Haircut Day with Dad by Monica Mikai and For a Girl Becoming by Joy Harjo

Ferguson Library is continuously adding new books to its children's collection. Two beautiful new ones tap into the love and nurturing that exist within circumscribed communities.
In Haircut Day with Dad by Monica Mikai, a child is taught what to expect at the barbershop on Saturday morning trips there with his dad.

In a Black barbershop, there is much more than hair cutting and shaving going on. As "the broom sweeps up endless conversations," a haircut experience feeds the soul and refreshes the spirit in so many ways that "Dad and I leave feeling like two new guys. I feel like I could win any race, and I feel a little taller."

A little of that feeling rubbed off on me in reading this charming book. It captures the remarkable richness of a seemingly routine experience. This is a book for a dad and small son or daughter to share even if the barbershop is chiefly the territory of the male gender. The illustrations are infectious, with particular attention to hair and to the variety of expressions captured on faces of all ages in the shop. It's a lesson for anyone on how to nurture a child's well being.



Another beautiful book - For a Girl Becoming - is by former United States Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. This one is about the joy the birth of a child brings to a Native American family and community, and the guidance children are given, based on spiritual principles of reciprocity and kinship with everything in the universe. A small example of the content:

"As you travel...remember this. Give a drink of water to all who ask, whether they be plant, creature, human or spirit; may you always have clean, fresh water.

"Give kind words and assistance to all you meet along the way. We are all related in this place. May you be surrounded with the helpfulness of family and good friends."

The entire book is written in this manner while the captivating illustrations enrich the written content on every page.

These two books are all about teaching the ways of the world in ways that simultaneously nurture children and prepare them for living in it.


-Marianne W.

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

 

The book continues where the second left off, following Bree as she continues with the shadow king in her pursuit of power. This book, however, takes an interesting turn with the style of writing. Deonn moves from the consistent first-person perspective of the first two books, to a more fractured, multiple perspective take. We see the perspectives of William, Bree, Nick, and Mariah to name a few. Eventually, all the experiences meet up and converge back with Bree. 

The spin of this book is part of Bree's deal with the demon king for power has sacrificed her ability to remember the identities of those she loves most. This sets the premise for the whole books. It is a journey of what it means to love someone, to feel such emotion for people you can't even remember, and to actively so do, even when its hard. 

I found the book does a really good job of providing action, romance, and even a bit of mystery. It's awesome seeing all the people eventually come together to support Bree. It really goes to show the power of community and it makes me wonder in what ways I can better practice the art of loving.

The book set itself up for another follow-up! If you haven't already, please give this series a read and share your thoughts!

- Leo H.

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

    Bloodmarked is a thrilling sequel to Legendborn, following Bree as she continues in her quest. Now recognized as the Scion of Arthur, the Order sees her in a completely different light, needing to protect her and keep her real identity a secret. In addition, she is also the descendant of a powerful root crafter who she can channel through her own abilities, and if anyone else within the Order finds out what she can do, her life will be even more at stake. Untrained and unable to control her powers, she finds herself caught in a web of lies danger, and unrest. All of this while still trying to find out what happened to Nick...

I found this book to be consistent in its tone and prose, and continuing to follow the first person narrative (there's even a surprise near end for how this shift). It was an enjoyable read, and as you keep reading, the tension just keeps sucking you in especially as you continue to see Bree learn, struggle, and grow. I alternated between listening and reading, and both were amazing, so I definitely recommend the audiobook as well.

One key theme I took away from this book was "Autonomy". Bree is surrounded by people telling her what to do, where to go, how to feel, and how to live. What does it feel like to not have any control of your fate? To be surrounded by people constantly making decisions for you; To be given gifts that people tell you over and over are a blessing or a curse, while in the same breath, telling you how you should use them. What does it mean to stand in your truth and live life how you see fit? This is Bree's struggle. 

And by the end of the book, you'll see that life truly warps around us when we finally claim what is rightfully ours. 

- Leo H.