Camille Yarbrough

This story highlights the significance of hairstyle and braiding within the African American culture, specifically cornrows. Both a boy and a girl, siblings, get their hair braided into cornrows by their grandmother, and also are told the broad and in depth history of braided hair and African American culture before slavery, during slavery, and after slavery.
In terms of keeping this book in a classroom, I do think it is a bit more mature of a story to keep in younger children's classrooms. show more However, I believe that this book could definitely belong in a 4th-5th grade classroom. show less

This book intertwines the history and struggles of African Americans in the United States with the cultural significance of cornrows. It’s beautifully written, blending poetry with storytelling. I’d use this book in an upper elementary classroom, especially during Black History Month, to provide an engaging overview of African American history and the challenges faced by the community. After reading, I’d follow up with an in-depth lesson on some of the historical figures mentioned in show more the book to deepen students’ understanding. show less

This book tells the history and struggles of African Americans in the United States through the connection of cornrows to the culture. It's almost half a poem and half a pretty cool story. I'd use this book in an upper elementary school classroom. I would use this book during Black History month to give an overview of the history and struggles the people have faced, and would then go into a more in-depth lesson on some of the people mentioned in the book.

a story about a Black family where they are spending time and the kids are being introduced to the meaning and significant of braids in their culture and history. Then their mother and grandmother spend time braiding and connecting with their history and singing it to the children.

Id use this book to present the idea of braiding and how it is a very big thing in some cultures, and also Id use it to share and teach history.