Wanda the Brave

“[T]his book offers an international perspective on acceptance and celebration of different kinds of beauty that could complement similar titles in all collections … It’s hard for eight-year-old Wanda to remember that Mama calls her hair a crown when Sizwe and Thula tease her on the bus and even her teacher demands that she change her ‘cloud’ to a style that’s ‘neat and clean.’ After another stressful day at school, she arrives home tearful and dejected. Fortunately, her grandmother is there with encouragement and practical help. First, she shows Wanda pictures of glamorous Black women with a…

“An affirmation of Afro hair that speaks to Black girls all over the African diaspora … With a bright color palette of yellow, pink, blue, aqua, and green, this story highlights Wanda’s positive female relationships and role models and helps her understand who she is in a broader cultural context. This story also addresses systemic racism rooted in the apartheid system that lingers today in South African schools. A fine addition to the expanding body of picture books about Afro hair.”

“Uplifting … Chantelle and Burgen Thorne’s striking illustrations capture intimate scenarios in bright colors. A worthy … celebration of Afro-textured crowns that simultaneously exposes how Black children are sometimes penalized for their textured hair. Ages 4–8.”

“Set in South Africa, this affecting story carries themes of bullying, self-confidence, and familial love that extend beyond geographic borders. Detailed illustrations capture the different textures of characters’ hair and Wanda’s fiercely felt emotions, while the tropical palette of seafoam, mango, and hot pink keeps the tone lifted as Wanda learns to proudly wear her crown.”

“Sometimes kids must speak out until adults listen … Whether a mirror or window for readers, this culturally rich story exemplifies the importance of self-advocacy … This brightly colored picture book, dominated by pinks and purples, showcases the beauty of brown skin and natural Black hair, as well as the versatility of hair, and spotlights beauty practices common throughout the African diaspora.”

"Nontshokweni turns the familiar story of a Black girl learning to love her hair on its head by featuring a young queen with a healthy pride in her locks."