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Don't Touch My Hair!

Aria loves her hair. The problem is that other people love her hair, too— some so much that they “try to touch it without even asking permission.” This purposeful picture book uses both humor and directness to address an experience unfortunately far too common for African American children (and adults): the disrespect of someone touching their hair without asking. The lesson extends to all personal boundaries, not just hair, the author explains in a note: Children should learn to ask permission, and know it’s alright to say—or hear—no. (It does not address that the question coming from a child may be rooted in curiosity, but from an adult it may suggest objectification.) Bright, colorful mixed-media illustrations amplify the upbeat tone in this treatment of a serious subject. ©2019 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Sharee Miller

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-8
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: African Americans Behavior Consent Racism
Diversity subject: Black/African

Publisher: Little, Brown
Publish Year: 2018
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780316562584

CCBC Location: Picture Book, Miller

Don't Touch My Hair!