Last month, the 2020 Oscar Nominations were announced. They are sadly (though at this point, not surprisingly) lacking in diversity. But there is a shining beacon beaming from the Short Film category. The adorable, hilarious and deeply moving “Hair Love” is a must-see. (And you can, for free on YouTube!)

And did you know that it’s also a book? So many wonderful picture books celebrating the beauty and diversity of hair (and many about black hair, specifically) have come out in recent years. If you found yourself tearing up as you watched “Hair Love,” you’ll definitely want to check these out:

 

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

An adorable story with a very moving surprise ending. (I won’t ruin it for you.) I love the image of dad sweating as he attempts to master his daughter’s amazing tresses. Also, if you’ve enjoyed Vashti Harrison’s illustrations in the Little Leaders, Dreamers and Legends books, you will love her work in this modern-day story.

 

Hair, It’s a Family Affair by Mylo Freeman

A little girl is invited to share with her class about her family and chooses to do so by telling about their hair. So many styles! She teases her sister and friends, who think they’re so cool, looks back fondly at grandma’s 60s fro, and surprises us at the end with daddy’s bald head. Playful and proud, this book is a super fun celebration of all the amazing ways hair can show your style and personality.

 

My Hair by Hannah Lee, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan

 

Decisions, decisions! How to wear one’s hair for a birthday party? Similar to Hair, It’s a Family Affair, the young protagonist looks to her family and friends’ various styles to decide. Ultimately, she decides to wear her fro, wild and free.

 

 

Boonoonoonous Hair by Olive Senior, illustrated by Laura James

This is a great one for children who are struggling to love their hair. At first, Jamilla is frustrated by her hair. It hurts to get it done by mom, and it is so different from the other girls at school. Her mother encourages her and helps her to appreciate how amazing her hair is–capable of so many shapes and styles!

 

Mira’s Curly Hair by Maryam al Serkal, illustrated by Rebeca Luciani

Now this one is not about black hair, but it’s message is so powerful and applicable, I wanted to include it. Mira’s hair curls…every which way! She looks at her mother’s hair and wishes hers could be the same–long, silky and smooth. Then, on a rainy day, the humidity sets loose her mother’s curls and Mira is overjoyed to see herself in her mother. This is a powerful message for us grown-ups who may still be learning to love ourselves and the ways this can trickle down to the little people in our lives without even realizing it.

My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi Cabrera

I love the smoky, intense illustrations of this book. Mackenzie’s hair can be uncooperative. When her classmates laugh at her about this, she runs to her neighbor Miss Tillie’s house for comfort and help. Miss Tillie teaches her that her hair is like a garden, to be tended, cared for and trained.

 

Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller

This book does a great job of approaching a charged topic with both humor and assertiveness. People seem to be learning, slowly but surely, that grabbing at folks’ hair is not cool, but the message certainly has not reached all. This book can be helpful both to children on the receiving end of this unwanted attention and to those still learning to respect others’ personal space.

 

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

 

I flipped out when this book arrived on my desk a couple years ago. It is so good! The poetry buzzing with life, the illustrations leaping off the page. Boys have all kinds of feels about their hair too, and this book is here to let us know! A little boy takes us through the confidence-building experience of a fresh cut at his local barber shop and it will have you grinning ear-to-ear by the time you’re done.

 

Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe

 

This is a great read for little ones. Simple, joyful rhymes and big, smiling faces–toddlers and up can enjoy this whirlwind tour of the many styles black hair can rock. And coming soon, one for the boys! Roe’s Cool Cuts (pic to the left!) is on its way to the library. You can already put it on hold!

 

 

And this is just a sampling! I’m so glad these books exist. And even if hair-love is not your little one’s struggle, the over-arching message is applicable across the entire self-love spectrum–skin, size, features. We all are learning to love ourselves and the way we look, and for children of color, this learning happens in a world full of unhelpful messages. Thank goodness for these books, which are sure to be great helpers along the way.