SALON SATURDAY

A Black girl chooses a hairstyle.

The unnamed young narrator’s grandmother, mother, and big sister go to the salon every Saturday, and today the protagonist is joining them for the first time. As they head down the street and board the bus, she worries about selecting the right style. The people on the street have their own unique ’dos, as do the women in her family; they each have advice on how to decide (“Think about ease,” advises Momma, while Sissy says, “Think about personality”). “What is my kind of beautiful?” wonders the protagonist. After a tingly shampoo and a spell under the hair dryer, she’s inspired by her loved ones and makes her decision before happily joining “the parade of styles marching down the street.” While the story structure feels a bit formulaic, the relationships are warmly and thoughtfully portrayed; this is a joyful depiction of a milestone in a child’s life. Reminiscent of animation, Kristensen’s illustrations use abstract settings and spot art to showcase different hairdos. The combination of bright colors and pastels gives the setting an eclectic appearance.

An upbeat introduction to a beloved rite of passage.