This Hair Belongs - by Janay Brown-Wood Hardcover

Book Synopsis

From the intricate coils of kings and queens to the cornrowed maps to freedom of African Americans, This Hair Belongs is a heartfelt poetic tribute to Black hair throughout history. Told through powerful verse, stunning illustrations, and fascinating back matter, this Black history picture book pays tribute to the African origins of Black hairstyles and will remind young Black readers that their hair is magical and beautiful and belongs.

JaNay Brown-Wood and Erin K. Robinson deftly weave African and American history into this powerful children's picture book about Black hair, making it an essential nonfiction title honoring Black cultural heritage.

Review Quotes

★ "An ode to natural Black hair and those who have the honor of wearing it. 'This hair' does, and has done, many things, according to Wood's poetic text... Neither Brown-Wood's text nor Robinson's art tells a single story here: Both are busy immersing readers in a rich tapestry of Black history and culture through rhythmic spoken word and layered, detailed art showcasing lush colors, gorgeous patterns, and an incredible variety of hairstyles. The verse goes straight to the heart, where it takes up residence, while the illustrations offer a loving display of the inheritance of Black hair. At crucial moments, the text highlights 'you, ' the child reader, enveloping young people in a sense of belonging and pride, inspiring them to understand their relationship with their hair in new and exciting ways... Myriad books have explored Black hair; this one is among the very best. This testament to Black beauty is destined to be a classic and a favorite; everyone needs this book."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"With lyrical, simile-studded prose and crisp, radiant illustrations, Brown-Wood and Robinson craft a powerful portrait of Black hair as artistry, inheritance, and pride... Textural jewel-toned visuals portray Black hair as both crown and connection across time: 'This hair belongs in the past, the now, the future, in the real and the imagined, in the myth and in the legend.'"--Publishers Weekly

"Geometric patterns in bold yellows and pinks evoke the style and texture of Kente cloth, and the various hairstyles are detailed with care and bold precision. While the story touches on difficult topics at times, including enslaved Black people working on plantations, it does so tenderly, focusing mainly on taking pride in Black hair, history, and culture. Hand this to readers who need a little extra encouragement to love the hair they have." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This picture book tells a powerful tale of Black hair through history, making little ones proud of the color, textures, and styles of their own hair today."--We are Teachers, "Best New Books in January 2026 for Kids and Teens"

About the Author

Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator in the category "Outstanding New Approaches: Documentary--Obama's Legacy" for her illustrations in the Washington Post. Trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art, Erin's illustrations have been featured in The New York Times and The Washington Post, among others, and her picture books include A Library by Nikki Giovanni. In 2025, she is the living stamp artist chosen to create arts programs for Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. Erin lives part of the year in Kenya and part of the year in the United States.