Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

Bibliographic Citation

Barnes, D., & James, G. C. (2017). Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut (Denene Millner Books) (Illustrated ed.). Agate Bolden.

About the Book

Derrick Barnes takes us in the experience of getting a fresh haircut at a barber shop. The narrator of the book is an African American boy who compares himself to a blank canvas and leaves feeling like royalty. The author does an excellent job capturing the self confidence any reader can relate to feeling after a new haircut.

The cover is appealing and sure to catch the attention of young readers. The illustrations in the book are lively, colorful, and support the text. This story celebrates themes such as self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence. The text offers a great opportunity to discuss figurative language and real world connections to the text.

Connections

Book Trailer

Books with similar themes:

• Bippity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Tarpley; illustrated by Earl B. Lewis

• Class Act by Jerry Craft

Other books by author:

• I Am Every Good Thing

• The King of Kindergarten

Teaching ideas:

• This book is an excellent tool to analyze character traits, character development, and figurative language.

Requirement the Book Meets

• Required book list