My Afro Is a Rising Sun

by Yaram Yahu, Deann Wiley (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art, Cultural, African American

32 pages, Hardcover

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Audrey | WellReadandUndead(ish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing a celebration of Black hair, especially Black boys’ hair as it gets even less representation than Black girls’ hair, which is already a small amount. While not every Black person’s hair can naturally grow an Afro, it is one of the natural forms Black hair can take and there is so much power and identity wrapped in that, especially since there’s been so much discrimination because of it. An Afro is a symbol, it is beautiful, it is a rising sun. Love seeing it celebrated!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book's title and cover give a pretty solid glimpse into what the book is celebrating-- a kid and his crown, his hair, which brings him closer to his ancestors, celebrates his past, present, and future, and makes him feel whole.

I'm indifferent to the illustrations and words. It does it's job but didn't move me in any particular way as others in this category have.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

I wanted to like this more than I did. I think it's an important book to have. I'm glad that it can serve as a mirror for Black children and that it celebrates Black hair. I just feel like the illustrations didn't engage me. It's mostly the faces- I didn't care for the style.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ode to Black hair celebrates a boy’s afro as a metaphor for ancestral connection, racial identity, social bonding, community involvement, and self-expression. Simple illustrations lack the luster of the story’s lofty tone.

[Jami Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful book! ❤️

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young child speaks to their Afro hairstyle as being like the sun rising over the city.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buoyant illustrations and affirming text. This is a joyful book that will be important for so many readers. This isn’t a favorite for me, but I like it.

[Drusilla Pair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent comparisons of the afro and the rising sun.

[Dr. Julie Wasmund Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical and beautiful positivity toward hair, culture, and thriving.

[AWLinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book about hair positivity for a 3-4 year old . Read aloud.