Cool Cuts

December 1, 2019
This companion to Happy Hair (2019) takes the same appreciation for the diversity of black self-expression from the beauty salon to the barbershop. Branching out from black girl hairstyles, Roe here extends the conversation to consider the multitude of hairstyles for black and brown boys even as readers can infer a wider representation of the gender spectrum, since many of the illustrations come without explicit gender assignments. There's a legacy of black boys who have been targeted, punished, or criticized for their choice of self-expression, and this book is a needed corrective. Arriving after the much-heralded Crown (2017), this makes space to celebrate a wide range of styles, from cornrows and curls to fro-hawks and flat-tops. Each matte, posterlike portrait is rendered alongside a catchy, empowering quote: "When the stars shine, / the world is mine" highlights a high-top; "A happy boy, / full of joy!" celebrates a step-up. A (rather trite) refrain pulls them all together: "i am born to be AWESOME!" Roe is returning to the series after Superheroes Are Everywhere (2019), her recent bestselling collaboration with Sen. Kamala Harris, undoubtedly bringing a number of new fans with her. For a segment of U.S. readership that is starved for representation that appreciates the unique details and nuances of their style and identity, this steps in to lift up their presence in bright, lively portraiture. Lacking in originality yet ultimately a timely mirror for black boyhood and childhood. (Picture book. 3-7)

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December 1, 2019
Preschool-G In this affirming book, written with Black boys as its main audience, Roe offers positive images of Black boys sporting different hairstyles that extend beyond afros and fade haircuts. Some of the styles include high-tops, cornrows, 'fro-hawks, mini-twists, low waves, and hair designs. Readers of this work will relate to the book's positive language, such as the way the author frames self-esteem's connection to pride in hairstyles and looking and feeling awesome. If you are a teacher, librarian, or parent looking for a resource that is not only informative but friendly about the various hairstyles of Black boys, this is a perfect way to introduce the topic. The bright, digital artwork reflects a variety of skin tones and clothing styles in addition to cool cuts, and the brief accompanying text for each entry always includes the refrain, i am born to be AWESOME! A natural pairing for Derrick Barnes' Crown (2017), this picture book is recommended for family reading and classroom units related to cultural norms, self-esteem, and differences outside of skin color.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)