Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Happy to Be Nappy by Bell Hooks

Happy to Be Nappy is a beautiful rhythmic story that inspires young African American girls to be proud of their "nappy hair". Although I would have to completely disagree, some feel that the title adds to the negative stereotype of African Americans and that "nappy" is an offensive word. I feel that it does the opposite and shows the beauty and how different their hair is. I absolutely loved the illustrations in this story, I think it truly captures the words that Bell Hooks is trying to portray with the use of watercolors. Every picture was so beautiful and bright with colors. This book showed the positive portal of African American women and girls in showing their beauty and warmth in the pictures. I think this book takes the offensive meaning of nappy away with his wonderful read aloud that will capture all young readers attention with the calming and captivating pictures. It is a great way to show a different type of character and a different role of African Americans in the classroom.

1 comment:

  1. I really enjoyed your post. Your excitement for this book makes me want to pick it up and read it myself. I completely agree with you and how you describe the term nappy. I think that words are out there and that often they are controversial, but as a society we will never be able to sensor everything. We can only sensor the words that are crude language to everyone. I think that if this book empowers women with "nappy" hair that is great!

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