Newbery Medal (John Newbery Medal)
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut (Denene Millner Books)
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a picture book that celebrates the moment a Black boy leaves the barbershop with renewed confidence and pride. Through rhythmic language and vivid illustration, it shows how a fresh haircut can affirm self-worth, cultural joy, and the way a child moves through the world.
Work Information
A fresh cut places an invisible crown on a boy's head.
Written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James, this picture book follows a boy in the barbershop as a haircut helps him recognize his own beauty and worth. Its language openly celebrates the presence of Black boys, with a read-aloud rhythm matched by richly colored, expressive art.
Review Summaries
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The book is admired for the way its rhythmic language and dynamic art work together to celebrate a boy's confidence. Its strength lies in turning an everyday act of grooming into a story about culture and dignity.
Book Information
- Publisher
- Agate Bolden
- Published
- 2017-10-10
- Pages
- 32 pages
- Language
- 英語
- Size
- 22.86 x 0.64 x 28.58 cm
- ISBN-13
- 9781572842243
- ISBN-10
- 1572842245
- Price
- 3782 JPY
- Category
- 洋書/Children's Books/Geography & Cultures/Multicultural Stories/Black & African American
Winner of the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers A Newbery Honor Book A Caldecott Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book An Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award Book An Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book A Society of Illustrators Gold Medal Book Named one of the best books of 2017 by NPR, the Huffington Post , Publishers Weekly , Kirkus Reviews , the Los Angeles Times , the Boston Globe , the Horn Book Magazine , the News & Observer , BookPage , Chicago Public Library, and more The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices. A fresh cut makes boys fly . This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror. Educational resources for Crown can be found here .
Derrick Barnes, a graduate of Jackson State University, is the author of eight books, including the popular series Ruby and the Booker Boys. He also wrote bestselling copy for Hallmark as the first African American male staff writer for the company. Barnes resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and four sons. Gordon C. James, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, is a nationally recognized, award-winning fine artist specializing in figurative drawing. He is the illustrator of the Scraps of Time children’s book series. He has worked for Hallmark as an illustrator and artist and has taught at the University of North Carolina. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Reviews
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Great. Loved the illustrations. Came in great condition.
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This is a definite must have for any collection. I read this to my 6 and 9 year and they loved it. As for myself I absolutely loooovvveeee this book!! First of all the images are absolutely breathtaking. It is so refreshing to see such a beautiful array of brown and black people captured so eloquently. The mixtures of of red and pink hues in the faces are just perfect. Secondly, the story itself flows so gracefully, almost like poetic form. And lastly, the way story captured that confidence and pride that needs to be instilled in all of our young men was the best part. This story needs to be in all of our homes and schools and not just for people of color. It's a really wonderful book.
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Fresh Cut captures that magical feeling and sense of pride we all have after a trip to the Barber. My entire family loved this book- the writing was fresh poetry, and the illustrations were just amazing. My 2yo daughter would not let me turn the pages; every time we read it together she points to her favorites, finding something new and interesting each time. It held my 8yo boy's attention when I'm sure he'd rather be on his playstation! I even got him to read it to my youngest. Do your family a favor and pick this one up- it's filled with such a positive message of pride and accomplishment, and the artwork is simply beautiful! Derek and Gordon did an amazing job with this!!
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I read this book to a 4th grade class and the young black boys loved it. They listened intently, laughed, cheered... I am a "good reader" (according to the kids), but I also credit the book's content, how relatable it is and the writing is superb. The illustrations are vibrant. I loved it so much, I purchased it for my own 5 year old son. He wasn't as sold as the 4th grade boys, but maybe he just isn't yet aware of the power of a fresh cut. I'll give him time :)
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I am a 32-year-veteran-teacher and let me tell you: this is a fabulous book! I purchased this as a "memorial book" for our school's library, and I instantly fell in love with it after reading it. I shared it with a friend who is a black woman. She loved it even more than I did, and there were tears in her eyes as she read it. She felt it was very authentic and tells of a story that is unique to her culture and the experiences of black children. I highly recommend this book!