Genre: Fiction/Fantasy
Grade Level: K-2
Interest Level: K-4
Themes: Self-Love, hair, imagination, butterflies, Cuban flora & fauna
Culture(s) – Cuban, youth
Hair is a big deal for many
people. How does it look? I’m having a ‘bad’ hair day. Is it long? Is it short?
Thick? Thinning? Gray? How shall I wear it?
For many underserved and marginalized cultures, hair is often
not only a big deal, but it is inextricably tied to their cultures, traditions and sense of self-love and standard of beauty. Unfortunately, for those same groups, it can also be a source of ridicule, judgment and self-loathing
It was just a few weeks ago that a twitter, instagram, media
frenzy erupted over comments made by a Caucasian media personality about the
locs of the teen Disney personality, Zendaya. The former, disparaged Zendaya’s
Oscar night locs by saying they must smell like Patchouli and weed. Zendaya launched a quick, direct and intelligent
response, educating folks on black hair texture, and the heritage, and pride associated with the hairstyle.
This is not the first time however, that an African American
woman’s hairstyle choice has been met with an unfortunate, uninformed and biased
comment. Unfortunately, it will
not be the last, because in our culture where we are all held to a Caucasian
beauty standard, any hair that is not long, straight and blonde for females
and/or straight, and neatly trimmed
for males, will be looked upon by many as substandard and undesirable. (Note - many of these confused opinions are held by other African Americans)
Fortunately, we have the opportunity to Validate and Affirm the beauty of
hair that is “good” in ALL it’s textures, lengths and styles, and also Build and
Bridge understanding and acceptance for the wonderful differences in our
“locks”.
Dalia’s Wondrous Hair by Laura Lacamara is one of the latest
delightful, authentic picture books that addresses a culture of “hair” for one little Cuban girl. The vibrant illustrations, bilingual text and whimsical tale
of Dalia’s thick, exuberant, towering head of hair provides many instructional
possibilties. As a bonus, Lacamara
also provides a glossary of the plant life native to Cuba mentioned in the story.
VABB your student's hair knowledge with this beautiful book!
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