Don't Touch My Hair!

Description

It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she's chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens... until, finally, Aria has had enough! This humorous picture book speaks to a national conversation on strangers touching black hair (from Solange's song "Don't Touch My Hair", to Phoebe Robinson's You Can't Touch My Hair), and sparks an important conversation on personal boundaries for children as Aria explains that her hair should not be touched without asking for permission first. Commercial, imaginative, and fun, Don't Touch My Hair! can be used to teach young readers about personal boundaries and asking for permission--and that it's all right to be told "no" as well. Author-illustrator Sharee Miller takes the tradition of appreciation of black hair to a fresh, commercial level, as she doesn't seek to convince or remind young readers that their curls are beautiful--she simply acknowledges black beauty while telling a fun, imaginative story.

Sharee Miller has a BFA in communication design from Pratt Institute. She lives in Brooklyn, where she enjoys spending time with her two cats and illustrating fun stories. Sharee is the author and illustrator of Princess Hair. She invites you to visit her website at shareemiller.com and her Instagram @coilyandcute.

Praise for Don't Touch My Hair: An ALA Children's Notable Book * "[Sharee] Miller tells it like it is. Miller's lighthearted touch effectively delivers a serious, necessary message about respecting boundaries."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review Praise for Princess Hair: * "After decades of white princesses' domination of American fairytales, Miller expands the vision of what princess hair can look like to black girls.... A sweet and joyful affirmation of the truth that 'NAPPY princesses are HAPPY princesses.'"--Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Frank, funny, and revelatory."--Publishers Weekly, starred review "A good exploration of personal boundaries and respect in general."--BCCB "Aria is a character with a healthy self-image who demonstrates courage and grace in communicating with others."--Booklist "Miller offers a joyful celebration of the diversity of Black girlhood and Black girls' hair."--The Bulletin "Sharee Miller's Don't Touch My Hair! is a right-on-time narrative showcasing the power kids--and all people--have to demand their voices be heard."--Shelf Awareness "This is the perfect book for young girls, but especially girls who might not be happy with their hair because it's different from the hair that they see on others."--The Huffington Post "Sharee Miller's winning story ultimately teaches a valuable lesson about personal boundaries. Aria is a young Black girl with bouncy curls. Everywhere she goes, folks want to touch her hair. Her imagination carries her to distant lands, even ones with dragons, so she can avoid the hands that always want to touch her hair without asking. Colorful illustrations add drama to this wonderful story about standing up for yourself when others go too far."--Reader's Digest