Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, illustrated by Gordon C. James, written by Derrick Barnes

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8. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut,

 illustrated by Gordon C. James, 

written by Derrick Barnes 

About the Author:

"Derrick Barnes is a native of Kansas City, MO. He is a graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Marketing. He is also known for writing best selling creative copy for various lines as the first African American male staff writer for Hallmark Cards.

He is the author of the ultra-popular series entitled RUBY AND THE BOOKER BOYS, published by Scholastic. The highly acclaimed novel WE COULD BE BROTHERS (Just Us Books) was his first middle-grade release. He has two forthcoming picture books--CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT published by Denene Millner Books/Agate Bolden. For his work in CROWN, Derrick received the 2018 EZRA JACK KEATS award/New Writer, a 2018 John Newbery Honor, a 2018 Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor, and the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. THE KING OF KINDERGARTEN (July 2019), published by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin, debuted on the NY Times Bestsellers list. The first book in a three-book sports series entitled WHO GOT GAME?- BASEBALL, published by Workman Publishing, will be released on March 17, 2020. He resides in Charlotte, NC with his enchanting wife, Tinka and their sons, Ezra, Solomon, Silas, and Nnamdi." 

-As found on Amazon.com

For more information: http://www.derrickdbarnes.com

Book Summary:

"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 an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins."- Amazon.com

"Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" 

written by Derrick Barnes and 

illustrated by Gordon C. James

Reviews:

“A powerfully moving tribute to barbershop culture . . . . Pride, confidence, and joy radiate from the pages, both in the black and brown faces of men, women, boys, and girls featured in Barnes’s majestic paintings, and in writing that celebrates human worth with every syllable.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Themes of confidence-building, self-esteem, and joy of young black boys are the important takeaways, and the illustrations jump off the page and invite readers to share in the experience. A super fun read-aloud, this title is a recommended purchase for all picture book collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Alternately precise, metaphorical, and culturally specific, Barnes’s descriptions make each page a serendipity. . . . A not-to-be-missed portrayal of the beauty of black boyhood.” —Horn Book Magazine, starred review

Sources: 

https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Fresh-Denene-Millner-Books/dp/1572842245/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Crown%3A+An+Ode+to+the+Fresh+Cut&qid=1605406715&sr=8-1