacious updo, sets this book's unapologetically pro-Black and celebratory tone. A stellar work that belongs in every collection serving young people. (author's note)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
