Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous, poignant story of Indigenous connection, culture.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MY POWERFUL HAIR follows a Nakomi girl's impatience for her hair to grow and be part of her connection to family, Indigenous culture, the earth, and herself. For many years, people in her tribe weren't allowed to have long hair, but now they grow it to honor their ancestors and build connections, and this young girl's memories, strength, and celebrations are a part of her hair as she grows.
Is It Any Good?
Colorful, immersive illustrations wrap around simple, powerful words in this wonderful story of hair as connection, culture and celebration for an Indigenous girl. My Powerful Hair is compelling on every page, showing the warmth and love of an extended family and the deep sorrow when a girl's hair is cut at a boarding school. The combination of celebration and pain makes an impact here, and gives readers young and old the time and opportunity to stop and think about history, what is powerful and important in their own lives, and how we treat the things that are important to others. The author's note at the end about forced boarding schools and cultural loss is an essential read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what memories their own hair would hold, like the girl's in My Powerful Hair. What stories could your hair tell about your life?
How would you feel about someone telling you what to do with your hair? How do you feel about the explanation of her mom's short hair?
What are some of your reactions to the facts about boarding schools at the end of the book?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Steph Littlebird
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 21, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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