If my Hair had a Voice

An uplifting and empowering anthem celebrating the beauty and rich cultural history of Black hair

"If your hair had a voice, it would sing of diversity and identity. It would tell you stories of our history."

An ode to loving your hair and your culture, If My Hair Had a Voice follows a young Black girl as she grows from being disappointed in her natural hair to developing an amazed appreciation for the long history of Black hair. From blossoming floral motifs in celebration of spring to intricate braided codes for spreading revolutionary messages, she discovers that Black hair goes beyond simple adornment--it tells the story of a rich cultural history filled with diversity, resistance, artistry, and, of course, beauty. Backmatter explores the history of each hairstyle featured in the book.

Dana Marie Miroballi is a biracial teacher turned speech-language pathologist writing books for young readers. She grew up in Germany, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uzbekistan, and now lives in Chicago with her husband and children.

IIllustrating from her home in Trinidad and Tobago, Patricia Grannum's work is fueled by a passion for ensuring that children of color see themselves in the books they read. Her art reflects the cultural vibrancy of her Caribbean upbringing, with a focus on conveying a sense of wonder in the books she illustrates.

"Natural hair is used to mark and explore a connection to community and identity in this affirming, educational picture book about Afro-textured hairstyles and their history." ----Foreword Reviews, starred review

"By placing a young girl's journey to self-love alongside a journey through her ancestral history, the book carries compelling content forward and into the hands of readers." --School Library Journal