Lewis, Cicely. Imani and the Great Hair Experiment. Anastasia Magloire William, Illus.
Hair Magic. Lerner, 01/2024. 40pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 978-1-7284-8687-1. Paper $9.99.
979-8765624234. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.
Imani has a special ability: her hair changes into new styles after a quick chant and twirl. Her hair helps provide self-confidence, which she uses in various ways. Depending on the title, she devises a unique science project, comes up with a way to help a new classmate, or settles her nerves to perform beautifully at her piano recital. These are interesting, quick stories featuring various ethnicities and topics not often seen in short, transitional, early chapter books. Imani is Black, and her classmates and friends are of various ethnicities. Each short title introduces her and her hair power, and the idea that everyone has a special power just by saying “I am beautiful because I am me.” Each title also includes a historical note about a topic in the book, as well as a few questions to think about.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library