Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Joyful, foot-tapping celebration of fresh haircut, culture.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CROWN: AN ODE TO A FRESH HAIRCUT shows the possibilities are endless once you step into a barbershop. "When it's your turn in the chair, you stand at attention and forget about who you were when you walked through the door." Magic happens, art takes place, and everyone -- boy, man, and woman -- can see and feel the difference when they leave the chair. Who's ready for a fresh cut?
Is It Any Good?
This fresh picture book delights the senses as the main character describes how a new haircut changes how you feel about yourself and how the world looks at you and what you can do. Visually striking and rhythmically fun, Crown: An Ode to a Fresh Cut captures the excitement and camaraderie of barbershop culture and capitalizes on the pride and confidence of a fresh cut. Author Derrick Barnes and illustrator Gordon C. James give a shot of self-esteem to black boys everywhere. Whether your reader's getting ready for his first haircut or his 20th, this book will definitely become a favorite.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about feeling confident. In Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, a new haircut makes the main character feel on top of the world. What makes you feel good about yourself? Is it a fresh haircut, a new hair ribbon, or a favorite T-shirt?
What do you love about you?
Why is diversity in books and media valuable? Why is it important to learn more about the people who are similar to and different from you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Gordon C. James
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Denene Milner Books
- Publication date : October 10, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Caldecott Medal and Honors , Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : August 19, 2025
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