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    Black Hair Can

    The Roots of Our Roots

    Author Sylvia Rodriguez
    Illustrated by Sylvia Rodriguez
    Look inside
    Hardcover
    $17.99 US
    Charlesbridge
    10.95"W x 9.82"H x 0.43"D   | 18 oz | 28 per carton
    On sale Sep 16, 2025 | 40 Pages | 9781623545901
    Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
    Reading Level: Lexile 770L | Fountas & Pinnell M
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

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    From the kings and queens of Africa to the contemporary United States, a celebration of African American hair and its expressiveness, relation to identity, and why this history matters.

    A boldly illustrated nonfiction picture book about the historical roots of Black hair by a Black and Latine debut author-illustrator, perfect for 4-8-year-olds.

    Black hair is the crown for the African diaspora worldwide and a strong symbol of identity and beauty in a variety of communities. It's a source of pride and expression, and from the times of kings and queens has demonstrated a person's life's journey. 

    Yet as enslaved people, Black people had their hair taken from them as a way to remove their humanity. As African Americans struggled through history, their hair became a major source of resiliency and a way to take back their power.

    Written and illustrated by Sylvia Rodriguez, a Black and Latine debut author, Black Hair Can embraces the expansive history of Black hair and why people should proudly show off their styles—from sculpting and shaping to cornrows, Fulani braids, Afros, and more.

    Back matter includes a hair pattern chart showing different hair types, along with different kinds of braids and twists. There are also great "how-to" hairstyles for children to try out.
    • SELECTION | 2026
      CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers
    Get to the roots of Black hair in this important and powerful picture book for the whole family! A brief explanation of the connection between Black hair and identity, empowerment, self-preservation, and individualism guides readers in the beginning. All of the amazing things that Black hair can be appear on the following pages. Black hair can be a connection to ancestors and the spiritual world, or a reflection of someone’s inner and outer world. Through its wide variety of styles and textures, Black hair can be an elaborate crown and a symbol of pride, power, and freedom. Black hair can still be taken away despite being an individual expression. The Crown Act of 2019 was created to help protect young Black girls and women from hair discrimination. Backmatter includes further explanations and eye-opening information. The illustrations draw the reader in and depict people of a wide range of skin colors. Truly a must-read for children and adults from any ethnic background!
    —Children's Literature
    Sylvia Rodriquez is a Black and Latine artist. She is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in illustration. Inspired by everyday discussions and her own curly locks, she wanted to make a book that not only showed the beauty of ethnic hairstyles, but also where they come from.
    Sylvia Rodriguez View titles by Sylvia Rodriguez

    Photos

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    About

    From the kings and queens of Africa to the contemporary United States, a celebration of African American hair and its expressiveness, relation to identity, and why this history matters.

    A boldly illustrated nonfiction picture book about the historical roots of Black hair by a Black and Latine debut author-illustrator, perfect for 4-8-year-olds.

    Black hair is the crown for the African diaspora worldwide and a strong symbol of identity and beauty in a variety of communities. It's a source of pride and expression, and from the times of kings and queens has demonstrated a person's life's journey. 

    Yet as enslaved people, Black people had their hair taken from them as a way to remove their humanity. As African Americans struggled through history, their hair became a major source of resiliency and a way to take back their power.

    Written and illustrated by Sylvia Rodriguez, a Black and Latine debut author, Black Hair Can embraces the expansive history of Black hair and why people should proudly show off their styles—from sculpting and shaping to cornrows, Fulani braids, Afros, and more.

    Back matter includes a hair pattern chart showing different hair types, along with different kinds of braids and twists. There are also great "how-to" hairstyles for children to try out.

    Awards

    • SELECTION | 2026
      CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers

    Praise

    Get to the roots of Black hair in this important and powerful picture book for the whole family! A brief explanation of the connection between Black hair and identity, empowerment, self-preservation, and individualism guides readers in the beginning. All of the amazing things that Black hair can be appear on the following pages. Black hair can be a connection to ancestors and the spiritual world, or a reflection of someone’s inner and outer world. Through its wide variety of styles and textures, Black hair can be an elaborate crown and a symbol of pride, power, and freedom. Black hair can still be taken away despite being an individual expression. The Crown Act of 2019 was created to help protect young Black girls and women from hair discrimination. Backmatter includes further explanations and eye-opening information. The illustrations draw the reader in and depict people of a wide range of skin colors. Truly a must-read for children and adults from any ethnic background!
    —Children's Literature

    Author

    Sylvia Rodriquez is a Black and Latine artist. She is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in illustration. Inspired by everyday discussions and her own curly locks, she wanted to make a book that not only showed the beauty of ethnic hairstyles, but also where they come from.
    Sylvia Rodriguez View titles by Sylvia Rodriguez

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