K-Gr 4—Hair carries a powerful legacy and connection in Native/Indigenous cultures. Lindstom's sparse, poetic
language ("Our ancestors say: Our hair is our memories. Our source of strength") and Littlebird's bright palette
capture both serenity and hope.

I loved the refrain about specific experiences being "woven into" her hair. Includes an Ojibwe glossary and author's note. ( )

ANative girl reflects on hair, both her own and her family’s.

The young narrator’s Nokomis (Ojibwe for grandmother) and mother were not permitted to have long hair—her mother’s was deemed “too wild,” while Nokomis’ was shorn at a residential school. The phrase “Our ancestors say” repeats throughout as we learn that “stories and memories are woven” into the young narrator’s hair. Long Indigenous hair is a form of self-expression, honors ancestral knowledge, and is healing medicine, according to the ancestors. Littlebird’s (enrolled Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) bold art matches the power of We Are Water Protectors author Lindstrom’s (Anishinabe/Métis, enrolled Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) words. Crisp, striking illustrations reminiscent of woodcuts celebrate life and depict characters’ connections to Mother Earth as leaves swirl and splashes of vibrant colors dance across pages like confetti. Parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and aunties are included, making for a loving portrayal of a tightknit extended Native family. The stages of the protagonist’s hair growth serve as a timeline of events: When Nimishoomis (grandfather) taught the child to fish, her hair reached her ears; when her brother was born, it was shoulder-length. When Nimishoomis dies, the young girl cuts her hair to send powerful energy into the spirit world with him. As the book ends, the child decides to regrow her hair, and so does her mother. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A deeply moving and inspiring celebration of long hair and its significance in Indigenous cultures. (information on the importance of hair to Native/Indigenous peoples, Ojibwe glossary, author’s note) (Picture book. 5-11)

-Kirkus Review

Powerful story about both the importance of hair, growing it long, and when it is cut for cultural reasons in indigenous peoples.
Author included a critical note from her own family's past, and the tragedy of Indian Boarding Schools. ( )

In lyrical, kid-friendly language, a girl explains the importance of hair - what it means when it's long, and the reasons (good and bad) for cutting it short.

From back matter:
Native/Indigenous Peoples believe that hair holds strength and power...

Ojibwe glossary

Author's note ( )