Hairstory
by Sope Martins
Illustrated bu Briana Mukodiri Uchendu
A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division
2026
48 pages
ISBN: 9781665938105
From its opening words, "My hair is history. Woven into patterns from thousands of years ago. Centuries are braided on my head" to the final pages devoted to different African cultures and their hairstories, Hairstory is a celebration of African history, culture and hair.
Hair is "your crowning glory" after all. Hair is often a sign of power and even royalty in some African cultures. Mbalantu women have long braids, and they make a paste of fat and tree bark to protect their hair from breaking. Maasai women shave their heads before marriage to signify a new beginning. They keep their hair short all their lives. The Zulu women grow long hair they shape into a big, round shape. The Zulu isicholo hat is worn when a woman marries and after to show her husband's family respect. It is inspired by their original hairstyle.
African slaves sent to America did not have combs. Their hair became matted. They used a carder to detangle and comb through it. It was not until 1960 that a special comb was sold in America for African hair, 400 years after the first Africans were enslaved!
Women escaping from slavery used their braids as road maps to show their escape route. Hair is considered "ori," which is sacred. The closing lines, "Each strand. a history. In every style, a story" is a powerful celebration to African hair and tradition.
Hairstory is the picture book debut in America for Nigerian author Sope Martins, and it's powerful! Award winning illustrator Nigerian American Briana Mukodiri Uchendu is a frontrunner for picture book awards season. Truly a remarkable book, run to the bookstore and grab a copy of this gem.
End pages are illustrated depicting a busy salon and stylists creating braids. Simply beautiful.
Highly, highly recommended ages 2 and up.
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