Author & Illustrator: Sharee Miller

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers, Penguin Random House

Summary

Little Aria is proud of her beautiful hair, and its radiant glow shines brightly for all to admire. Yet, even the brightest light can flicker in the shadows. As her hair draws more attention, Aria ventures further into every last corner in the world, hoping to find peace away from the constant unwanted touches. But no matter how far she goes, creatures from all corners still seem drawn to her shining hair. Is there a place across the ends of the Earth where she can find some peace? And if she does, will the price of isolation be fair? Join Aria on a journey of self-empowerment, where she discovers the true liberation of setting boundaries. Whether she chooses to let people touch her hair or not, saying yes or no is a choice only Aria can make. Just as the sun shines freely, she too is free to bask in the warmth or cool in the shade of her choosing, and on her own terms.

Review

The simple cartoon-style graphics playfully capture Aria’s ninja-like moves as she deflects the prying hands, fending off the attackers with flair and spunk. The imagery of the portal world is vibrant and imaginative, blending magical realism with the conflict, while quirky creatures highlight the often instinctive tendencies people have to feed their curiosity of the unfamiliar. And yet the racial undertone is still largely present and understood. As time passes, Aria’s hair loses its bounce and sags under the weight of these constant interactions. It’s visually striking to see the emotional depth conveyed—this story is about much more than just physical touch. It offers a great opportunity to spark conversations on body autonomy in a preschool or early years classroom, and centering dialogue on hair being a sacred part of someone’s identity and culture.