About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a new milestone, like a first haircut or school picture day, and is struggling with the anxiety of change. It is a gentle story about Jordan, a young boy who loves his hair just the way it is and feels nervous about visiting the barbershop. As he watches others embrace their styles, he learns that a haircut is not just about looks, it is a way to express who you are and build confidence. Sharee Miller provides a warm, relatable bridge for children ages 4 to 8 who feel protective of their personal identity but want to feel ready for a big day. It is a beautiful choice for celebrating Black hair culture while normalizing the common 'what if' worries children have about their appearance.
What Parents Should Know
Read plot summary
Jordan is proud of his hair, but with school picture day approaching, his family encourages a trim. Nervous about the change, Jordan visits a bustling neighborhood barbershop. By observing the confidence and joy other patrons feel after their sessions, Jordan moves from hesitation to excitement, eventually choosing a style that feels authentically his. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book handles self-image and anxiety with a secular, realistic approach. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on bodily autonomy and the positive social environment of the barbershop. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with high-stakes internal anxiety (worry about losing part of oneself) and moves into a sensory-rich middle section at the barbershop. It concludes with a triumphant sense of pride and self-assurance. IDEAL READER: A child who is sensitive to sensory changes or highly attached to their current appearance. A child who is nervous about getting a haircut, especially one involving a new style like a fade or line-up. The book also celebrates the barbershop as a vibrant community space, particularly within Black culture. PARENT TRIGGER: A child refusing to get ready for a school event or expressing fear about a hair stylist's tools (clippers, scissors). PARENT PREP: The book can be read cold. Parents might want to highlight the vibrant illustrations of different hairstyles to help their own child point out what they like. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger children will focus on the 'bravery' of getting a haircut. Older children (7-8) will resonate more with the social aspect of 'looking your best' for peers and the cultural significance of the barbershop as a community hub. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many 'first haircut' books that focus on the fear of the tools, this one focuses on the emotional transition of identity and the cultural joy often found in barbershops, particularly within Black communities.
