AWARD-WINNING, BESTSELLING AUTHOR: Lindstrom is the author of We Are Water Protectors, which was a Caldecott Medal winner, a New York Times bestseller, a Jane Addams Peace Prize winner, a Charlotte Huck Honoree, and a Kirkus Prize finalist, among numerous other accolades.
BIG OPPORTUNITY: We won this gorgeous and important book in a heated 10-bidder auction.
PERSONAL STORY: As discussed in her author’s note, this book is influenced by Lindstrom’s grandmother, who was forced to keep her hair short at a residential Indian boarding school. After uncovering this generational trauma, Lindstrom was inspired to grow her hair for the strength, power, and resilience that it holds.
INDIGENOUS PRIDE: This story from Lindstrom (Ojibwe and Anishinaabe/Métis) and Littlebird (a member of Oregon’s Grand Ronde Confederated Tribe) highlights the historical oppression of many Indigenous peoples by the United States government, while celebrating Indigenous joy today.
EMPOWERING: A universal story of dignity, self-acceptance, and family in the spirit of Hair Love and Eyes that Kiss at the Corners.
ARTIST TO WATCH: Littlebird is a rising star whose powerful, bright, and bold artwork has an innate kid appeal and a distinctive look. This is her debut picture book.
From the award-winning and bestselling author of We Are Water Protectors comes an empowering picture book about family history, self-expression, and reclaiming your identity
Our ancestors say our hair is our memories,
our source of strength and power,
a celebration of our lives.
Mom never had long hair—she was told it was too wild. Grandma couldn’t have long hair—hers was taken from her. But one young girl can’t wait to grow her hair long: for herself, for her family, for her connection to her culture and the Earth, and to honor the strength and resilience of those who came before her.
From Carole Lindstrom, author of the New York Times bestseller and Caldecott Medal winner We Are Water Protectors, and debut illustrator Steph Littlebird comes an empowering and healing celebration of hair and its significance across Indigenous cultures.
