Brave

81MHewi19BL
Publisher
Age Range
6+
Release Date
April 15, 2025
ISBN
978-0593531600
Buy This Book
     
An affirming, heartfelt picture book about a Native American boy proudly growing out his hair and basking in the knowledge that braids are beautiful.

Each morning, Dad brushes the knots from his son’s long hair to braid it. The boy winces at the tugging, and at school he's teased for his braid. But he remembers the stories of how his father and grandpa were forced to cut their hair and forbidden from practicing their traditions when they were young, and how they fought to make it possible for him to wear his hair long. Although it can hurt, having long hair ultimately makes him feel brave and strong.

This powerful picture book by author-illustrator Weshoyot Alvitre examines the traumatic history of colonization and reclaims Native pride in long hair, delivering a tender father-son story that's perfect for fans of Hair Love and Love in the Library.

Editor review

1 review
Embrace Hair Culture
(Updated: June 29, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Brave honors the indigenous people who are finally in a time when they can start to reclaim their heritage. When white culture tried to suppress indigenous people, one of the first things they did was to cut off their long hair. This boy faces challenges at school when bullies who don’t understand his culture make fun of him for having long hair and a braid. The illustrations have the boy's ancestors behind him to remind him that he is brave by participating in his culture. The illustrations capture the heart and free spirit of the child and how his decisions are his own and his way to embrace who he is. The earthy color palette works well with this story. This book is an important step in educating people outside of the culture, and to give a voice and representation for those in the culture.
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