NAPPY is the title of this simple book about black hair.  It begins with engaging descriptions of nappiness ranging from "super-eminently nappy" to "break the comb nappy."  At the same time, the accompanying illustrations  share the experience of a little girl having herr hair done.  From there the author makes note of other important people in the past, particularly women, who also have the nappy hair trait.  NAPPY concludes with brief biographies of the women highlighted in the book.

NAPPY is a celebration of black hair in all its glory, but it seemed to be missing that "something" that would make it really great.  The author's poetic style may go over the heads of some of the younger readers, but older ones will find pleasure in its hip cadence and will better grasp the abstract comparisons.   One of the book's strengths is the inclusion of the biographies of many important black female historical figures including: Ida B. Wells, Sonia Sanchez, and Josephine Baker.  The illustrations were by far the book's greatest strength, and really brought life to the story.  I particularly loved the pictures in which a mother was combing her little girl's hair, they reminded me of my childhood and the facial expressions I am sure I made while pleading for mercy.  Young girls in particular, will be able to identify with this book and hopefully be inspired after learning more about other women with "supernapptural hair."

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers