A BLACK GIRL AND HER BRAIDS

Hairstyles need to be protected like the Black girls who wear them proudly.

“Ain’t nothin’ in this world like a Black girl and her braids!” proclaims our young, brown-skinned narrator, who champions the undeniable value of her hair and herself. Bond’s bright and detailed digital illustrations showcase the versatility of braids, whether long, short, or tied up in buns. Knotless boho braids, cornrows, goddess braids, box braids with purple ends, and more are depicted, sported by Black girls and women diverse in complexion and ability. Owens writes in verse, often rhyming couplets—“But sometimes we’re told / that braids are not cool. / That they don’t fit in, / that they shouldn’t be worn at school”—that shed light on some of the inequity faced by Black women and girls. Holding a sign reading “Support the Crown Act” (a reference to legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture or style in California), our protagonist advocates for herself and her community, her special hairstyles, and their connection to her culture, her neighborhood, and her family. While this isn’t the first picture book that uplifts Black hair, the thoughtfulness and care shown by the young activist make for an undoubtedly rich addition to any library that prioritizes equity.

Charming and celebratory.