J.D. and the Hair Show Showdown

J.D. series #3

by J. Dillard, Akeem S. Roberts (Illustrations)

Eight-year-old kid barber J.D. takes his talent to an Atlanta hair show in this illustrated chapter-book series.

At only eight years old, J.D. the Kid Barber has already won a barber battle and appeared on local TV. Now he's the youngest barber to be invited to the Beauty Brothers Hair Expo in Atlanta! J.D. gets the VIP treatment--he takes his first flight, rides in a limo for the first time, and gets gifts from the show's sponsors. At the show, there are hair classes to take, product samples to try, and some of J.D.'s favorite hair influencers to meet. And, of course, there's his own demo alongside kid hairstylist, Isabel Is Incredible. But what J.D. is most excited about is snapping a pic with eleven-year-old rap sensation Li'l Eazy Breezy, which is harder than it sounds! The world of hair and beauty is so much bigger than J.D. could've imagined, and he's ready to step up his game.

Check out the other chapter books in the J.D. the Kid Barber series:
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
J.D. and the Family Business

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Octavia]

"I might be the best barber in Meridian, or maybe even Mississippi, but I saw now that the barber world was bigger than anything I could have imagined." -J.D.

Everything about this series is Loveable. This third installment, the Mom - Dru Hill w/ Sisqó. Lol
And, Uncle Hot Sauce. Lol. Yet, I loooved the way this Author once again Educates through this book regarding working toward Goals. And, the serious hair issue that he does bring Awareness within this storyline for young Readers. ✂️

[Jennybeast]

This was pretty cool -- more of a wish fulfillment than a showdown, when JD is invited to be a VIP guest at a hair convention. I love the wholesome way his family interacts and supports him. I love the heart and genuine passion that JD brings to barbering, and it was fun to imagine what this kind of experience would be like -- JD's enthusiasm is infectious! The book is also great at portraying what our current time looks like; where talent expressed via social media can have a big impact. I think it's really smart to cover that theme, even in books for younger readers, because it empowers kids to change the world.

Advanced Reader's Copy Provided by Edelweiss.

[Crystal]

This is the third book in this children's series following JD the Kid Barber. The first book was part of the 2023-2024 school year MYRA books. My third graders can read any of the books to receive a charm from our library. A few of my students have read the first one and enjoyed it. One enjoyed it so much that she asked for the next two books. I appreciate the kid friendly story. While there isn't a real problem, it is an enjoyable read that also touches on hard work, learning new skills, importance of family, and being kind. This is a great series to add to a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade classroom library.

[Pam]

J.D. is back in this third book. This time he and his mom are in Atlanta for a huge hair show. He is one of two young stylists chosen to do a live hairstyle creating demonstration. Dillard brings plenty of energy and excitement to this volume as readers see the constant rush and activity surrounding this business. He weaves enough humor with information and captures the range of emotions these characters feel as they experience this environment for the first time.
Middle grade readers will appreciate J.D.'s wonder and joy as he navigates the event.

[AMY]

128 pgs. After winning a national contest, J.D. and his mom travel to Atlanta to an enormous Hair Expo show. He flies on a plane for the first time in his life and meets interesting people along the way. He has been chosen for his special hair-cutting talents but doesn't have a clue what adventures lie ahead. This is a great realistic fiction book. Kids who have been reading this series will especially enjoy this episode and appreciate how far J.D. has come. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.

[Mary Louise Sanchez]

While it's not plausible that an eight-year-old would be participating in a hair show, the book is entertaining and has elements that would spark the interest of middle grade readers who are interested in social media, rap stars, and hair styling.

This book is a good introduction to what happens at conferences and how to make the most of them, but most people aren't going to be taken to them in a limo.

[Peejay(Pamela)]

Quite an entertaining story about an 8 year-old barber and a barbering competition. Age appropriate for 7-9 year olds. Only negative: I question whether the 8 year old main character would really speak the way JD does …

[adele]

As someone from ATL, this is adorbs. Made me homesick.

[Steph]

Loved the third book in this series! Keep the hair stylin’ fun coming!

[T-Rex Slash]

The best book ever I loved this book make more jd books I love the book 109000/10

[Laura]

There’s no real…conflict in this book which makes it fall flat. The protagonist doesn’t need to overcome anything. But the cast of characters was okay.

[Lisa]

Eight-year-old J.D. the Kid Barber is off to Atlanta with his mom for the Beauty Brothers Hair Expo. As in the previous books in the series, J.D. shows what's possible when following one's passion.