Crown An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Crown An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes is an illustrated book published by Bolden, an Agate imprint, in 2017. This 32-page work presents a vibrant exploration of the transformative experience boys undergo in a barbershop, where a fresh haircut serves as a rite of passage that enhances their self-esteem and confidence. Through rhythmic prose, the book captures the essence of how a haircut can elevate a boy’s sense of self-worth and visibility in the world.
Readers will find a celebration of the themes of self-esteem and identity, particularly within the context of African American boys. The narrative emphasizes the significance of personal presentation and the joy that comes from feeling good about oneself. This engaging title not only highlights the cultural importance of barbershops but also serves as a reminder of the powerful impact of self-acceptance and pride.
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Winner of the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers
A Newbery Honor Book
A Caldecott Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
An Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award Book
An Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book
A Society of Illustrators Gold Medal Book
Named one of the best books of 2017 by NPR, the Huffington Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, the Horn Book Magazine, the News & Observer, BookPage, Chicago Public Library, and more
The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.
A fresh cut makes boys fly.
This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair–a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.
Educational resources for Crown can be found here.
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