An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Derrick Barnes Books
Raised in an environment where authorship was not a common aspiration, this writer discovered the power of narrative in elementary school, crafting stories that allowed for exploration and imaginative escape. This early passion for creating worlds and characters, fueled by voracious reading, evolved through studies in marketing and professional experience in copywriting, where his craft and confidence in having something to say were honed. His literary journey is driven by a profound desire to inspire, particularly young people from similar backgrounds, demonstrating that the dream of becoming an author is attainable. His work is infused with the authenticity of personal experience and the warmth of family, aiming to resonate with readers and affirm the possibility of creative achievement.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
“One of the best reads for young black boys in years, it should be in every library, media center, and, yes, barbershop.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices. A fresh cut makes boys fly. 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.
A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten.