Hair Love – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hair Love

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019

93%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Dad tackles his daughter's natural hair for the first time—a tender celebration of Black beauty, family love, and learning curves.

Hair Love

book

2019

93%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Dad tackles his daughter's natural hair for the first time—a tender celebration of Black beauty, family love, and learning curves.

4.9

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—a picture book that nails representation, warmth, and genuine storytelling without being preachy or heavy-handed. Matthew A. Cherry (yes, the former NFL player turned Oscar winner) and Vashti Harrison created something that feels both specific to Black family experiences and universally relatable about parent-kid bonds.

Zuri's confidence is the heart of it: she knows her hair is beautiful, full stop. Dad's learning curve is funny and sweet, not bumbling-idiot territory. The 4.9 Amazon rating and widespread acclaim aren't flukes—this book delivers.

It's a must-have for diverse home libraries and a genuinely enjoyable read-aloud that won't make you groan by the tenth reading. If you're looking for books that build self-esteem, show positive Black representation, or just want a lovely father-daughter story, grab this one.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 3-8 as a read-aloud or early reader. The story is simple enough for toddlers to enjoy, but the themes of self-love and representation resonate through early elementary. Older kids might enjoy it as a cultural touchstone but won't return to it independently.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Beautiful portrayal of father-daughter bond with patience, love, and perseverance. Shows Zuri's awareness of her father's efforts and models positive Black family representation. Emotionally healthy with gentle humor around dad's learning curve with natural hair care.

Imaginative

Vashti Harrison's illustrations are vibrant and expressive, bringing Zuri's hair to life with personality. The concept of hair 'having a mind of its own' adds whimsy, though the narrative itself is straightforward rather than fantastical. Inspires conversations about self-expression and identity.

Safe

Completely age-appropriate picture book with zero concerning content. Common Sense Media parent reviews confirm positive messages about patience and hard work. No surprises, no mature themes—just a sweet story about doing hair.

Enriching

Powerful representation of Black natural hair as beautiful and worthy of celebration. Builds self-esteem and cultural pride while showing dads actively engaged in caregiving. Tackles real-world skills (hair care) with empathy and determination. Academy Award-winning short film tie-in adds cultural significance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Shows Black fathers in loving, hands-on parenting roles—representation that matters and is still too rare in children's books
Celebrates natural hair as beautiful and worthy of care, building self-esteem for Black children (and educating everyone else)
Zuri's confidence in her own beauty is infectious and age-appropriate—she knows her hair is gorgeous even when it's challenging
The humor is real: Dad's struggle is relatable for any parent learning something new, making it fun for family read-alouds
Tied to an Academy Award-winning animated short, so kids can experience the story in multiple formats

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What to Watch For

Literally nothing—this is as wholesome and safe as picture books get
Some families might want to pair it with conversations about hair care techniques or cultural identity, but that's enrichment, not a warning

Conversation Starters

"What's something you think is beautiful about yourself, like Zuri loves her hair?"
"Have you ever seen Dad (or Mom) work really hard to learn something new for you?"
"Why do you think it's important for Zuri's dad to help with her hair, even though it's tricky?"
"What makes Zuri's hair special? What makes your hair (or another part of you) special?"

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