A Black Girl and Her Braids

Based on spoken-word artist Owens’s viral poem of the same name, the text of this inspirational picture book foregrounds the versatility of braids as well as their cultural and personal significance. Beginning “A Black girl and her braids/ A Black girl and her braids/ Can’t tell her nothin’/ Please don’t touch it/ You know she looks amaz’,” loosely rhyming lines describe braids as protection as well as a blessing, a symbol of freedom, and a style that “never fails.” Proceeding pages discuss hair-related prejudice, addressing the concept of prohibited hairstyles and the notion of “Bad Hair.” Candy-hued digital illustrations by Bond, meanwhile, burst with texture and movement, visualizing children with flowing braids throughout an empowering read that reinforces the idea that “my braids... are part of my crown,/ Of my culture.” Ages 3–7. (Jan.)