THREE WAYS to join us
in making this dream a reality:
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Educators and librarians: If you’re in a position to do so, please purchase books for your classrooms and libraries here. For bulk orders of 50 or more, click here.
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Join Our Sponsorship Train: The JCO Team is committed to getting these books into the hands of children nationwide, working directly with educators who’ve voiced the importance of access.
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Request books for your class: If you’re an educator who doesn’t have the budget to purchase books, request books for your class so you can be matched with a sponsor!
Join our Sponsorship Train!
We know how powerful it is for children to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Join our Sponsorship Train and we’ll connect you with a classroom or school program eager for these books. Your gift will remind young readers of their beauty and brilliance! Complete the form below to share how many books, or what budget, you’d like to sponsor.
Request Books for Your Class!
Educators, if you’d like to bring A Black Girl and Her Braids to your students but funding is a challenge, we invite you to request books! Our team will do our best to match you with a sponsor who can cover the cost for your classroom. Complete the form below to join our educators list.
What happens when your hair becomes a crown you carry with pride?
Join us in a joyful story that celebrates braids, beauty, and belonging, based on Jaylene's viral poem. From box braids to beads, each style carries love, history, and culture.
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PUB DATE: JANUARY 6, 2026
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Perfect for children ages 3–7, A Black Girl and Her Braids reminds young readers that their hair is more than just style. It’s a story, a legacy, and a source of pride. Paired with vibrant illustrations by Brittney Bond, this book affirms the beauty of Black girlhood and the magic in every braid.
This joyful, affirming story is dedicated to every little Black girl who has rocked braids, and every Black woman who was once a little Black girl! This book captures that special feeling you get after getting your hair braided and reminds us all that our hair is worth honoring, protecting, and celebrating!
About the Author
Jaylene Clark Owens is an AUDELCO and Barrymore award-winning actress, acclaimed spoken word poet, and author. ​
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Her magnetic presence has graced the stage, film, and television. Currently, you can catch Jaylene in the role of Rosie, on the Emmy award-winning PBS Kids TV show, Albie's Elevator.
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Jaylene's favorite braided hairstyles are knotless braids, traditional box braids, and fulani braids, though she is excited to try a braided updo and a braided baldie!