Locs, Not Dreads

Ages 6 to 8

Selah can't wait to show off her newly loc'd hair at school, but when she bounces off the bus, her classmates react with whispers and a word Selah hasn't heard before: dreadlocks. The word dread makes her uneasy: is there something scary about her hair? Selah's family shares stories about standing up to hair discrimination and why they love their locs, helping Selah return to school with confidence, because there's absolutely nothing dreadful about her hair!

Written with several elements of the African American oral tradition -- LOCS, NOT DREADS celebrates the rich history and beauty of naturally loc'd styles. Perfect for readers of CROWN: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and Hair Love.

About the Author

Tonya Abari is a former teacher turned multigenre writer and editor. A National Endowment of the Humanities grant-funded award recipient and Language Matters facilitator, Tonya has given worldwide workshops and lectures on strategies for teaching the writings of Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, Margaret Walker, and other Black authors. An alumna of the historic Baltimore City College High School and the University of Maryland at College Park, Abari now calls Nashville home. In addition to SCBWI, EFA, and #BlackCreatorsinKidlit, she has participated in the 12x12 picture book challenge as well as creative nonfiction intensives with Carnegie Hall's NeOn Arts program and the Hurston Wright Foundation. When Tonya isn't writing or editing, she can be found reading; visiting historic sites; attempting a handstand; or in and around town with her spouse and daughter, both whose names also begin with "T."

Chasity Hampton has been a professional illustrator for more than 10 years. She started her illustration company, Whimsical Designs by CJ, with the hope of creating art for the world that made people feel that inner child that exists in all of us. Chasity lives in Atlanta, GA.