Summary: Rhythmic text describes the feeling of a young African American boy as he gets a "fresh cut" and how a trip to the barbershop changes the way he feels about the world and in turn how the world perceives him. He might just "smash that geography exam" or "rearrange the principal's honor roll" and, of course, the cute girl in class won't be able to keep her eyes off of him. The protagonist spends time looking at black men in chairs next to him and creating vivid stories about their lives: "the dude to the left of you with a faux-hawk…looks presidential…maybe he's the CEO of a tech company." While a trip the barbershop is the main story line, the 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.

Author and Illustrator Background:

Derrick Barnes on writing this book: “Crown: An Ode To The Fresh Cut is actually a poem I was inspired to write after seeing an illustration from one of my illustrator buddies (shout out to Don Tate!) of his teen son after a trip to the barber. It took me back to when I was a kid, and how sitting in that barber’s chair and receiving a dope haircut was probably the only place in the Black community where boys are treated like royalty. Still are. It’s a poem about self affirmation and how the world may not see your brilliance, or your beauty, but you do, and everyone around you that loves you can definitely see it, recognize it.” Author Derrick Barnes has written a handful of books ranging from young adult to early chapter books. Crown was his first picture book. Barnes is from Kansas City, MO and has a degree in Marketing. Prior to writing books, Barnes wrote best-selling copy for Hallmark and was the first African American male staff writer for the company. He has a second picture book coming out Summer 2019.

An artist of fine art as well as picture book illustration, Gordon C. James says of his work, “When people see my art I want them to say, I know that person, I know that feeling.” James currently resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife Ingrid, their children Astrid and Gabriel, and their dog Rascal. He specializes in fine painting and oil is his most prominent medium. See videos and interviews below where he discusses his influences as an artist.