Derrick Barnes, a graduate of Jackson State University, is
the author of eight books, including the popular series Ruby and
the Booker Boys. He also wrote best-selling copy for Hallmark as
the first African American male staff writer for the company.
Barnes resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and four
sons.
Gordon C. James, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, is
a nationally recognized, award-winning fine artist specializing in
figurative drawing. He is the illustrator of the Scraps of Time
children’s book series. He has worked for Hallmark as an
illustrator and artist and has taught at the University of North
Carolina. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Praise for Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut:
“The swagger is on a million. The sauce is drippin’. . . . This
book oozes with black cool and timely, much-needed black joy, using
the unique and expansive experience of the barbershop to remind
young boys that their inner lives have always mattered there. One
of the best reads for young black boys in years, it should be in
every library, media center, and, yes, barbershop.” —Kirkus
Reviews, starred review
“With language so hot you expect the words to ignite the page,
Derrick Barnes endows the boy at this book’s center with flash,
strut, pizzazz and the pure unregulated pride of knowing you look
like a million bucks. Accompanied by layered paintings that bounce
back the beat of the words like the sweetest of jazz riffs, here’s
an ode to looking good and feeling great.” —Betsy Bird, NPR Book
Concierge: Best Books of 2017
“Crown captures that extra bounce in your step as confidence
crackles from the top of your freshly-shorn head down through your
feet. With a flawless delivery, Barnes and James’ book is a
celebration of self-esteem and a thoughtful nod to the importance
of stepping into the world with a touch of swagger.” —The
Huffington Post: Best Picture Books of 2017
“It’s not just a pleasure to read, it also does something
important, and that is to show up and show out for black kids,
black culture and black language. It’s about that time honored
tradition for black folks of sitting in the chair at the
barbershop, and the power of being seen as a black boy beyond
stereotype out here in America. . . . Hook yourself up with this
sweet and mighty book, both for you and your kids.” —Rebecca
Carroll, Los Angeles Times Top Books of 2017
“Barnes’ language affirms the sacredness of the fresh-cut
experience, which allows young black men to feel like kings.” —The
Root
“A powerfully moving tribute to barbershop culture . . . . Pride,
confidence, and joy radiate from the pages, both in the black and
brown faces of men, women, boys, and girls featured in Barnes’s
majestic paintings, and in writing that celebrates human worth with
every syllable.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Themes of confidence-building, self-esteem, and joy of young black
boys are the important takeaways, and the illustrations jump off
the page and invite readers to share in the experience. A super fun
read-aloud, this title is a recommended purchase for all picture
book collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Alternately precise, metaphorical, and culturally specific,
Barnes’s descriptions make each page a serendipity. . . . A
not-to-be-missed portrayal of the beauty of black boyhood.” —Horn
Book Magazine, starred review
“The interchange between the art and the words lights the very
pages on fire. . . A long overdue title we couldn't have waited
another minute for.” —School Library Journal's A Fuse #8 Production
Blog
“Barnes mixes fresh and sharp lines with an integral part of the
African American experience: maintaining one’s hair. Illustrator
James deftly uses bright colors . . . and a colorful galaxy
complements Barnes’ words well. The strong voice will resonate with
readers, soothe any young child scared of their first cut, and give
a boost of confidence to the seasoned pros.” —Booklist
“In this homage to Black barbershops, the author perfectly captures
the meaning of this rite of passage for Black boys. And
breathtaking visuals by the infinitely creative Gordon C. James
match the energetic text. If the first three tomes are any
indication, Denene Millner Books will continue to highlight the
best talent and reads for an audience who truly deserves both.”
—Essence
“Magnificent. . . . Let this young man’s strut, pizzazz, and pride
show you what happens when you get a truly great haircut.”
—Evanston Public Library
“A top-notch paean to pride, community, and joy.” —Denver Public
Library Best & Brightest Books of 2017
“I read this book three times, in quick succession, just so I could
appreciate its pictures again and again.”—Houston Style
Magazine
“Crown is a book you should be looking for.” —The Washington
Informer
“To say that Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James knocked their first
picture book out of the ballpark would be an understatement about a
book with very little that is understated about it.”
—KirkusReviews.com
“Rhythmic, vibrant words plus bold, oil painting illustrations give
this barbershop experience a swagger of its own.” —Imagination
Soup
“The perfect gift for all the fly young black boys in your life.”
—Blavity.com
“A burst of energy that makes you so happy it exists.” —Mr. Brian’s
Picture Book Picks
“A brilliant blend of text and illustration.” —Unpacking Picture
Book Power
“A beautifully written and illustrated tribute to little black and
brown boys.” —Growing Book by Book
“A book that begs to be read aloud. It begs to be shared and shared
and shared.” —Abby the Librarian
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