Children’s Books About Hair
Hair is an important part of identity and can be particularly important for young children who are in the midst of forming theirs! As you’ll see in these recommendations, hair plays a large role in culture, too. These books are great reads for children and their guardians with hair of all lengths and textures!
Under My Hijab
Author: Hena Khan
Illustrator: Aaliya Jaleel
Call Number: E Khan H
Summary: As a young girl interacts with the women in her life, she observes how they each style their hijab and hair differently. She ponders how she will choose to wear hers.
My Afro is a Rising Sun
Written by: Yaram Yahu
Illustrated by: DeAnn Wiley
Call Number: E Yahu
Summary: A young boy journeys through different times and places to show that his afro is a reflection of Black joy throughout the ages. Whether he’s at a potluck in the south or playing double dutch in Chicago, his afro empowers him and reminds him of his heritage.
Oshún and Me: A Story of Love and Braids
Written by: Adiba Nelson
Illustrated by: Alleanna Harris
Call Number: E Nelson
Summary: It’s Sunday in Yadira’s house, and that means it’s Hair Day! As Mami weaves gold and cowrie shells into Yadira’s hair, she tells her the story of the goddess Oshún. Yadira’s pride in her hair and Afro Latin heritage help her feel safe and confident on the first day at a new school.
Only a Trenza Away: A Tale of Trust and Strength
Written by: Nadine Fonesca
Illustrated by: Camila Carrossine
Call Number: E Fonseca
Summary: As Xiomara’s Papa braids her hair, she imagines worlds in which she and her braids go on marvelous adventures. When she worries her Papa will not be there to help her on new adventures, like starting at a new school, Papa reminds her that everything she needs is already inside her—and that he’s “only a trenza away.”
Brave
Written & Illustrated by: Weshoyot Alvitre
Call Number: E Alvitre
Summary: A young boy admires the beautiful braids he sees on dancers at a powwow. When he shares with his father that he wants to wear his hair in braids, his father tells him about a time when Native Americans were not allowed to keep their hair long. He learns that his braids are a symbol of bravery and pride.