Liam's First Cut

by Taye Jones, Dezmond Carter (Illustrator)

In her debut, children's book, "Liam's First Cut;'Taye Jones weaves together the beauty of fatherhood, community, and neurodiversity as Liam, a black boy with an autism spectrum disorder, approaches a day he's been anticipating for quite some time. Liam takes us on a journey towards a big rite of passage in every boy's life as he prepares to get his hair cut on his first visit to a barbershop.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

38 pages, Hardcover

Published December 12, 2022

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Black, speech-language pathologist, it was delightful to read Taye’s book to the little boys I work with that look like him. She paid attention to detail with the visual chart for Liam and used wonderful, vibrant words to describe Liam’s experience living his beautiful life with autism. I love the way the men at the barbershop and community embraced him. Even the cover with a firm hand behind his head showing the unwaivering support of a Black man was powerful when we are living in times where that strength is being diminished in the media. I hope Liam continues to have more stories to tell. I’ll be right there waiting and ready! I highly recommend this book for all children to read and join Liam on his journey.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are SO so few books about Black autistic kids. I'm so glad this exists. The author doesn't seem to be autistic herself (based on her bio), but she is a speech-language pathologist who works with autistic kids.
It's a little confusing that one of Liam's friends says "I can't believe you're cutting off your braids" when, based on the illustration, he doesn't seem to have braids in that moment. But overall this is a sweet little story that feels realistic! It's not necessarily the most exciting plot of all time, but it's very comforting and relatable.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must on your shelf! I wanted to share a story about the importance of this book: Recently in one of my speech therapy sessions, a mom of my patient was telling me how she is ready to start telling her son that he is autistic and wanted to use books to talk about it but that she didn’t know of any books with black autistic characters, where her son could see himself represented. I pulled Liam’s First Cut off my shelf and showed it to her and she pulled out her phone and ordered it right then and there! Later she shared with me how great it was for her and her husband to be able to give their black autistic son a book with a main character just like him. (Her exact words!) It was really special. So thank you, Taye, for writing Liam’s First Cut. I hope it is the first of many representative books for children of color AND who are autistic. ♥️

[Victor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter was really excited to read Liam's First Cut. She really enjoyed reading about Liam's preparation for his big day. She identified with how she prepares for big moments in her life as well. The detail in the illustrations stood out to both of us. The diversity of Liam's friends and classmates were standouts.

I recommend this book to every family. Diversity in your child's library is important in showing them there are people who don't look like them. However, we are far more similar than we are different. This is a book that should be in home libraries, school libraries and public libraries. It can only enhance your child's reading experience. It will definitely expand their horizons.

[Jessica Sarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 year old daughter and I were so excited when we received our copy of Liam’s first haircut! We really enjoyed it and had a great conversation about autism. She also thought the dad looked really cool. Our at home library needs some diversifying, and this book was perfect. My daughter saw characters unlike most the ones she’s seen in her books before. Learning about autism and why a therapist at school is so helpful was the perfect way to prepare her as she enters kindergarten and could come across children with special needs. This is a must buy!

[Lauren Gehringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this lovely book. More importantly, my 5 year old did, too and was completely invested from cover to cover. I love how author Taye Jones conveys empathy for her main character, likely to be noted by any child hearing or reading it. Beyond a great way to ease anxiety lots of children experience with getting a hair cut, this book features an autistic main character (which I haven't come across in many children's books), and broad-ranging examples of loving caregiving by parents, educators and others in Liam's life.

[Jessica Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to finally receive my signed pre-ordered copy of Liam’s First Cut!! I read it immediately and was so moved by this wonderful story of this young autistic boy. I felt as if I was on this journey with Liam as I was reading the book. Congratulations Taye Jones and thank you for sharing this beautiful story with all of us!

[Linda Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Liam's First Cut" is beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. It is a masterpiece of children's literature. The story line is engaging and emotionally satisfying. My grandchildren loved the read and the story generated a great discussion about community and the importance of a child's first hair cut.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just simply perfect. I recommend it for all early childhood educators and parents of young children. It celebrates a milestone that all children will relate to through an easy to read narrative and beautiful illustrations. And it is a great book to add diversity to your library in terms of both race and disability. I’m sure my students will love it just as much as I do!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taye takes us along on a right of passage with Liam as he’s preparing for his first haircut with his Dad. This book is thoughtfully written and the illustrations are so rich and vibrant in color. This book is a great addition to any child’s library collection.

[Nicola Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! As an aunt of a young nephew I am always searching for ways to engage and connect through various activities across various subject matters about differences. These differences and acceptance make us strong. Great read

[Charles Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great story about wonderment, development, family and encouragement. It is great to see BIPOC characters so well represented in children’s literature. The illustrations totally enhance and support the writing! A must have in your collection!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Great to see representation of characters of color, and with autism. Beautifully written and illustrated. Good for all younger elementary level students, as well as kids who may be getting ready to have their own first haircut. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Laura Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is visually stunning and the story is heartfelt and engaging. My son asks to read it every night. The writing and illustrations combined are truly a gift to children's lit.