The Braid Girls

by Sherri Winston

In this unforgettable summer novel perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington , Maggie, her best friend Daija, and her new half-sister Callie team up to create the ultimate hair-braiding business.

Maggie's world is turned upside down when she learns that her father, whom she admires, has a second daughter, Callie, whom no one knew existed. But she won't let a new family member get in the way of her summer plans with best friend Daija. They're determined to make tons of money braiding hair for kids around the neighborhood.

Daija's always felt like she had a sister in Maggie. So she can't let new half-sister Callie take her place! And she can't let her interfere with their new Braid Girls business, either. She needs the money to pay for extra ballet lessons so she can go en pointe and earn a spot in the fall dance showcase, making her distant father proud at last—if she pulls this off, he'll have to pay attention to her.

Callie's still grieving her late mom. Now she's leaving her old home in the Bahamas behind, including her old school and friends to move in with the father she's never met, plus his family. When she hears of Maggie's and Daija's business, she sees a chance to prove her skills and a way to be accepted.

With three very different girls on board, the Braid Girls arrive to a summer camp full of kids with locs begging to be braided. Business is booming, until rival Angela shows up with her friends and starts a new braiding business—the Sistahs Who Braid. With competition heating up, the Braid Girls are sure to have an unforgettable summer.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Friendship, Family, Juvenile, Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2023

About the author

Prepare for your greatest mission yet. Jada Sly, Artist & Spy, is ready to take you on a journey across Manhattan and behind the scenes at her family’s museum. Fast-paced and quick-witted, Jada leads us into her conspiratorial world with great panache and determination. Perfect for cool middle grade spies.
Sherri Winston has eight published works of fiction, and lives in Orlando, FL.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of how two best friends, Deja and Maggie become three best friends when Maggie's half sister Callie moves in with Maggie's family. If you like heartwarming family stories, give this a try. Another one of those books I would have wanted to read more than once as a tween.

[Yamini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale of 3 very different young girls who spend a summer together and discover their true personalities. Of what it means to lose a parent and carry on, venture into the world and make a little something, of their own this summer vacation.

As these 3 start of their new business of braiding, life almost seems a bliss but not a lasting one. With competition arriving just next door, they are derailed from their all-planned lives and landed into this abyss of a summer they will always remember.

The book is intended to be for middle grades and would serve as a beautiful example of how to approach opportunities and obstacles in life. With a pinch of jealousy and a great deal of heartwarming moments, the book had me all into this short story. Needless to say, the book had a good pacing and structure throughout.
Pondering what I would have liked more as an adult is to see a bit more background to the past lives of one of the characters and maybe a glimpse of the future in the epilogue.

Thankyou @netgalley @dreamscape_media and @iamsherriwinston for the Digital ARC

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. :)

A solid middle grade that celebrates friendship and displays amazing examples of resolving conflict with friends and standing up for yourself. This is a quick read that I think nearly any middle grader will relate to in some way.

[Zoe Kaylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and Daija have plans to earn money over the summer by braiding hair at summer camp. But then Maggie's half-sister, Callie arrives and the three girls struggle to figure out how to go into business together and how to handle sudden new business rivals across the street. The Braid Girls is a great middle grade novel about the value of communication and honesty and the need to understand that everyone has their own priorities and struggles, but that friends and family always make it easier.

I enjoyed The Braid Girls, and would definitely recommend it for middle grade readers who want a book about friendship, step-families, or trying to earn some summer savings. It was a lot of fun too. It had enough to interest me as an adult, though it is a very short and contained story.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Erin Ruth Walker; Tyla Collier; Jade Wheeler. I'm not sure if it was a writing issue or a narration issue, but several times during conversations between the girls, I found myself struggling to keep track of who was talking. Other than that, the audio was great. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely read!

A story about three young girls, around the age of 12, their families and friendships.

I loved Maggie's and Daija's friendship and how they dealt with a new half sister suddenly appearing in their life.

This is a warm story about finding your family and friends, about trust and loyalties, and about overcoming jealousy.

I liked how these girls weren't the typical overly dramatic teens we often see in most middle grade / YA books. Yes, plenty of teens are that way, but there's also a lot of girls who aren't all about the drama.

These girls have their own goals and agency, and it made the book a really cosy read, despite some hard topics.

Be it the loss of a mum, getting used to a whole new life, trying to impress your dad who is away most of the time, dealing with mean people or just adapting to new situations, they do try to get through it together. Sure there is some arguments and friction, but that's life! How you deal with those is what's important.

At times it might be a bit too sweet and light for some readers, but I think it for this story well, and was exactly right for a read that makes you reflect on yourself, but also leaves you feeling better than before you read it.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told from three perspectives and would be a good read for MG readers about friendship, business, and growing up.

[Rebecca Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Braid Girls" introduces us to a story of friendship, family dynamics, and personal growth. The narrative, told from the alternating first-person perspectives of Callie, Maggie, and Daija, offers a unique insight into the lives of three young girls navigating complex relationships in Jacksonville, Florida. The book’s primary focus on friendship, family, forgiveness, and acceptance resonates throughout the story, providing a relatable and heartfelt exploration of these themes.

The book's pacing, however, did not always hit the mark for me. While I generally enjoy realistic fiction for its ability to immerse me in the characters' world, "The Braid Girls" struggled to maintain a consistent pace. At times, the story felt bogged down by the multitude of events and conflicts, making it a somewhat laborious read.

Character development is a mixed bag in this narrative. On one hand, the authors give us a glimpse into the characters' current lives, allowing for moments of connection and empathy. However, the backstory and motivations for characters like Daija and Callie felt underexplored. This lack of depth made some of the resolutions feel less impactful, as we weren't fully vested in their personal journeys from the start.

The portrayal of conflict and resolution, particularly involving the antagonist group, The Sistahs Who Braid, was another area that left me wanting more. The narrative introduced complex issues such as rivalry, online bullying, and ethical conduct but seemed to shy away from fully addressing these themes. The absence of a clear resolution or learning moment concerning these conflicts was a missed opportunity to add another layer of depth to the story.

Despite these criticisms, "The Braid Girls" shines in its celebration of diversity and the cultural significance of Black hair. The story does an admirable job of highlighting the beauty and importance of hair in Black culture, offering readers a valuable perspective on this aspect of identity.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Maggie and Deija are best friends. While Maggie has a father and mother who are around to support her and her younger brother Taz (who likes to act like a robot), Daija's mother Kiki is raising her without as much involvement from her father. Deija is very interested in ballet, and knows that she will have to come up with money for private lessons on her own if she hopes to do well enough to make the cuts for an upcoming show. She has a plan to braid hair, which she and Maggie do very well, and raise the money over the summer. When Maggie gets a surprising new family member, Deija is jealous and is cautious about accepting her. Maggie's father had been in the navy and was in a relationship with Clover before he met Maggie's mom, and Callie is Clover and the father's daughter. Clover never told him about his child, but when she passes away, Callie's relatives contact him. Maggie's mother is understanding, and so Callie moves in. Maggie is welcoming, clearing out space in her room, and willing to hang out with her new sister. Deija is not at all happy when Callie comes to the summer camp where she and Maggie are supposed to be craft counselors. It makes perfect sense that they will try to get the children at the camp to get their hair braided after the camp is over, and earn money that way. Callie is also a talented braider, as well as a jewelry artist, and is more than happy to help. When the girls in charge of the Paradise Camp start to poach the girls' clients, they are not happy, especially since their braiding skills are substandard, and Lorilee and Angela are plain mean. With fellow counselor Keith's help, they manage to get some incriminating video of the Paradise Camp girls being rough with their customers' hair and post them on social media, where they go viral. There are some relationship hitches with Maggie, Deija, and Callie, but try to work through them. When they hit a particularly rough patch, will they be able to find a way to stay friends?
Strengths: I loved the supportive extended family, and the fact that there are family activities like going out for ice cream and having picnics portrayed. There are not enough of those in some middle grade books. The issue with Callie is addressed in a very age appropriate fashion, and it was nice that Maggie was very accepting of Callie, and that Callie, while she missed her mother, was glad to get to know her father and have a new family. The friend drama is completely on point; three can be a crowd in middle grade friendships. The addition of Keith as a light romantic interest for Maggie is fun. I would think that a lot of tweens are looking to earn money for various reasons, even though that is harder to do than it was when I was twelve and we were allowed to babysit infants for a dollar an hour!
Weaknesses: I never really felt that Deija was all that interested in ballet, and it seemed unlikely that the summer camp would be pleased with the girls trying to make money off campers; $25-$40 for hair styles seems a bit expensive.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked McDonald's Twists and Turns or Boles' Little Divas (that has a somewhat similar cover!), or who like Strong's other titles like President of the Whole Fifth Grade or Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution.

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Braid Girls is a heartwarming and empowering middle-grade novel that explores friendship, family, and the power of determination. Centered around the story of three young girls—Maggie, Daija, and Callie—the book takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, dreams, and the challenges they face as they navigate a budding braiding business and unexpected rivalries.

The narrative begins with Maggie's world being turned upside down upon learning about her father's secret daughter, Callie, whom nobody knew existed. Despite this revelation, Maggie is determined not to let anything interfere with her plans for a memorable summer with her best friend, Daija. The duo sets out to make money by braiding hair for children in their neighborhood, launching their business as the Braid Girls.

Daija, who has always felt a sisterly connection with Maggie, sees the arrival of Callie as a potential threat to their bond and their new business venture. She is driven by her desire to earn money for extra ballet lessons, hoping to display her talents in a fall dance showcase and gain her distant father's attention and pride.

Meanwhile, Callie is still grieving the loss of her mother and embarks on a journey to live with her previously unknown father and his family. She seizes the opportunity to prove her skills in hair braiding, using it to find acceptance and belonging in her new surroundings.

The strength of the story lies in the unique perspectives and personalities of the three main characters. The author skillfully crafts their voices, showcasing their distinct motivations, dreams, and challenges. As the Braid Girls embark on their summer camp braiding business, they encounter a surge in demand from children with locs, leading to a successful enterprise. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when a rival group, the Sistahs Who Braid, led by Angela, emerges to challenge their success.

The author explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams in the story. The book beautifully captures the dynamics between the characters as they navigate their individual struggles while supporting and uplifting one another. The narrative highlights the importance of embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the talents and strengths of each individual.

The author's writing style is engaging, creating a vibrant and immersive world within the pages of the book. The descriptions of the braiding process, the camp atmosphere, and the lively interactions between the characters add depth and authenticity to the story.

This book is an uplifting and heartfelt tale that inspires readers to pursue their dreams, embrace friendship, and overcome challenges. Through the intertwining journeys of Maggie, Daija, and Callie, the book conveys powerful messages of self-belief, unity, and the transformative power of working together. It is a delightful and empowering read that will resonate with young readers, leaving them with a sense of joy and inspiration long after the final page is turned.

I give this book 4 stars.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two 12 year old best friends who start a hair braiding business have complications added when Maggie finds out that a half sister she never knew about will be moving in with her family (mom/dad/Maggie/little brother) after the death of her mother and another group of girls with a hair enterprise is trying to horn in on their client base. Daija is strongly outspoken and driven, Maggie is more quiet and reluctant to voice her own opinions and needs, and Callie is finding that she is a blend of the two but is struggling to feel a part of Maggie’s family or a comfortable third alongside two longtime friends. Winston’s story is entertaining and may give other middle grade girls a few ideas about starting their own business. The drama between Daija, Maggie, and Callie is very realistic as is the competitiveness and meanness between the two hair styling endeavors. Lessons are learned by all-Maggie begins to express herself to her friends more, Daija finally comes to a reasonable relationship with her father who now has a new wife and kids, and Callie admits to the grief she has felt after losing her mom and her insecurity about joining her dad’s family. There are some aspects that seem a bit too “pie in the sky” and unlikely, however. With the birthdates and ages of Maggie and Callie, it is unlikely that Maggie’s dad’s relationship with Callie’s mom was prior to meeting Maggie’s mom. (Text in arc says that the two girls are only a few months apart in age.) Even if that is true, the ease in which Callie is folded into her new family seems a little too drama-free, especially on the part of Maggie’s mom. Additionally, while expressing her grief is a part of Callie’s character development, loss of the only parent she has ever known and was extremely close to should have caused far more trauma than she revealed.

Despite a few less than realistic aspects, this is a book that is sure to be enjoyed by girls in grades 4-6, especially with the bit of romance that is incorporated into Maggie’s story arc! Text is free of profanity, violence and sexual content (not even a kiss or hand holding or even a “date,” just some significant looks and a bit of dog walking together). Representation: Single parenthood, divorce and traditional 2 parent homes are present, Black and biracial girls are the main characters and supporting characters are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Thanks for the digital arc, NetGalley.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and her bestie Daija are close as sisters, so when Maggie discovers she has a half-sister only a few months older than her, it rocks her world. More than that, Callie's mother has recently died, so Callie is coming to live with the family she never knew. Maggie and Callie actually get along really well, which really gets Daija's knickers in a twist. The three girls are day-camp counselors for the summer, and decide to start a hair-braiding business; Daija especially needs money for her ballet lessons, and Maggie is interested in learning how to run a business. Things start out well, but then a truly nasty girl from a nearby day camp decides to get all up in their faces and start her own business with some friends, and start stealing the trio's clients. Daija wants revenge, but Maggie wants to take the high road. Callie is torn between her new life and family, and desperately missing her mother and her old life. Maggie is distraught at being at odds with Daija, who is kind of losing it--Daija is also jealous that Maggie and Callie's father adores them and spends lots of time with them, unlike Daija's absent father. How will the summer go?

I liked this one a lot, even though I skipped over some of the bullying because I don't tolerate that well and it got in the way of the rest of the story, which I was enjoying--coming of age, learning about yourself and your friends/family and how to build and maintain relationships. The details about the braiding were interesting, and I wished I'd had pictures. The story jumps between the girls' POVs, which I occasionally found confusing because I'd forget I was listening to a Daija chapter and wonder why Callie was having such issues with Maggie, etc. But overall, I liked it a lot. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BRAID GIRLS is an upbeat, empowering novel about friendship, family, and figuring out how to navigate relationships that can be tricky. I love that it has an all-Black cast. The girls at its center aren't super original or memorable, but they're likable enough that I cared about what was going on in their lives. I like that the novel features strong family bonds, especially among the Wests who are kind, supportive, fun, and accepting. My favorite part of this novel is how the girls learn to resolve conflicts by using open, honest communication and learning to see things from each others' points of view. Those are important life lessons.

Not every part of the story worked for me. I find it unlikely that a community camp would let itself become a place where parents are solicited for money and kids would be taken from other activities to get their hair braided. (I'm the white adoptive mother of a mixed-race daughter with very thick hair. Getting her hair braided is an all-day thing, even now that she's a teenager and old enough to sit still. So, I don't get how the girls braided so many heads so fast! LOL) Seems like there would be liability issues, among other problems. I was also confused about the timing of Maggie and Callie's births. If Callie is "only a few months" older than Maggie, then doesn't that mean James cheated on Maggie's mother? That's never really explained. If I were Maggie, I would want to know that. I also didn't love that the girls' war with the Sistahs Who Braid didn't get resolved in a healthier way (although it's probably more realistic the way it happened).

Overall, I liked THE BRAID GIRLS. I can't say I loved it, but I enjoyed it for the most part.

If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I was rating The Braid Girls personally, I would probably give it a 3, but reading for work as a Children's Librarian, I am boosting that to a 4.

The Braid Girls follows best friends Maggie and Daija on their journey to establish a braid business. This is complicated by the addition of Maggie's half-sister that the family has just learned about, Callie. Callie, also a very good braider, joins to The Braid Girls. The business means something different to each girl. For Maggie, it is the first step in her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, for Daija it means independence and the opportunity to continue ballet lessons. Each girl is processing the addition of Callie to their world. Callie, having just lost her mother is grieving, and worried about fitting into a new family she just met, while Daija is concerned about her BFF and "sister" Maggie gaining an actual sister and what that means for their relationship. While the girls are working as Junior Counselors at Kiki's (Daijia's mother) summer camp, rivals from school and the other camp, become business rivals at well. The girls face real world decisions and need to work out their different goals for The Braid Girls, while working through their own insecurities, hurts, and difference of opinions while hoping to maintain their friendship.

Sherri Winston has written a realistic story about family, friendship, and business. It portrays each aspect in a very real way. Although as an adult reader the climax isn't as enticing, for the age that this book was written for, it is dire, reflective of their lives, worries, and hardships.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Title: The Braid Girls
Author: Sherri Winston
Narrator: Erin Ruth Walker, Tyla Collier, and Jade Wheeler
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Middle School
Pub Date: June 13, 2023
My Rating: 3.4
Pages: 272

Maggie and Deija both twelve years old and are best friends.
Maggie has the support of her parents. We soon find out that her Dad has another daughter Callie that he didn’t know about, When Callie’s mother dies she goes to live with her dad.
At first Maggie is bent out of sorts with this arrangement.

Daija has the love of her mother but her mom Kiki and Dad are separated and they have no financial support from him.
Deija wants to take ballet classes but knows that her mother doesn’t have the money and needs to find a way to earn some money.
She and Maggie decide to start a hair braiding business while at summer camp. They decided they would charge $25-$40, (I have seen beautiful braiding and this certainly seems to be reasonable.) Callie also attends the camp and turns out to be a talented braider, as well as a jewelry artist, She is more than happy to help and the business which turns out to be successful.

I know I am not the target audience for the story; I am a guidance counselor and enjoy reading a story that I can recommend to students. In this case I liked the story but wasn’t a big fan of the narrators; however that might just be me and this age group may love it.

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media/Storm Publishing Ltd. for granting me this audiobook!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 13, 2023.

[Jacqueline Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so image that you’re 12 years old again. It’s summer, and you and your best friend since you moved to town decide to make some extra cash by braiding the hair of kids in the neighborhood.

It’s a perfect plan! You'll braid as many heads as you can manage after your camp counselor volunteer hours AND be able split the summer’s earnings. What could go wrong?

Well… kinda a lot.

First, you find out that your long lost sister (who you only recently found out about) is coming to LIVE with you because her mom died. Then, a rival group of camp counselors decide that they’re going to try and steal your business idea!

I don’t want to give anything from the story away. But, if this middle grade book sounds like it’s right up your alley pick up a copy of The Braid Girls by Sherri Winston!

It’s filled to the brim with sand, summer fun, cute crushes, and of course, that wild rivalry that I mentioned.

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read and listen The Braid Girls with an ALC.

I had a lot of fun reading this book, even if it wasn’t exactly for my age group. It had a lot of heart, and all three of the main characters had distinct voices from one another and DREAMSCAPE definitely went the extra mile by hiring 3 lovely voice actors to bring the characters to life. I would definitely recommend not just buying one book, but may be a couple to get a middle grade book club going this summer.

[Aadi Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This charming tale follows three diverse young girls who spend a transformative summer together, navigating loss, family, and a budding business venture. Initially idyllic, their lives take a turn when they face stiff competition next door, leading to a memorable summer.

Intended for middle-grade readers, the story provides a valuable lesson on embracing life's challenges and opportunities. It weaves jealousy and heartwarming moments into a well-structured narrative.

The story centers on Maggie and Daija's friendship, evolving as they cope with the arrival of a new half-sister. It's a heartwarming narrative about finding family, trust, and overcoming jealousy.

What stands out is the realistic portrayal of these girls as non-dramatic teens, offering a refreshing perspective in middle-grade literature. Despite tackling complex themes like loss and adaptation, the book maintains a warm and comforting tone.
While some may find it a touch too sweet, it leaves readers with self-reflection and a positive feeling.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is shocked when she learned her beloved father has another daughter her age that the family has just learned about. Callie is going to be moving in with them after her mom’s death, but Maggie is determined not to let that get in the way of her plans with her best friend Daija. Daija has always considered Maggie a sister and is worried that Callie might take her place in Maggie’s life. Together, the three girls form The Braid Girls to earn some money over at the local summer camp. Things are going great until another group of girls decide to start a rival company, Sistahs Who Braid. The girls are sure to have a summer to remember.

This was such a heartwarming story! I loved all three of the girls and the bonds they had or formed over the course of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to middle-grade readers, its intended audience, and I think parents who read with their children will enjoy this story too. Erin Ruth Walker, Tyla Collier, and Jade Wheeler did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The industrious of younger teens! It reminds me of A Soft Place to Land where she started a dog walking business. In this case, a group of girls start a hair braiding business and what better place than at the summer camp, except that there's a rival girl who is intent on starting her own braiding business as well.

But that's only part of the issue as Maggie has a new disruption in her life that she's trying to see as a positive but it's moving quickly. Her dad had a child, who is about her age who he didn't know about until recently and because Callie's mother died, Callie's visit becomes a permanent stay in their house. It's going to be different for all of them including Callie who lost her mom and is adjusting to this new life. The person who is adjusting the least is Maggie's best friend Daija who feels threated by Callie's presence.

The middle grade includes business acumen, creativity, friendship, family, and summertime.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Braid Girls is a wholesome contemporary middle-grade novel that celebrates friendship and family.

The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of the three girls — Maggie, Callie and Daija. The girls are delightfully different, with their own quirks and motivations.

Maggie, Callie and Daija are Black girls who have perfected the art of braiding. They’ve got straight parts and know the right products to use. Readers who aren’t familiar with Black culture may not understand the overall significance of braiding, but there’s enough context for them to understand it’s important to do it right, and it shouldn’t stop kids from picking up this book.

Author Sherri Winston does a good job getting to the heart of middle-grade social dynamics. The stereotypical “mean girls” feel one note, but that’s to be expected with everything else that’s going on.

The Braid Girls is a heartwarming tale that should appeal to lots of readers.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, but I got the sense a few times that this wasn't a book for me, if that makes sense. As a white lady, I think I was missing some cultural understanding to really connect with these girls. Part of that was exacerbated by the audiobook, which I thought was only so-so. The narrator kept the same voice for every character -- even though this story is told from three perspectives -- so I had a hard time following who was talking (and thinking) when.

Still, I really enjoyed seeing these three girls become closer friends and sisters and support each other through challenges. The desire to start a business to earn some extra money is a great middle grade topic that kids will absolutely relate to. A definite recommendation from me, especially for kids who liked Babysitters Club or Bad Babysitters, but not an all time favorite. Some light romance adds an extra layer.

[Eiyana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Daija says, "Maggie, girl, sometimes I think when you talk, a thirty-year-old woman is somewhere deep inside your soul giving instructions." This basically sums up my thoughts about all three characters in this book. The characters do not interact with one another like they are just twelve.

The story of three girls starting a braiding business who also deal with family and friendship woes is true to the tween audience's experience and expectations in literature. However, the characters feel a bit "trope-y', and the language can be strangely anachronistic at times. A lot of the slang is a blend of old 90s slang mixed with current words and phrases kids use, but all of it often felt a bit too much.

[Teneisha (Teesbookjourney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook reminds me of the babysitter club but with braiding and more relevance to today's issues. The narrators, Erin Ruth Walker, Tyla Collier, and Jade Wheeler, did an excellent job with these characters. They each added a little sparkle to each of these characters.

Each girl had there own home. Life issues. One girl with an absent father, a girl coming to terms with a new family and father and the loss of her mother and one more girl who now has a new sister

All three girls venture out there to start a braiding business, and they have to deal with old and new friendships, getting to know each other and the hatters - there will always be hatters.

This book is an excellent coming-of-age story for someone in an elementary school.

I enjoyed the whole thing.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is about to experience a summer that will turn her world upside down. After discovering that her father had a child he never knew about, Callie, her half-sister comes to live with the family sooner than expected.
Maggie’s best friend Daija wants to protect Maggie from any potential negativity who new sibling could bring. Daija is experiencing her own struggles since her father has moved near by and still doesn’t spend more time with her.
Callie’s mother has died and the girl wants to develop good relationships with her new family while respecting her mother’s memory.
The trio team up to begin a hair braiding business. They spend their mornings working at summer camp, and their afternoons doing the hair of their customers. Soon there is competition from the Sistahs Who Braid.
This book is a great coming of age story. I loved each character as they were unique and developed realistically. The familial relationships are relatable to many middle school aged children. I will be recommending this book to my students. I listened to the audio version of the book. One of the readers bothered me initially, but I quickly got past that.

[Ancillar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own

This is a children's book set in summer and follows Maggie who has a brilliant summer job idea but life has other plans for her. Her father who has another daughter Callie announces that she is coming to stay with them. The arrival of Callie shakes things up for Maggie and Daija her best friend who has always thought of herself as Maggie's best friend. I enjoyed this audiobook as it focused on entrepreneurship, siblings, jealousy, and friendship. The narrators were incredible and I think it will be enjoyable to those in middle grade.

[Demie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this on Audiobook. I think I would prefer the actual book. Anyways, I enjoyed this story. I think this book to be on the Middlegrade genre? Love that nowadays more books like this are coming out. As a fellow "Panda" these books weren't here when I was growing up so i think this is a beautiful book for the new generation
3 girls with very different stories. I loved the concept of a braiding "hustle". It is very cute and I probably should keep this book in mind when I got kids of my own.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Braid Girls" by Sherri Winston is a heartwarming and empowering novel that beautifully explores friendship and self-discovery. Winston's writing is engaging, capturing the essence of the characters and their journeys. The strong bond between the Braid Girls is the novel's standout feature, fostering a sense of camaraderie that resonates with readers. While the plot may follow some familiar coming-of-age tropes, the overall execution and positive messaging make "The Braid Girls" a delightful and impactful read, deserving of a solid four-star rating.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book! I loved the main characters and how much they were allowed to make mistakes, misunderstand one other, and learn from it in ways that felt true to the characters. My only reservation is I wouldn't give this book to a child grieving the death of a parent because I thought Callie was more able to stay present and not feel/act traumatized than kids should expect themselves to be soon after a parent dies. But it's a real gem that celebrates friendship, family, Black hair, creativity, and cooperation.

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

It ends well, and there’s a lot of solid relationship work going on in here — I can see a lot of appeal for kids who are entrepreneurial and wondering about how to manage friendships. Daija’s abrasive personality really bothered me — I’m glad Maggie turned out to be right about the underlying reasons, but it was hard to commiserate when she is just such a jerk on the regular. Loved the theme of blending families, and how close everyone is across families. On the whole, emotionally sophisticated and pretty cool.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the cutest stories I've read in a while.  If I had a daughter, this is the type of book I would get for her.  I really wish books like this was available when I was this age.  It was heartwarming with a lot of lessons (TBH, some adults need to read this and take heed to the lessons in the story).  And the audiobook narrator did such a beautiful job with the story.   

I received an audio copy of the book via the publisher through netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions 

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Braid Girls is an uplifting story following three girls who decide to start their own business to reach their summer goals. Whether it's paying for tutors, dance lessons, or just having some extra spending money, the girls all accomplish their mission while becoming even closer as friends in the process.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!