Can I Touch Your Hair?: Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship

Sometimes kids (and adults) need books to help us build empathy and understanding, and to see that we are more the same than we are different as people. We all want new shoes, a friend to play with on the playground, to be forgiven, to understand the world around us, to be seen for who we are on the inside. Can I Touch Your Hair? is a unique book in that it gives readers windows and mirrors on a topic from the perspective to two kids, Charles and Irene. Irene and Charles are paired together to work on a poetry project. It's clear they wouldn't have picked one another for many reasons, but the big difference they see in each other is the color of their skin. They decide on topics to write about for their project and we see the products of their work. Their shared joys, fears, worries, observations, embarrassments, rejections, and apologies. Both text and illustrations hold so much emotion and heart. Within its pages, a journey to friendship and a better appreciation for what makes us more alike than different. And it doesn't end perfectly, but with an acknowledgment that Irene and Charles aren't perfect friends but they listen and ask questions. A book that will inspire kids (and adults) from different backgrounds to do the same. Thank you to the authors, illustrators, editors and agents who brought this book to shelves. Donating a copy to our elementary school library for students to enjoy...and hopefully share with their parents. Great book for family, classroom, and community discussions.

I use a lot of diverse literature in my classroom and this is one of the most beautiful depictions of poetry from two different perspectives that I’ve ever shared with my students. I love this book and my students and I had wonderful conversations as I read it to them. Great buy and addition to any classroom or home library!

This is an absolute amazing book, highly recommended for all ages. It approaches difficult but realistic topics from a poetic point a view. Often times people are afraid to asks questions or shy from understanding one another. The book gives a realistic insight on certain intricacies that make us unique in character yet similar in our being.

For me, this is a must Newbery winner next year! And a Caldecott! And a Coretta Scott King!!! It is a book that has so much versatility in its craft and construction and in its messages of acceptance. The illustrations are phenomenal (...but aren't they always when Selina Alko and Sean Qualls are doing their thing?) and the seesaw construction of the poems across the spreads are unforgettable. The writing, the messages, the backgrounds of the authors & artists, their back notes, on and on...there is so much to glean from and, ultimately, share with readers - teachers across primary to middle to high school to university programs in education, sociology, psychology, anthropology, gender studies, religious studies, criminal justice, Afro-American studies, writing, literature, etc......need to house and study this book (multiple copies!!!!!!!!!). Parents need this book, too. This is a perfect piece of literature and art! - Frank Murphy, 6th-grade teacher and children's book author

The story is clear and concise. I loved the poetry and I especially loved the formatting. One character is portrayed in one font and the other character, another font. I loved the simplicity and colors of the illustrations. This book will spark great dinner table conversation.

I used this book in my classroom to teach about multiple perspectives on the same topic. I used it as a starting point to engage my students in conversations about race, life experiences, and how they are different based off of your culture and values. My students loved it. I loved it. It was very well done, easy to read, and topics my 4th graders could relate to.

One of the best poetry picture books I've read in awhile! Honest, original, and offers a springboard for deep conversation. As we are a biracial family, we've come upon many issues that appear in this book. The authors deal with sadness, anger, and childhood themes with grace and wit.

I would recommend this book to anyone--anyone at all. I like the way it dances. He said; she said. In a way and with a voice--two voices, to be exact--that need to be heard. God bless Irene and Charles. God bless coming together rather than pulling apart.

My son and I enjoyed it

Excellent book. I received it very quickly. I am Spanish but I teach English to kids, I would use it for students who are 9 or 10.