Book Cover
Justification
I chose Crown: An ode to the fresh cut to represent my book selection that has received the Newbery Medal. In addition to receiving the Newbery Medal, it also won the Coretta Scott King Honor book for both Author and Illustrator. Additionally, it was a Caldecott Honor Book, an Ezra Jack Keats New Author Award Book, an Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor book, and a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal Book. It’s easy to see what all the fuss is about. This book is practically magic and will leave you wanting to head to the barbershop.
Evaluation
The first thing that strikes you when reading Crown: An ode to the fresh cut is the tone of the story. Every sentence oozes with self-confidence and encourages the reader to participate in that feeling. The writing has a personal nature to it that makes the reader feel immediately drawn in to the experience of visiting the barbershop. The tone is conversational, and it feels like narrator is talking directly to you. “But when my man is done with you, they’ll want to post you up in a museum! That’s my word” (Barnes & James, 2017, p. 2). The writing feels like an invitation, to enter in to an experience that is deeply personal to the narrator. How can you not feel transported to the barbershop?
The next thing that stuck out to me was the theme of the book. The whole book is centered around an idea of self-confidence and recognizing it in others. The similes and metaphors liken us the reader, and the narrator to royalty. “He’ll drape you like royalty with that cape to keep the fine hairs off of your neck and your princely robes. It’s amazing what a tight fade, high/low/bald does for your confidence: Dark Caesar” (Barnes & James, 2017, p. 3). Each character that we encounter in the barbershop is different but is written about in an equally important and valued tone. The narrator pays homage to each of their respective hairstyles given out by the barber and repeats that they each look important. This highlights, without specifically mentioning, that we are all different, but should each be celebrated. The book celebrates the differences in the people we meet at the barbershop. The narrator sees and values each person and recognizes them each for their individuality. I love that this book shows all black characters. It allows black readers to feel great about themselves and who they are. It also shares that same lesson for readers of other races, that we are each different, but important.
Finally, it is impossible to read this book and not make note of the amazing illustrations. The illustrations capture a feeling of movement despite being static images. They feel much more like paintings than drawings. The spreads are full of color and texture and the impact on the story is tangible. It helps to transport the reader to the barbershop along with the narrator. The portraits of each of the characters we meet help to extend the text. We have a visual to accompany the hairstyles that are described by the narrator. We also see a variety of tones within their skin tone. This highlights their diversity and individuality while reinforcing their importance.
Response
(A) I loved going on this journey to the barbershop. There is something that is so magical about getting a great haircut. The feeling that you have when you leave the chair is unmatched. After a great haircut, I feel like I can take on just about anything. I loved the way that the author captured that feeling. This book took something as ordinary as getting your haircut and turned it into a beautiful story of self-esteem and inclusion. (D) It resonated with me that the author and illustrator geared this book toward the black community. The book showcased the diversity within that specific race and celebrated their differences. The book also shows readers that these hairstyles, and in turn, individuals should be seen and recognized for how unique and wonderful they are. Too often there is a need in our society to look the same and to celebrate only one type of beauty. This book celebrates the beauty in each of the characters. We need more books like this one, to remind us of that fact. (F) I thoroughly enjoyed Crown: An ode to the fresh cut. The writing style, use of imagery and figurative language, the gorgeous illustrations, and the overarching theme were really something special. The book brings the reader on this transformative experience and invites them to participate. It is truly no wonder this book has won so many awards. It should be celebrated for its quality and message.
Conclusion
Crown: An ode to the fresh cut takes us, as readers, on a journey of self-love and love and respect of others. This book is a great addition to any collection and would make for an exceptional read aloud. The tone, theme, and illustrations make this book stand out. Students and adults alike will learn how important it is to love and respect those around you and feel that same love for themselves. I would rate this book five out of five stars. I can’t wait to share it!
APA Citation
Barnes, D. D., & James, G.C. (2017). Crown: An ode to the fresh cut. Chicago, IL: Bolden Books.
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