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Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

  • Writer: kmayusd
    kmayusd
  • Aug 2, 2019
  • 2 min read

illustrations by Gordon C. James


Coretta Scott King


Evaluation of Book


Addressing boys of the color, the author pays tribute to the barbershop culture. He shares different hairstyles and introduces the reader to the “fresh cut” and the role it plays in the life of a black boy. According to the author, it can change your outlook and make all kinds of things possible.


http://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/files/2018/02/Crown1.jpg

Hyperbole is used by Barnes in the story in an effort to boost self-confidence. These exaggerations are meant to boost the confidence of the young readers. Through the words and illustrations the young boy envisions all the things that are possible for him to accomplish with his fresh new cut. He might “…smash the geography exam and rearrange the principal’s honor roll.”


The thickly painted illustrations provided by James complement the text. The reader gets the feel that they are the lump of clay, blank canvas that will be transformed at the hands of the barber. With bright colors the visible brush strokes the reader will enjoy studying the illustrations.


A note from the author at the back of the book provides the reader with the personal significance of this story to the writer. He shares his excitement and adventure to getting a new hair cut every Thursday. He has fond memories and wants to share this feeling with the reader.


Response


This book was on our Bluebonnet List last year and I don’t feel it got the attention of students like it should have so I chose it for this book review. I love a new haircut but on a female it often goes unnoticed unless it is rather drastic. However, it’s always easy to spot on boy. There’s something so attractive about that fresh, clean cut look. Stereotypically we think that most boys don’t care about how they look but that’s wrong. I love to see boys who come into class proud of their new look.


Conclusion


A delightful look at how a new haircut can change how you view life. In 2018 this book won the Coretta Scott King, the Caldecott and the Newbery Awards. I recommend sharing it with all readers.


Citation


Barnes, D. D., & James, G. C. (2017). Crown: An ode to the fresh cut. Chicago: Bolden.

 
 
 

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