My Powerful Hair
What’s inside...
From the award-winning and bestselling author of We Are Water Protectors, Carole Lindstrom, and debut illustrator Steph Littlebird comes an empowering picture book about a young girl who grows her hair to reconnect with her family history, express herself, and honor her culture and the Earth. This book celebrates the significance of hair across Indigenous cultures, showing how it can be a source of strength, memory, and resilience.
Discussion points
How do you think the character feels about their hair at the beginning of the story versus the end?
What does the character's hair represent to them? How do their feelings about their hair relate to their own identity?
Can you think of a time when something about you made you feel special or powerful?
What changes when the character embraces their powerful hair? How do the reactions of others change?
Why is it important to respect and appreciate what makes each of us unique?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own story or feelings about something that makes you unique, fostering a personal connection.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings openly, affirming their thoughts as they answer each question.
Connect the story to real-life situations by discussing times when they felt different and how they handled it.
Praise their insights and encourage them to think deeper about the themes of identity and self-esteem presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist learns to embrace and cherish her unique hair, showcasing its strength and capability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate their own unique features, fostering self-esteem and confidence in their identity.
Example Lesson: Cultural diversity
Explanation: The story highlights different hairstyles and textures, representing various cultures and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to respect and appreciate diversity among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The main character overcomes challenges and negative perceptions related to her hair, reinforcing her self-worth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through personal challenges and negative opinions, developing resilience and a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through self-expression
Explanation: The book portrays how the character's hair allows her to express her personality and creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their own unique traits and talents as a means of self-expression and empowerment.
Example Lesson: Support and community
Explanation: The protagonist receives support and encouragement from family and friends, which helps her to love her hair and herself.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught the importance of supporting others and how a positive, supportive community can boost an individual’s confidence and self-acceptance.