Fros, Fades, and Braids: A Brief History of Black Hair in America

Gr 5 Up–Coretta Scott King Award–winning illustrator Qualls has crafted a visually stunning book about the histories and cultural meanings of Black hairstyles in the United States. The historical background for each hairstyle adds an important educational layer. However, the information goes beyond history and facts; Qualls also highlights the spirit and energy that propelled hairstyle changes, elevating the book to a higher level. This attention to meaning and motivation helps readers understand how hair has served as a form of identity, resistance, community, and self-expression throughout Black American history. The explanations are clear and age-appropriate, giving readers just enough depth to learn something meaningful without feeling overwhelmed. The book features both well-known celebrities and historical figures, as well as some surprising “hair pioneers” who may be unfamiliar to readers, such as Annie Malone (a mentor to Madame CJ Walker) and Garrett Morgan (who was primarily known as an inventor). An informative and entertaining section showcases the tools and methods used to braid, straighten, and loc hair; here, objects such as the pick and Afro Sheen are given their rightful place in history alongside the hairstyles they helped create. Qualls’s art is undoubtedly the star of the book. Each hairstyle is beautifully and thoughtfully depicted in vibrant images that wouldn’t be out of place in a museum.