My Hair Can

by Matt Forté, Sophia Green (illustrator)

Celebrate what your hair can do! This joyful, rhyming picture book invites diverse girls and boys to embrace their natural hair with an uplifting reminder of their self-worth.My hair has roots from many places under the sun, telling the story of my ancestors and where I come from. I can shake my hair like a baby with a rattle, or cut it all off to support my friend’s battle.What can your hair do? From cool curls to crisp fades, from long dreads, to beaded braids, bright joyful illustrations of diverse children burst from each page inspiring self-love and positive self-esteem. But hair love is more than knots, locks, and mohawks. Discover the power of cutting your hair in solidarity with a sick friend or celebrating your heritage with hairstyles from your ancestral roots.My Hair Can is an encouraging reminder for young readers about loving their hair, respecting differences, and celebrating their God-given uniqueness.Features rhyming text perfect for read-aloud bookRepresents hairstyles of boys and girlsBuilds positive affirmations, confidence, and self-esteemEmphasizes hair connection to ancestral rootsEmpowers solidarity with friendsHighlights each child’s God-given uniquenessIncludes delightful and colorful illustrationsInspire children of multiple ethnicities (ages 4–7) to wear their hair proud.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Veronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cutely illustrated picture book about Black hair but this one lets us know that God has created us all equally and that our hair is a blessing! My favorite page was the one that mentioned our roots and ancestors. The artist did a phenomal job of showcasing different children of various skin tones and hairstyles, and she did a great job of displaying Black joy throughout each page. This book will leave you feeling confident, wonderfully made, and with you wanting to wear your hair proudly wherever you go!

[Heirloom Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by his daughter’s triumph over lies from the enemy about her hair, Matt Forté presents a colorful, timely, and godly message for all looks and styles.

Through cute and relatable illustrations, Forté presents a short series of vignettes. Each scene depicts a child’s relationship with the unique, natural qualities of their own hair. Forté encourages children to celebrate what makes their hair different from the other children around them. There are beads, braids, fros, and fades.

Forté leads the celebration of diversity with Psalm 139, reminding children they’ve been known by God since before they were born, they were specifically designed by Him, and He’s written down big plans for each of them.

The book’s message is told from the point of view of the many children seen on the pages as they play, dance, and look at themselves in the mirror. Using a child’s narrative voice to engage with young readers allows each line to resonate with kids as they flip through the pages. Through the richly crafted illustrations, kids will see God’s masterpiece on display and in living color through kids like them. By the end of the book, young readers will be convinced that they’re a masterpiece.

Differences among children can often be used by the enemy to invoke feelings of isolation and rejection. Hair is no exception. Thick hair, thin hair, or no hair—it doesn’t matter what type of hair it is or whom it belongs to when it’s in the wrong hands. Treated incorrectly, it’s not just the hair type alone that will be misunderstood, but the uniquely handcrafted child it belongs to as well.

Likewise, Forté’s picture book reminds kids to not only see their hair as wonderful creations but also to see their peers as uniquely created too. It’s a call for kids to cut through the lies of the enemy with a thankful, joyful heart and to be confident in God’s extraordinary design. “For from him and through him and to him are all things” (Romans 11:36 CSB). And that goes for all hair too.

“My Hair Can” by Matt Forté earns our highest recommendation.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

My Hair Can is a fun whimsically illustrated book for the youngest readers by Matt Forté. Due out 3rd Sept 2024 from Tyndale House, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully illustrated book in rhyming verse for 4-7 year olds with a positive message about self-love, spirit, culture, and happiness with ourselves. Despite being aimed at kids, it's definitely an all-ages message about loving ourselves for who we are. The text is simple and accessible and will be understood by even the youngest, but will be a great bedtime or anytime read with parents or caregivers.

The art by Sophia Green is dynamic and colorful and full of small movement and details which invite a closer look. It's appealing and supports and enhances the text very well.

Tyndale House is a Christian imprint, and there are two references to Bible verses (in the dedication, and the "about the author" page), but it's not at all intrusive and is presented in a positive, motivational way. The kids in the book are multi-ethnic, from a broad range of skin tones and inclusively presented in a positive, non-judgemental way.

Five stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or for carers/childminders.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Katie LeDuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.

This book explores all the ways that one can style one's hair with a focus on Black hair. Books like this are so important and I love that they are becoming more common is children's literature. As a curly haired woman, I remember people constantly telling me how much prettier my hair was when straightened and how much that hurt. Thanks to some wonderful women in my life, I am now hopelessly in love with my curls and I try to compliment other women and girls rocking their natural curls. I think this is a great book to reinforce that there are many types of hair and styles which are all beautiful. The gorgeous illustrations, rhyming prose, and cultural exploration make this a wonderful addition to any classroom or home! 5 stars

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book courtesy of the Goodreads First Reads program, for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: How does your hair grow? Can you shake it like a rattle? This book seeks to help your child with their hair. How does it work out?

Liks: The verse was cute, and much like many picture books, the art tells most of the story.

It also includes a bit of an introduction to Christianity.

Conclusion: this was a cute book. Enjoy it with your little hair dressers.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway

This book is both adorable and empowering! It’s meant for children, but the message is a great reminder for adults as well, and the illustrations are an added bonus!

I’ll be donating this to my neighborhood’s Little Free Library (I entered the giveaway with the intention of doing so)

[Maryam Malekmohammadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is a sweet book that celebrates different hairstyles and the beauty of self-expression. The story shows how hair can be styled in many ways, making each person unique and special. With colorful pictures and simple, it helps kids feel proud of their own hair. It’s a great book for teaching confidence and self-love in a fun way.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good picture book on self-love and representation! I can do without the religious aspect, but it's just a one-off (unless you also read the author bios). I absolutely loved the illustrations really showcasing each characters uniqueness!

[Joyce Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s really hard to explain to my 7 years old Chinese daughter why it’s so important to love one’s hair.