Brave

Gr 2-5–An unnamed Native American boy grows his hair long like his father’s and the dancers at powwows he attends. At school when he is teased for his hair, he remembers that “Braids are brave,” imagines his ancestors with him, and tells the kids to “STOP!” In the aftermath, his dad tells the boy about the importance of hair in his life and the lives of his own father and grandfather. The father tells the boy that “having long hair is a promise to wake up every day and take pride in who you are,” as it connects to traditions and ancestors, and “I promise to never cut it unless you ask me to.” Alvitre’s wordy text is paired with detailed illustrations that excel in easy-to-read facial expressions. The spreads work hard to evoke a sense of past and present while entwining Native American imagery and long hair.