Braided Roots: The interweaving of history, family, and a father's love

by Pasha Westbrook, Madelyn Goodnight (illustrator)

A stunning, poetic debut picture book from Pasha Westbrook about honoring one’s roots and the unbreakable bond of familial love, brought to life with enchanting illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight.



Father braids my hair, just like his,

scented of coconut oil, the familiar tug of fingers on my scalp,

love in every twist...



As a young girl’s father lovingly yet painstakingly braids her hair, he weaves a story about the strength and resilience of their ancestors, Freedmen who walked the Trail of Tears from Mississippi to Oklahoma.



In this enchanting picture book, past and present come together in a tale about endurance, history, and love. With beautiful, sweeping illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight and debut author Pasha Westbrook's lyrical writing, Braided Roots tenderly explores the unwavering love between a father and daughter.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Juvenile, Family, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book in theme and digitally created illustrations. Written in a tribute to both her father and her Choctaw/Chickasaw/Black heritage, both the text and illustrations celebrate a family’s connections through braids as well as DNA! References to the Trail of Tears and enslavement are brief but her connection to those events is elaborated on in her author’s note. Picture books and novels celebrating Black hair have been published in notable numbers recently but this one adds indigenous people groups to that group and does so in an outstanding way. Target audience is likely ages 4-10.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical 4-6 lines/brief sentences per page. A Native American father lovingly braids the hair of his daughter and reminds her of their roots, history, and family. Appreciated the author's note that this book is about her dad, who taught her the power of hair and showed her how hair is a lifeline to family (past/present). Tribute to her Black, Chickasaw, and Choctaw families, and her ancestors who walked the Trail of Tears. Illustrations are pretty - the people are animated realistic (like Rock Your Mocs illustrators because it's the same illustrator). Incorporates people, nature, past, and present. Good for older kids or for one-on-one reading for more reflection and time to discuss.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tenderly written story that affirms this young girl's heritage. She is descended from a Choctaw/Chickasaw/Black heritage. Her father braids her hair and they talk about strength and history. The illustrations suppor the story and add details to the ancestry links. Don't miss the Author's Note at the end.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by the publisher

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family history is shared between a father and daughter as the daily ritual of the braiding of the young girl's hair by her father is done. An unbreakable bond is established as roots are established.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about what braiding her hair means to a girl.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and beautiful story of family, traditions and history.

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Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 277

[Dr. Julie Wasmund Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dad and daughter braid stories of Chickasaw and Choctaw heritage and family in this heartfelt picture book. Reminiscent of the picture books Hair Love and Hair Twins.