2022 Books for Young Readers on Natural Hair: A Book List

2022 saw an influx of children’s books embracing and affirming natural hair. We’ve gathered a selection of books published this year and forthcoming in 2023 that celebrate the beauty, uniqueness, and community surrounding natural hair.

Beautiful You, Beautiful Me

by Tasha Spillett-Sumner, illus. by Salini Perera (Owlkids, Oct. 15 $18.95; ISBN 978-1-77147-452-8)

Noticing the differences between her appearances and her mother’s, Afro-Indigenous Izzy learns that their unique traits are qualities to celebrate.

A Boy and His Mirror

by Marchánt Davis, illus. by Keturah A. Bobo (Penguin/Paulsen, Jan. 3, 2023 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-11055-3)

After facing disparaging comments about his hair at school, Chris meets a magical woman in his mirror who teaches him about self-love.

The Coolest Beard

by Betty Tekle, illus. by Nicholas Alexander (Albert Whitman, Apr. 1, 2023 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-8075-1291-3)

Wanting to follow in the steps of his father, Isaac attempts to grow his own beard in time for their next barbershop visit.

Frizzy

by Claribel A. Ortega, illus. by Rose Bousamra (First Second, Oct. 18 $21.99 ISBN; 978-1-250-25962-2)

When Afro-Dominican middle schooler Marlene overhears her family making comments about her hair, she decides to quit straightening it and show off her natural curls.

The Hair Book

by LaTonya Yvette, illus. by Amanda Jane Jones (Union Square Kids, May 3 $14.99; ISBN 978-1-4549-4432-4)

Yvette and Jones celebrate hair of all kinds in this picture book.

Hair to Share

by Sylvia Walker (Crown, Aug. 23 $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-42688-3)

Suri has always loved her natural hair, but when she makes a new friend who has no hair, Suri makes a choice to help her friend feel supported.

I Love My Hair

by Random House, illus. by Anthony Conley (Random House, Nov. 8 $9.99; ISBN 978-0-593-56643-5)

Sesame Street character Gabrielle showcases her pride for her natural hair in this board book.

I Love My Beautiful Hair/Amo mi hermoso pelo

by Elissa Wentt (Scholastic en español, Aug. 2, 2022 $8.99; ISBN 978-1-338-83074-3)

On her very first trip to the hair salon with her family, EJ experiments with new styles.

Inheritance: A Visual Poem

by Elizabeth Acevedo, illus. by Andrea Pippins (Quill Tree, May 3, 2 $16.99; ISBN 978-0-06-293194-8)

Acevedo explores the beauty and gift of natural hair through the lens of her Dominican identity. See our interview with Acevedo here.

Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution

by Sherri Winston. (Bloomsbury, Sept. 6 $16.99; ISBN 978-1-5476-0846-1)

When a class prank involving Lotus’s hair goes too far, she must choose between confronting her school or sticking with the status quo. See our interview with Winston here.

My Fade Is Fresh

by Shauntay Grant, illus. by Kitt Thomas (Penguin Workshop, Nov. 1 $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-38708-5)

A girl’s trip to the barbershop is filled with advice from friendly patrons as she tries to find the style that feels most like her.

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

by Tolá Okogwu (Margaret K. McElderry, June 14 $17.99; ISBN 978-1-66591-261-7)

Onyeka discovers her magical properties after she saves her best friend, she and her mother move to Nigeria where she attends an exclusive school for descendants of Nigerian magic wielders.

Sincerely Sicily

by Tamika Burgess (HarperCollins, Jan. 3, 2023 $17.99; ISBN 978-0-06-315960-0)

Sixth grader Sicily researches what it means to be both Black and Panamanian following a disastrous school project, and she attempts to repair her relationship with her abuela after her abuela makes hurtful comments about her braids.

Smart Sisters

by Renee Mechal Roe (Doubleday, Dec. 27 $16.99; ISBN 978-0-593-43318-8)

The latest in the Happy Hair series highlights Black and Brown girls with natural hairstyles and the strength of a sisterly bond.

A Taste of Magic

by J. Elle (Bloomsbury, Aug. 30 $16.99; ISBN 978-1-5476-0671-9)

Kyana’s attendance at the secret magic school hidden in her local beauty parlor is threatened when the school loses funding, and Kyana must win a baking competition to save the academy.

We Can Say No

by Lydia Bowers, illus. by Isabel Muñoz. (Free Spirit, Oct. 4 $15.99; ISBN 978-1-63198-712-0)

Friends Zakiya and Sami both struggle with their librarian touching their hair, and learn about agency and advocating for themselves in the face of unwanted touch.

Wash Day Diaries

by Jamila Rowser, Robyn Smith (Chronicle, July 5 $19.95; ISBN 978-1-79720-545-8)

While navigating the difficulties of their individual lives, best friends Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie stay connected through their ritual of wash-day routines.