Black Girl and Her Braids

Jaylene Clark Owens (she/her) is a vibrant and imaginative soul hailing from Harlem, New York, and is currently residing in the Greater Philadelphia region. She is an AUDELCO and Barrymore Award–winning actress, as well as a highly acclaimed, award-winning spoken word poet. Her acting credits include the stage, film, and television. Her passion for honoring, and advocating for, Black women and their hair has led her to create work celebrating various styles, such as braids, locs, twists, ’fros, and the Black girl switch up!Brittney Bond (she/her) is a self-taught artist from Florida, currently living in Maryland. A lifelong fan of art, drawing, and design, Bond has managed to turn her childhood passion into a full-time career, focusing on digital art with fun color palettes, interesting lighting, and positivity that shines through her work. Find her on Instagram @prismaviolet_.

"Based on spoken-word artist Owens’s viral poem of the same name, the text of this inspirational picture book foregrounds the versatility of braids as well as their cultural and personal significance."—Publishers Weekly"Candy-hued digital illustrations by Bond, meanwhile, burst with texture and movement, visualizing children with flowing braids throughout an empowering read that reinforces the idea that 'my braids... are part of my crown,/ Of my culture.'"—Publishers Weekly"This focus on cultural education remains positive and emphasizes how braids are both connected to culture and are a way to protect hair...A great book for cultural education and ­appreciation. This book will be of interest to all collections."—School Library JournalHolding a sign reading “Support the Crown Act” (a reference to legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture or style in California), our protagonist advocates for herself and her community, her special hairstyles, and their connection to her culture, her neighborhood, and her family. While this isn’t the first picture book celebrating Black hair, the thoughtfulness and care shown by the young activist make for an undoubtedly rich addition to any library that prioritizes equity. Charming and celebratory.—Kirkus