Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
What’s inside...
The barbershop is a transformative place for boys, where they enter as ordinary and leave as royalty, feeling more confident and aware of their potential. The experience of getting a fresh haircut makes them feel like they can achieve anything, from better grades to increased attention and affection. This book is a celebration of this empowering experience, particularly for young black boys, and emphasizes the importance of having it available in various community spaces. 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 a celebration of the way boys feel when they leave the barber's chair.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
The Barber
Discussion points
How did the main character feel after getting a fresh haircut? Can you describe a time you felt similarly?
Why do you think everyone treated the main character differently after his haircut?
What does the barber shop represent in the community according to the story?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the fresh cut?
What do you think the author wants us to learn from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Be enthusiastic and open-ended with your questions to encourage your child to think deeply about the themes.
Relate questions to your child’s personal experiences to make connections that are meaningful.
Discuss the importance of self-confidence and how personal grooming can influence it, drawing examples from the book and real life.
Encourage your child to describe and interpret the illustrations, fostering an appreciation for visual storytelling.
Reinforce positive messages from the book, such as pride in one’s appearance and the significance of community spaces like the barber shop.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-esteem and Confidence Building
Explanation: The narrative celebrates the transformative power of a fresh haircut, underscoring how it boosts the young protagonist's confidence and pride in his appearance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of self-care and presentation, understanding that feeling good about one's appearance can positively influence self-esteem and interpersonal interactions.
Example Lesson: Respect for Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The barbershop is depicted as a communal space rich with cultural heritage, illustrating various African American hairstyles and the importance of the barbershop in African American communities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and respect cultural practices and spaces that may be different from their own, fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Community and Belonging
Explanation: The story portrays the barbershop as a place where people connect, share stories, and support one another, highlighting the value of community bonds.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children see the significance of being part of a community, encouraging them to participate in communal activities and to support those around them.
Example Lesson: Positive Role Models
Explanation: The barbers are shown as mentors and positive figures, offering advice and praise, contributing to the young boy's personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of positive role models in their lives, who can offer guidance and influence their development in beneficial ways.
Example Lesson: Joy in Everyday Experiences
Explanation: The book highlights the joy found in routine activities, like getting a haircut, turning them into memorable and meaningful experiences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to find and appreciate joy in everyday moments, enhancing their overall happiness and gratitude for life's simple pleasures.