Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut Audiobook

The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother's hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices. A fresh cut makes boys fly. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber's chair-a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That's where it all begins. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror

Download and start listening now!

“In a voice that fairly swaggers, narrator Corey Allen captures the rhythm of Crown…Allen’s expert narration dovetails perfectly with the beat of Barnes’ words…Precisely timed pauses, drawn-out words—‘Girllll . . . he’s so fine!’—and other exclamations add a vibrant audio dimension. At the story’s close, listeners will nod their heads in understanding, rejoicing in the much-deserved pride this young man feels as he emerges into the world with a crisp new cut. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

— AudioFile