Hair Story

September 1, 2021
A story about two girls with curly/Afro-textured hair. Best friends Preciosa and Rudine, both with brown skin and tight, vibrant curls, share this hair story. It begins with their births, both girls adored by their families. Conflict soon arrives in the form of "cyclone" hair that family members attempt to straighten. Preciosa's and Rudine's expressive faces, rendered in Morris' colorful digital-and-collaged-tissue art (which excels at conveying emotion throughout the story), make it clear that hair-straightening rituals are both unpleasant and unwanted. Freedom comes in the form of heat that sets their natural hair free once more. At this point, the story may confuse readers with scenes (of the girls, of their moms, of famous Black and Latinx people) that aren't always connected. Ultimately, this well-intentioned story leaves some important questions unanswered, but it also affirms the beauty of natural hair. Despite obstacles, those looking for more stories centering hair diversity may find this a good conversation starter. Preciosa and her family all have brown skin and speak Spanish, and Rudine and her family are Black; the story is porous enough that Afro-Latinx readers might see themselves in either girl. Confusing but celebratory. (Picture book. 4-7)

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October 1, 2021

K-Gr 3-Born with the rich curls of their Black and Puerto Rican ancestors, respectively, Rudine and Preciosa are bright stars for their families. As they grow, their families help them try to tame their hair, but it always returns to its natural, free state. As Rudine and Preciosa look at their surroundings, they find inspiration in the strength of their families and friends, who wear their hair proudly like a crown. Readers will learn about individuals throughout history when Rudine and Preciosa stop to admire a wall depicting individuals who also had afros like theirs. The lovely collaged tissue paper illustrations provide a beautiful appearance of texture on each page, and convey the joy Rudine and Preciosa carry. Additional information about the individuals depicted in the mural is included, along with a glossary of selected words and phrases. VERDICT A lovely lesson in loving and having pride in oneself, perfect for fans of Matthew Cherry's Hair Love and for any shelf seeded with positive messaging.-Selenia Paz, Harris County P.L., Houston

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