J.D. and the Family Business: J.D. the Kid Barber, Book 2
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that J.D. and the Family Business, by J. Dillard, is a fun, fast-paced, nuanced story with a great message about perseverance, teamwork, honesty, and doing the things that make you happy. J.D.'s family is focused on achieving, but while his mom and grandparents expect the kids to keep studying over summer, they also encourage them to have fun with their friends and follow their passions. The adults' reaction to kids wanting to make videos to post online reflects many parents' worries about online content. The Black community in Meridian, Mississippi, is central to the story: the barbershop, the church, the friends, and neighbors all support the kids and their dreams. There's a nice message about taking responsibility when they break something valuable, and a reminder for parents about how kids feel about being overscheduled.
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What's the Story?
In J.D. AND THE FAMILY BUSINESS, there's a lot more than video views and clicks at stake when young J.D. decides to give up his chair at the barbershop for the summer and join forces with his sister Vanessa on a video project. It's hard enough that they aren't completely honest with their family about why they're working on videos for hair and nails, but things get worse when they accidentally break expensive equipment they borrowed without asking. There's a lot of talent between J.D doing hair, Vanessa's styling and nails, and their friends' directing and editing, but is it enough to earn the money they need to make things right?
Is It Any Good?
In this engaging story with emotional depth, kids' dreams of greatness are balanced with recognizing the role that hard work, careful planning, and community support have in giving those dreams a chance. J.D. and the Family Business is so fun to read, with realistic dialogue and situations, especially dealing with creating online content. The relationship between J.D. and his mom and grandparents is realistic, and is filled with great conversations and examples of communication. The adults have high expectations about behavior, chores, and studying over summer, as well as an unwavering support of the kids' dreams. The focus on Black hairstyles and community is a lovely connection for young Black readers. The expressive illustrations reflect a range of emotions and are particularly great at showing the joy in kids' faces when they're doing something they love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about projects they would like to try, like the videos in J.D. and the Family Business. What would you like to spend more time doing? Are there any big projects you might to try, either by yourself or with friends?
What do you think were the hardest parts of the kids' video project? What could have made things easier?
What other books about kids taking on big projects have you read?
Book Details
- Author: J. Dillard
- Illustrator: Akeem S. Roberts
- Genre: Friendship
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Kokila
- Publication date: August 3, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 8
- Number of pages: 160
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 22, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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J.D. and the Great Barber Battle: J.D. the Kid Barber, Book 1
Superb, fun, nuanced story of family, friends, Black hair.
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Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Engaging, thoughtful story of changing family has great art.
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Patina: Track, Book 2
Girl learns teamwork on track, at home in engaging sequel.
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