While eating at a diner the waitress asks, ”what will she have today?” His long curly golden locks confuse people. It’s not the first time this has happened, our son gets confused for a girl at least 1-2 times a week. He is not bothered by it because his confidence is high. But what if it did bother him? We go along with it and brush it off with a smile. This is the best option for us. If we make a big deal of it, he will think something is wrong.
It’s okay to have confusion since most males traditionally have short hair. Yet, there have been instances when someone told us to cut his hair. Instead of responding to those remarks. We choose to focus on highlighting the uniqueness of his hair with books that celebrate those beautiful long locks. We build our son’s confidence and respect his decision about when he wants a short haircut.
A way to build kids’ confidence and love for their hair is through books. Our experience inspired me to create a children’s book that celebrates boys’ curly hair. Below is a list of books that will not only help kids build confidence and love for their curly hair but also teaches them diversity.
I love Being Me by Markita Staples-Green
“This is a self-empowerment journey that both kids and their parents will love. The boys and girls of the Curly Crew admire different parts of their bodies and fully embrace the qualities that make them unique. It’s a book that is both confidence-boosting, and silly enough to keep any child engaged. Parents and children can look forward to a story time full of smiles and laughter.”
Cody’s Crazy Curls by Andrea Realpe
Cody is a fun and energetic boy who loves his crazy curly hair, even if it means eating chicken hair soup. Join Cody and his crazy curls as he realizes that they are a part of who he is and make him happy.
Thunder’s Hair by Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre
“Thunder is tired of dealing with bullies at school who pick on him because of his long hair. They don’t understand why a boy would grow his hair long. When he is sure he has made up his mind to cut it, his grandmother reminds him of the power of having long hair.”
Long Hair Don’t Care by Jill Guerra
“Across the U.S., long-haired boys are made fun of, asked why they have long hair, and are told that long hair is for girls. They are kicked out of school, forced to cut their hair, embarrassed and belittled for a personal belief, a personal choice; sometimes a cultural or family practice. Long Hair Don’t Care was written in honor of boys and men who are proud, courageous, confident, and “don’t care” about other people’s assumptions, prejudices, and naiveties. They wear their long hair with poise and pride. We are fortunate that they are here to teach us about their traditions, diversity, our own biases, how to improve as human beings by not judging people based on how they look, and to see beauty in everyone.”
Hair Like This by Francis Oghuma
“Hair Like This tells the story of Roti, who moved to a new city and joined a football club. He was insecure about his hair, and it affected his love for the game of football. He looked different from the other boys on his team and was not sure that he would fit into the new environment.
This book aims to encourage children and show them that everyone is unique, no matter what hair type, hairstyle or texture, and that this should not affect their daily lives as it will only distract them from doing what they love most.
Hair Like This is part of our children’s book series, which tells the stories of different characters and their challenges and love for their hair.”
Angy's Books 