Empowering Childrenâs Books That Celebrate Black Hair (by Age Group)
When we said that SWAYED would be about the community, we meant all the communityâfrom the readers, however little they are to our favorite authors. As a voracious young reader, I desperately needed books that would help me understand why my hair was different and why that difference was beautiful, but also⊠how to take care of it. These are the books I wish Iâd hadâstories that celebrate Black hair in all its glory while helping kids navigate identity, confidence, and cultural pride. Youâve seen these lists before, youâve hopefully heard of these talented storytellers, but I can tell you right now: you havenât heard about it enough! Weâre making it our mission to highlight them again. Enjoy!
â Diane
For the Littlest Readers
(Ages 0-3)
Happy to Be Nappy
â Bell hooks. Chris Raschka (1999)
A joyful romp through the beauty of natural hair, where every coil and kink is celebrated like a crown. With rhythmic text and vibrant art, this book wraps toddlers in warmth, whispering: « Your hair is perfect, just as it is. »
Age Range: 0-3 years
Rating: 4.7/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « A joyous feminist celebration of Black hair that even toddlers can enjoy through its rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations. » â Kirkus Reviews
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
đ Why itâs essential: Introduces the concept of hair love from the earliest age with Chris Raschkaâs whimsical watercolors.
Preschool Power
(Ages 3-5)
I Love My Hair!
â Natasha Anastasia Tarpley (1998)
Keyanaâs mama teaches her to see her braids as « stitches in a quilt » and her afro as a « halo of stars. » This tender story turns hair care into a sacred ritual, bonding generations through love and legacy. E.B. Lewisâs luminous illustrations make this classic relatable for preschoolers
Age Range: 3-5 years
Rating: 4.8/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « A timeless affirmation of Black beauty that transforms hair care into a magical bonding experience. » â Publishers Weekly
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
Donât Touch My Hair!
â Sharee Miller (2018)
Ariaâs curls are magicalâbut theyâre hers. This playful tale arms kids with confidence to set boundaries, proving that saying « no » can be as empowering as saying « yes » to yourself.
Age Range: 3-5 years
Rating: 4.8/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « Teaches body autonomy through hilarious yet meaningful scenarios perfect for preschool discussions. » â School Library Journal
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
Early Elementary Confidence
(Ages 5-8)
Hair Love
â Matthew A. Cherry (2019)
Zuriâs dad becomes her haircare hero in this Oscar-winning story, where messy twists and glittery barrettes become love letters between father and daughter. Because every kid deserves to feel seen by the people they adore. The Oscar-winning short film adaptation makes this especially engaging for young readers.
Age Range: 5-8 years
Rating: 4.9/5 (Amazon), â â â â Âœ (Goodreads)
Review: « A tender, visually stunning ode to Black hair and the father-daughter bond behind every great hairstyle. » â Kirkus Reviews
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
My Hair Is a Garden
â Cozbi A. Cabrera (2018)
When Mackenzieâs hair feels wild, Miss Tillie shows her how to nurture it like a gardenâwith patience, water, and love. A lyrical reminder that growth takes time, and beauty blooms from care.
Age Range: 5-8 years
Rating: 4.8/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « Lyrical text and exquisite fabric illustrations create a nurturing guide to hair care as self-care. » â Booklist
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
Nappy Hair
â Carolivia Herron (1997)
Uncle Mordecaiâs call-and-response storytelling turns Brendaâs coils into a family celebration, where every « nappy » strand is sung into glory. A cultural heirloom that begs to be read aloud, loud, and prouder! One of the first mainstream picture books to proudly celebrate Black hair textures.
Age Range: 4-8 years
Rating: 4.8/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « A joyous, call-and-response celebration of tightly coiled hair that begs to be read aloud. » â Publishers Weekly
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
Emiâs Curly, Coily, Cotton Candy Hair
â Tina Olajide (2017)
Emiâs hair isnât just curlsâitâs cotton candy, licorice twists, and silky ribbons! This sensory delight makes hair care a delicious adventure, proving natural textures are as sweet as childhood itself.
Age Range: 4-8 years
Rating: 4.9/5 (Amazon), â â â â Âœ (Goodreads)
Review: « A sweet, sensory-rich book that makes hair care feel like playtime. » â Black Childrenâs Books & Authors
đ Where to buy: Amazon
Elementary School Pride
(Ages 6-10)
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
â Derrick Barnes (2017)
The barberâs chair transforms boys into kings in this rhythmic tribute to Black barbershops. With every snip, confidence risesâbecause a fresh cut isnât just style, itâs selfhood.
Age Range: 6-10 years
Rating: 4.9/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « Barnesâ rhythmic text and Jamesâ radiant paintings capture the transformational power of the barbershop. » â The New York Times
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
Bippity Bop Barbershop
â Natasha Anastasia Tarpley (2002)
Miles conquers his first haircut fears with the buzz of clippers and the warmth of community. A story that whispers: « Youâre brave, youâre held, and you belong here. » Helps older kids process haircut anxieties through E.B. Lewisâs emotive art.
Age Range: 6-10 years
Rating: 4.6/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « A tender story that captures the cultural significance of Black barbershops as spaces of community. » â School Library Journal
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
For The Older Kids
Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair
â Diane Da Costa (2004)
From twist-outs to bridal glam, Da Costaâs pro tips turn styling into artistry. Because your hair isnât just texture; itâs a masterpiece waiting to happen.
Age Range: 16+
Rating: 4.6/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « Da Costaâs celebrity styling expertise shines in this practical, photo-filled guide. » â Ebony
đ Where to buy: Amazon
For The Curious Older Older Kids : Historical & Cultural Explorations
Hair Matters: Beauty, Power, and Black Womenâs Consciousness
â Ingrid Banks (2000)
Through 100+ Black womenâs stories, Banks unpacks how hair shapes identity, power, and joy. A book that reads like late-night kitchen-table talkâraw, real, and revolutionary.
Age Range: Adults
Rating: 4.7/5 (Amazon), â â â â â (Goodreads)
Review: « A groundbreaking academic study that reads like intimate girl-talk. » â Ms. Magazine
đ Where to buy: Indigo, Amazon
These books create mirrors for Black children to see themselves and windows for others to appreciate our hairâs beauty. While kids’ books plant seeds of self-love, these deeper dives help us understand why Black hair holds such cultural power. As someone who grew up without these stories and now wears my natural hair with pride, Iâm thrilled todayâs kids can learn to love their coils, kinks, and curls from page one. I especially recommend Hair Matters for unpacking the « why » behind our hair journeys.
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Which book would have helped your childhood self? Share in the comments!
