I love this spread because it shows the stereotypes that people today still discuss about black individuals. Ghost, an individual discussed earlier in the text who assumed certain stereotypes against Waters. In this spread, Ghost is apologizing to Waters because he is put in Waters' shoes and understands that he was showing stereotypes that are not appropriate. 

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There are so many opportunities given throughout this text that allow readers to have critical discussions. With the use of poetry and #OWNvoice perspectives, we are able to see what the author's are saying and thinking on a daily basis. This allows readers to put themselves in Latham's or Waters shoes and see what they think and do about certain situations. 

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My Hair Love

Below I have written a short poem about my hair love! This poem is inspired by the text written by Latham and Waters as well as the short film, Hair Love.

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Hair

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Now my hair 

is long and dark

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My hair is 

not straight

nor curly

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My hair is

thick and knotted

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My hair

has been short 

and also uneven

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My hair

resembles not only my mom's hair

but also my sister's

and my grandmother's

and my great grandmother's

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My hair

 is frustrating but also amazing

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My hair 

has not always been loved

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My hair is me

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Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, is a short, moving story about indigenous people and their relations to Fry bread. In this text, they discuss how Fry bread is not only food, but also history, color, flavor, time, and so many other importance's that it may bring to different people. In his interview, Maillard discusses the importance of why he shared this book and how he provided from his #OWNvoice perspectives. He talked about how he wanted his son and other young kids to read and learn about Native people that were alive, modern, and not mythical that is not always shared or talked about. 

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Something I love about this text is the Author's note. In this author's note, Maillard includes detailed history about what fry bread is to him and how it relates to his family. 

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Something that ties the text together are the illustrations done by Juana Martinez-Neal. These illustrations depict the text so remarkably! I feel like I can really envision different races coming together and sharing this piece of history while reading. I loved the colors that were used on every page and how warm they enhanced the text. 

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While reading the article, Critical Indigenous Literacies: Selecting and Using Children’s Books about Indigenous Peoples by Debbie Reese, she explains key details and recommendations that are crucial when it comes to including children’s books featuring Indigenous peoples. For example, she touches on these teaching moments that I think are most important:

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• Choose books that are tribally specific

• Choose books by Native writers

• Use books by Native writers all year round

• ​Use present tense verbs to talk about Native Nations