My Fade is Fresh

Shauntay Grant delivers a lyrical bop in My Fade is Fresh illustrated by Kitt Thomas.

A girl walks into a barbershop wanting a new look. While all of the other customers and the barber have all kinds of suggestions for possible styles, the little girl will not let her voice be silenced. She knows exactly what she wants and is sure the barber executes her vision.

Shauntay Grant delivers this story in a lyrical voice that has a rhythm and a beat. Readers can feel the boisterousness of the barbershop and the community that is built in that place. I love that the little girl in the story stands her ground. With so many voices being thrown her way and so many different ideas, her confidence shines through and she will not compromise when it comes to her look.

Hair is important to the Black community and this is a book that celebrates all the different styles and looks that come out of the barbershop. Readers get a real sense and an understanding of the history of Black hair and it’s importance to a whole community.

Kitt Thomas’ illustrations are incredible. There is so much movement and joy reflected through the bustling illustrations. They are bold and are perfectly suited for sharing the story with a large group of readers. She highlights all of the different hairstyles and captures the feel of the barbershop perfectly.