Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut [hc]
Written by Derrick Barnes & illustrated by Gordon C. James
This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber's chair--a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That's where it all begins.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror. 32 pages
“Alternately precise, metaphorical, and culturally specific, Barnes’s descriptions make each page a serendipity... A not-to-be-missed portrayal of the beauty of black boyhood.” -Horn Book Magazine, Starred Review
October 10, 2017
AR Level: 3.8
Lexile Level: 700
