Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of (read: any) books that featured little girls that looked like me. As a child, I wanted to fit in, but no one, not even my black friends, had nappy hair like mine. Even now, I am asked why I don’t chemically straighten, hot comb, dye (et al) my hair because it would look so much better that way. Self-esteem and self-love are such important gifts we must give our children, and literature can help us enforce these values. Here are 3 powerful tools parents can use to remind their kids (and themselves) to be proud of their diversity.

xoxo C. Diva

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Big Hair, Don’t Care by Crystal Swain-Bates

Lola has really really REALLY big hair – much bigger than the other kids at her school – but that doesn’t stop her from telling anyone who will listen just how much she LOVES her hair! It´s not always easy being a kid. Designed to boost self-esteem and build confidence, this beautifully illustrated picture book is aimed at boys and girls who may need a reminder from time to time that it’s okay to look different from the other kids at their school. “Big Hair, Don’t Care” is available in English, French, and German (from Amazon).

Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron

A lively, empowering story about Brenda’s knotted-up, twisted, nappy hair and how it got to be that way! Told in the African-American “call and response” tradition, this story leaps off the page, along with vibrant illustrations by Joe Cepeda. Winner of a Parenting Reading Magic Award (from Amazon).

Happy to be Nappy by bell hooks

Celebrating the joy and beauty of nappy hair, this children’s book, written by renowned author bell hooks and illustrated by Raschka, is a powerful, fun and uplifting text praising the merits of individuality.