Little Brown Books; 2001
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I Love My Hair! is a tender tribute to African hair and the bond formed between mother and daughter through the rituals of combing, parting, oiling, and braiding. In a world where girls of color are told too often that their hair is bad, Natasha Tarpley’s book attests to the rich heritage passed from one generation to another.
E.B. Lewis’s soft watercolor illustrations perfectly accompany this sweet story of self-acceptance, empowerment, and hope. On the final page, the little girl who narrates her story is wearing her favorite hairstyle—twin ponytails that stick out like a pair of wings. The book concludes, “One of these days, I just might take off and fly!”
Children of color and their parents are the target audience for I Love My Hair! but its message will appeal to children universally. It’s a clear favorite in our household.
Reviewed by Sherri Gragg, mom to two girls adopted from Haiti, who love their hair. She blogs at everydaymiracle.wordpress.com.
