Additional information
by Carlee Reid (Illustrator), Nadene McKenzie-Reid (Author)
Hair days were the worst days for my 7 year old daughter Carlee. She wished her hair was different. This is her true story told through her illustrations and how we worked through her feelings together.
Author Biography
At first glance, this book will easily resonate with anyone dealing with washing a black girl's hair. But my goal is for it to reach beyond that. To share a perspective that I feel very few people are aware of. I am not a professional writer. I am working mom, born in Jamaica and raising two girls and a boy with my husband in America. What is the relevance you might wonder? Well unbeknownst to us, our upbringing in Jamaica didn't prepare us completely for raising our kids in America. We both migrated post-adolescence to the U.S. with a rich culture, identity and sense of self. I was naïve enough to think that these were inborn or at the very least transferable traits. Traits that I would pass on to my kids effortlessly. Imagine my surprise when each of my kids at various stages, approached me about being "different", wanting to change physical attributes and not feeling as though they were on a level playing field. My theory had been ripped to shreds. I started to look around for books catering to children having these issues but never found any that addressed the matter the way I wanted it to. So I decided to write books that addressed these issues that my kids had raised to me. I decided to start with the hair. Then I procrastinated. I tucked my story in a drawer and left it there for a while. When the Gabby Douglas Olympic Hair criticism made headline news, I knew it was time to revisit the drawer. I decided I was going to proactively pursue getting this book published. I feel compelled now more than ever to share my stories so little children of color can get a head start on confidence, so they can reach their true potential. ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR My name is Carlee and I am 12 years old at the time this book is being published. I enjoy drawing, reading, playing the violin and last but not least, gymnastics. I had just turned 11 years old when I illustrated this book my mom wrote that is based on my experiences and feelings. I trust you will find her words as comforting and reassuring as I did. I hope you enjoy our labor of self love.
