Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit

by Esau McCaulley, Latonya Jackson (Illustrator)

When Josey wonders why people are so different, Dad helps her understand that our differences aren't a mistake. In fact, we have many differences because God is creative! Children and the adults who read with them are invited to join Josey as she learns of God's wonderfully diverse design. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content. Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, Faith, African American, Theology, Christian Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2022

About the author

Esau McCaulley, PhD is an associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He is the author of many works including Sharing in the Son’s Inheritance and the Children’s Book Josie Johnson Hair and the Holy Spirit. His book Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope won numerous awards, including Christianity Today’s book of the year. His latest project is a memoir entitled: How far to the Promise Land: One Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South. He is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times. His writings have also appeared in places such as The Atlantic, Washington Post, and Christianity Today. He is married to Mandy, a pediatrician and navy reservist. Together, they have four wonderful children

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that meet a need and where circumstances demand the story is told.

This is a book by a Father to his children to help explain how we are all different but precious in God’s sight. As a Christian he also links the biblical truth and spiritual meaning of Pentecost.

This isn’t only a book for girls with fly away hair. Indeed in my experience children find these lessons already inherent in their play and attitudes. Hopefully if this book is widely received and read then the grown ups reading these words will be challenged to be more inclusive, less judgement and see God’s own image in all his creation.

[Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story with gorgeous artwork. Seriously, I cannot get over the artwork. The different hairstyles and the way they were used to fill the page and tell the story was great. I adore the way the words sometimes follow the shape of the hair, or how the hair acted as a transition into the artwork of Josey's imagination. Love it so much.

I really appreciate the focus on Pentecost. I feel like that is such an important biblical event that doesn't get near enough focus in Christian children's stories and worship times. Great, quick little read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Intervarsity Press for the ARC

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! It combines biblical creation and Pentecost to show that we're all different and beautiful by God's design. The illustrations are as vibrant and beautiful as the story. Highly recommended!

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Jamaal Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book to my beautiful brown-skinned girls. Hair and the Holy Spirit are recurring topics in our home, and this book merged them both wonderfully.

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really impressed with and intrigued by the way that McCaulley wove multiple Bible stories and themes into a day-in-the-life narrative. The author overlaps moments from Josie’s life with Scriptural teachings from her dad.

For example, an appointment at the salon becomes a springboard to discuss God’s creative work in making people and animals unique. Likewise, a shopping excursion opens up a conversation about the Holy Spirit and Pentecost. Moreover, the Pentecost story reinforces the idea of diversity— which is a point I’ve never really considered!

In the author’s note, McCaulley talks about how he wrote the book for his own daughters, and I can really see this shining through in the storyline. Along this line, I really appreciate the familial interaction we see in the story, through the relationship between Josie and her dad. It is so refreshing to see a strong dad who is determined to teach her daughter that she is valuable because God made her.

This is an #OwnVoices story, and it is so fitting for young readers. Like the author mentions in his note, this book is excellent for young black girls, with specific lines about how beautiful Josey is because of her “black hair, black lips and black skin.” Moreover, children of any culture can appreciate and learn from the story’s message. As the world promotes a sinful definition of diversity and acceptance, it is so refreshing to see a book that is biblical. And, quite frankly, it’s refreshing to see a Christian book touching these subjects and from this perspective because the church has a lot of room for growth, in this area (With that said, I have seen some excellent titles from this specific publisher, InterVarsity Press).

Illustrations

LaTonya Jackson has a distinctive, imaginative artistic style that really brings the book to life. I liked the illustrations of Josey’s versatile hair and the pairing of the hair with fish, based on an analogy that Josey’s dad makes.

Jackson does such a great job of conveying emotion, on the page. She beautifully portrays the relationships between Josey and the other characters (i.e., dad, Monique, siblings) and demonstrates attention to detail in her portrayal of facial expressions. Josey has such a beautiful smile!

I also like that some pages of illustrations have a “vignette” feel to them. I’m not sure if that’s the best word to describe them, but what I mean is that a single page might show multiple snapshots from the text, or we might see a scene that doesn’t have a traditional background, but is instead bordered by a trail of flowers or a marine setting. I definitely feel like I’m getting to be “in Josey’s head.”

Recommendation Status

This is a book that is so easy to recommend! In addition to exploring themes of diversity and promoting positive self-image, the book also introduces the historical and biblical events of Pentecost. I could see this book being used in Sunday School to introduce Pentecost, just as easily as it could be read at home to highlight the beauty of being different. It’s a great story for young black girls, but the message is for everyone!

[Conrade Yap · Rating 4 out of 5]

What has a little girl's hair got to do with the Holy Spirit? Readers might find that intriguing but with patience and openness, one would quickly connect the dots and see many themes important for today. Josey Johnson is a little girl who loves her hair. Some days, she would have it braided while other days she would prefer pigtails or curly afros. Some days, it seems like her hair could very much take a life of its own! Like many young Church-going families, Josey goes to Church every Sunday morning with her parents. She would dress well for the occasion, but for that Sunday, it was a special occasion: Pentecost Sunday! Gradually, the author connects the different types of hair, the diversity of people gathered, and the meaning of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit comes. There are several themes that the author put out that readers (and children) could pick up quickly. The key theme would be the celebration of diversity, just like the Holy Spirit who gave different gifts to different people. When the Holy Spirit comes, He unites people from all walks of life, starting with believers.

McCaulley highlights several examples of diversity. From different kinds of hairstyles to different kinds of fish in creation, readers get to see the breadth of diversity in all kinds of shapes, patterns, and colours. The purpose is to teach children from a young age on how to appreciate their friends, classmates, neighbours, and especially people who are different from us. For God has created each of us unique, fearfully, and wonderfully made. If God has loved us for who we are, why shouldn't we do the same for one another?

This is a beautiful book with a simple message: The way we celebrate Pentecost is essentially about celebrating diversity. God made us different not to make enemies of one another. He created each of us special so that He could love each of us for who we are. There is no need for us to compare ourselves just to feel a sense of dignity. It is simply because we are created and loved by God, we are already special in God's eyes. When the Holy Spirit comes to us on Pentecost, it is a reminder that being different is a gift from God. He gave us diverse gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ. He wants us to love one another.

This simple message is needed even as our world becomes more divided. From politics to social identities, ethnicities to diverse backgrounds, every movement for equality sparks a counter-movement against it. In America, there is that age-old racial divide between white and black. That is not the only one. Genderwise, many stand in solidarity with women in the #MeToo movement. Racially, the "Black Lives Matter" movement reminds us of the injustice happening to the Black community all over the world. In Canada, there are the "Idle No More," "Indigenous Lives Matter," or "Truth and Reconciliation" movements. For each of these movements, the moment people begin to ask why, it would have achieved one of the primary aims of the movement: Raise awareness. This book does exactly the same thing. It centers the message of the Pentecost on the need to appreciate the differences and diversities the Holy Spirit has given to the Church, and how Christians ought to lead the way in championing unity in diversity. It is a simple but increasingly necessary message for the world.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a beautifully illustrated Christian book about a young girl who was getting her hair done for the Pentecostal service at her father's church and she has questions about why are people so different. I think the author Esau McCaulley did a great job explaining about why God chooses to make people different. This book is for young black girls so they may read books about them, but I also think this book all young children could read. To learn about others and why we are different, but in a good way.

[Marta Lis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not sure if my file was corrupted or there is really so little pictures in this book?
I do not see how a child could enjoy so much text and so little images but the truth is that the images existing were really pretty.
I do believe there is a place for religion and god(s) and whatever people believe in in literature, especially if one has a strong connection with... well, whatever they believe in and want to introduce them to their child. But I do not think this is a way.

[Corrie Haffly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may have already heard me rave about Esau McCaulley’s Reading While Black, or you’ve seen his opinion pieces at the NYTimes, but apparently thoughtfully theologically-rich children’s books are in his wheelhouse as well. A celebration of Black girls, Black hair, father-daughter relationships, and church life, this book goes the extra step to make some important points about the imago Dei, Pentecost, and the beautiful diversity of God’s creation and his church. My favorite spread was the one that has Josey and her siblings based on Esau’s own four kids!

[Sarah Fowler Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best and most beautiful picture book I've read yet about the value of being made in God's image, made unique and the wonder of our differences. This is an excellent book I'd recommend to any parent or child.

{I was provided a digital copy to review by NetGalley and InterVarsity Press}

[Julie Hederstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and beautifully illustrated.

[Kayla Yirdaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recognize that the author studied theology but this book did a great job of explaining Pentecost at a level kids can understand. It seems like a must-have for my Christian school classroom filled with little girls who mirror Josey.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, vivacious illustrations bring to life this lovely story of a Black girl in need of reassurance that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, even though she feels different. I love the tie-in to Pentecost; it makes for a clear and child-friendly, yet theologically rich reminder that Christ's saving grace was, and is, proclaimed to all nations, tongues, ages, and hairstyles.

This should be in the library of every Christian school. It will certainly be in our home library.

[Ashley Hoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit is delightfully adorable. Esau McCaulley affirms the imago dei and the beauty of the creativity of God in making everyone unique. He gives encouragement to little girls of color that their uniqueness is part of God's glory displayed in artistry. The illustrations are absolutely fantastic. This would make a great book to gift any little girl in your life to show them God's love for his children and celebrate their uniqueness.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been familiar with Dr. Esau McCaulley for a while now, both because of his academic work and his frequent guest appearances on a few podcasts I listen to. I had heard him talk about this book so when I saw an ARC available, I jumped at the chance to read it.

There’s an awful lot to love in this book. It beautifully weaves deep truths into the ordinariness of the daily life of a child. Through simple acts like hair appointments or shopping for new Sunday dresses, McCaulley teaches children to celebrate diversity both as a thing to be cherished in itself and as an act of worship to a creative and loving God.

[Josh Olds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been super hyped for Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit ever since IVP Kids first announced it. I was a huge fan of Esau McCaulley’s Reading While Black, but had no idea how that non-fiction talent would translate into a children’s book. Maybe it was the expectations I’d set for it, maybe I was led to believe I was getting a different book, but I was ultimately left a bit underwhelmed by the story.

The main problem I saw with the book is that the story’s plot and theme never cohere in a strong enough fashion. There are basically two stories: Josey Johnson’s Hair and The Story of Pentecost. In the first part of the book, we’re introduced to Josey Johnson, who is getting ready to have her hair braided for Pentecost. The book focuses on the beauty of Black hair and how—especially for Black women—hair is a huge part of racial identity and culture. The second half of the book consists of Josey’s dad explaining Pentecost to her, culminating in Josey and her beautifully-braided hair attending a multicultural church service to celebrate Pentecost.

It was as if McCaulley was asked to do a story about Black hair but really wanted to talk about Pentecost, or was asked to do a story about Pentecost but wanted to talk about Black hair. The back cover of the book reads “We’re all different because God is creative. Each one of us is God’s unique work of art.” This leads me to think the cohering element of the book was supposed to be the movement from an expression of cultural identity moving into a multicultural celebration of the Holy Spirit’s presence on anyone regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Unfortunately, that connection is never quite completely made.

My other criticism is that McCaulley does a lot of telling, rather than showing. Most of the book is Josey’s dad giving a long didactic explanation of what Pentecost celebrates. The depth of explanation and the vocabulary used limits engagement with younger readers (or, at least, my younger readers). My daughter was very much interested in Josey getting her hair done just like she does. Not so much interested in the explanation of Pentecost. Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit is too much of a teaching tool and not enough creative expression. It sounds like a lecture rather than art.

Looking at other reviews of this book, it’s clear that most people don’t seem to share my concerns and that the positive message the book sends overshadows any flaws it might have. It’s a decent teaching tool that lacks a strong cohesive narrative. The illustrations are incredibly and eye-catching. The variety of Black hairstyles pictured capture a diversity within hair, symbolizing the diversity within humanity. As art, it is an engaging work. As story, it falls somewhat short.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Pentecost Sunday means a trip with dad to Monique’s salon to get Josey’s hair braided, a new red dress, and questions about why her hair is so different from other children’s.

Josey Johnson is a beautiful black girl whose “hair has a mind of its own,” different from the straight hair other girls at school and in cartoons and videos have. It’s the Saturday before Pentecost Sunday and her dad is taking her to Monique’s salon to get her hair braided and then shopping for a red dress.

Being the exuberant girl she is, she is full of questions. “Why is her hair different?”, “Why is she different?”, “What is Pentecost?” and, when the tongues of fire came down “Were they burned?” What follows is a wonderful conversation between Josey and her father as Monique makes beautiful braids in Josey’s hair, celebrating the beautiful differences of all God’s creatures and of all human beings including Josey. And the different languages of Pentecost proclaim that the work of Jesus is for people of all languages, skin colors, and types of hair.

There are so many delights in this children’s story. Theologian Esau McCaulley weaves into the narrative rich theology of humans as God’s image bearers and the wonder of Pentecost in the proclamation of Christ for the nations. Then there is the sheer delight of a father taking his daughter to get her hair styled, joining Monique, who has “the best voice in the city,” in song at one point, and going dress shopping with his daughter. LaTonya Jackson’s vibrant illustrations are a feast for the eyes. And the concluding Pentecost celebrations struck me as the way Pentecost ought to be celebrated!

Most of all, this is a story for every child who feels “different,” affirming the “unique work of art” each one is. And every Black child will find great joy in hearing that “your black hair, Black lips, and Black skin are God’s work of art!” I found myself smiling and feeling warm inside as I read this book–and I’m a sixty-something, gray, balding white guy. I need the message of this book as well–God loves difference and Pentecost is a sign of how much he loves that difference!

____________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new picture book from IVP Kids makes it clear that God created differences because differences are worth celebrating. What’s evident all around us in nature–the “manifold works” of God expressed in an endless variety of trees, flowers, bugs, and beasts–becomes obvious when we look at God’s creative design of humanity.

Like so many children, Josey Johnson looks in the mirror and understands her differences as bad or less-than. A heart-to-heart talk with her dad helps her to see that while God could have made all of us the same, he chose to exercise creativity. He must LOVE differences!

Author Esau McCaulley and illustrator LaTonya Jackson have curated this message to children of color, focusing on Josey’s beautiful black hair, but all children are aware of the ways in which they don’t fit in or feel comfortable inside their own skin. In his first book, Reading While Black, McCaulley begins a conversation about race for the church, and now parents will appreciate his winsome and wise communication as he puts positive words around God’s intentionally diverse design.

As a bonus, Josey’s conversation with her dad happens on the Saturday before Pentecost, and while they shop together for a red dress, he explains the praying and the waiting and the “tongues of fire” on people’s heads. Josey comes to understand that “Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is for all people, no matter what language they speak, the color of their skin, or the curl of their hair.” That’s a gift to be celebrated on Pentecost and every day.

Many thanks to IVP Kids for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on the lookout much of the time for more culturally diverse books in the Christian Publishing Market that is geared toward kids and I believe Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit fits that bill. Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley tells the story of Josey Johnson, a young girl, who is preparing for her Church’s Pentecost Sunday Service. Josey’s Dad takes Josey to get her hair done and to get a red dress. As Josey is at the hair dresser, her father starts noticing that something is bothering her. Josey’s father asks her what is wrong and she starts talking about how she looks different from others. Josey’s Dad explains how God created EVERYONE uniquely and differently and that we are created in His Image. After talking with her Dad, Josey is happy with the way God created her.

I love Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley and how Biblically sound it is. I love how it sticks close to the Word of God about how we are created. I love Josey’s conversation with her Dad and how it encouraged her. I love how the book talked about Pentecost and believe it could start some great conversations within your family about Pentecost. I love the pictures that Ms. Jackson created and how it effortlessly flowed with Mr. McCaulley’s words. I highly recommend Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit!

Have you read Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Goodreads and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book. The book title intrigued me and I wondered how the storyline would work and bring Josey’s hair and the Holy Spirit together. I love how the book explains Pentecost.

The illustrations are beautiful and very colourful. They are as much a part of the story as the writing. I’d love to visit Monique’s hair salon and All Nations Church. They look like great places.

I can see this book being very helpful, encouraging, and affirming for little girls. We are all different and we usually want what we don’t have - in terms of looks. When I was a little girl most of my friends had long straight silky hair too. My hair is naturally curly and very frizzy. My mum tried to straighten it as much as possible but it somehow always looked messy and just did it’s own thing. A bit like a tumbleweed. As I grew older I straightened my hair, coloured my hair, wore it shorter, tried all kinds of chemical treatments to tame it. Years of doing this wrecked my hair. It looked thin and was very dry and damaged. Now, I’m back to my natural colour and naturally curly hair … And I love it. This is how God made me. He knows best. We are all a work of art and God loves us. If only I’d known this as a little girl and accepted my hair. I appreciate why the author wrote this book and ‘thank you’ for writing such a beautiful book with such a powerful message for your daughters and all little girls everywhere. Amen.

[Bin Userkaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous read!! This book is something I would recommend to any and all people of all ages. A beautiful story that weaves together God, self love and family all into one beautiful story that was such a joy to read! I loved every picture, they enhanced the magic inside of the story and it was beyond amazing just watching it all unfold. I read this book with my 8 year old brother who thoroughly enjoyed it too and had many sweet words to say about all of the vivid colors and shapes in the illustrations! The story itself is such a simply one but as people it's so easy to forget these fundamentals especially in a society that can tell so many of us that being different is wrong. This book reminds us all that is not the case and invites us to love all of our differences more as well as the differences we see in those around us. I really loved the questions they give us in the Author Note as another invitation, this time to examine where we or those around us stand on these subjects. Truly such a fun and warm read that starts important conversations in both parents and children!

[Christina Pauze (is in a reading slump) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to go back to see if this book was written for their child, which it was. I didn’t like the animation. I found it to be very odd, and I think this Book is more of a keepsake book that is written by mothers for their children instead of written for all kids.
I didn’t really like the writing and it was very generic, talking about feeling different because of her curly hair and then mentioning specific family moments and places that don’t hit as well for outsiders than it would for the children that this book is probably about - like the all nations church.
I tried to muster through it but I just really didn’t like it enough to finish. I feel bad bashing it. I understand that this is a keepsake book but I wouldn’t buy it for myself, maybe if I knew the author personally I would buy it for support but I don’t think it was very well written unfortunately.

2.5 stars

[Lauren Shelton | Cowtown Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Christian children’s book that touches on the importance of Pentecost and that we are all made in God’s image and are fearfully and wonderfully made. It includes Black culture and is geared more for Black girls, per the author’s note - however, this would be a great read for all children. The flow of the story was a bit odd, maybe just the beginning threw me off. The illustration is beautiful and I love the way the words are woven into the pictures. This is an awesome way to introduce discussions with your little ones who may be asking “why are we different” and even to talk about Pentecost. I received this copy of Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit from InterVarsity Press through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 10th May 2022 - publication day!

I thought that this book was really good. I loved the way that it used this special religious event as a springboard almost to discuss diversity - it was done with subtlety and I thought that it was wonderful.

The book explains what Pentecost is and the importance of embracing religion for some but also showing that god doesn't case what colour, creed, nationality or appearance anyone has. The illustrations in the book are gorgeous too and they really do grab your attention.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just melted my heart. What a gorgeous book. My son is so enamoured with this book he has so far made me read it with him at least 5 times. While I am personally not religious, and neither is my family, I still enjoyed reading this with my son and having conversations about peoples different spiritual beliefs and how they help them move through day to day. The illustrations are stunning, very vibrant and full of life & it is so well written. I would definitely recommend this to any family, school and library. I was given a digital copy of this book via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant! The illustrations were great but it was the narrative that resonated with me. This book will be a great gift for a child who asks questions about what makes people different from each other. Although the book specifically references hair, it could also serve as a point of departure for deep discussions about race, shade, hair texture, religion, and cultural practices.

The discussion of the Pentecost added another dimension to the story, making this book a good choice for Christian families that attend a contemporary church.

The illustrations were quite creative and detailed. Many children will enjoy looking at them.

I was quite impressed with this book.

[Richetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley and illustrated by LaTonya Jackson is a beautiful Christian faith-based book. It is the story of a Father explaining to his daughter why God made people different and the blessing of diversity as they prepare to celebrate Pentecost. Author Esau McCaulley is a theologian who also wrote, Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope. (This is on my TBR list!)

Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley book cover
Buy on Bookshop
In the story, Josey’s father takes her to the hair salon. While there she begins thinking about how her hair is so different from other girls she goes to school with. There are several themes of love and upliftment woven into this wonderful new children’s book through a Christian lens.

Hair Positivity
In the Black community, going to the hair salon is a big deal. Josey ponders the differences between her hair and the hair of the little girls at her school. The scenes in the salon are warm and loving. There is even one illustration of Josey that I wish I could get framed for my daughter.

The Value Of Differences
While Josey is getting her hair braided, her father talks to her about the benefits of diversity from a Biblical perspective. He asks her questions like “when God created the world, was there just one kind of fish or thousands?” She recognizes that God made lots of things on Earth different, so she asks her father why.

Fearfully And Wonderfully Made
He continues to talk to Josey and references Psalms 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (NIV). I love how he uses the scripture to uplift his daughter. The stylist and the entire salon break out into a song of worship after listening to the father -daughter conversation.

What Is Pentecost?
The second half of the book is dedicated to Josey’s dad explaining the meaning of Pentecost as they shop for a red dress. He ties the story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples and giving them the power to speak different languages to remind Josey that all people matter to God. It doesn’t matter what language they speak, what type of hair they have or the color of their skin. The resurrection of Jesus was for everybody.

Learn & Discuss
Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit is a great book to read with children to explore the discussion of differences between people in a positive way. It is also a great way to discuss the celebration and meaning of Pentecost in the Christian church. The observance of Pentecost is on Sunday, June 5 this year.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCaulley and Jackson do a masterful job of underscoring Josey's experience of the tension between feeling different but still being the person God made you. Interweaving family, church, and the community with the experience of getting her hair done, the narrative is infused with joy and no less than the celebration of Pentecost! As other reviewers have reported, Jackson's illustrations are pitch perfect to match the narrative. Since the story takes place in the context of the Black community, this is especially helpful book for those of us readers who don't necessarily feel different, to lean into our difference, and embrace who God has made us to be.

[jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I probably should’ve looked at description or at least the full title before I clicked READ NOW, but I loved the cover and the title begins with Josey Johnson’s Hair so I didn’t. Well, I’m glad I didn’t, since as an atheist I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. And even though the whole God content was not my type (again, totally my fault that I didn’t know what it was about), I loved the way they explained diversity. It felt really inclusive plus the art is absolutely beautiful.

[Encanto Atelier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for any little girl who loves her hair and wants to know more about Pentecostal.

The art style is unique and perfect for this story.

I do feel like some story/pages didn’t flow as well together as they should especially how they jump back and forth form Pentecost, hair, and the minor side stories.
I feel the story could skip the side stuff and elaborate on the 2 main topics her hair and the special day.

That being said this is aimed for children and I doubt these points I made will lessen their enjoyment of the story.