The strength of your ancestors, lives inside you.
A young boy’s parents help him recognize how growing his hair connects him to his family and cultural identity as an Indigenous person. He learns how his father and grandfather were forbidden from wearing their hair long and fought to make it possible for him to do so.
“Braids are brave.”
He is empowered by this knowledge to stand up to bullies and begin to take pride in who he is.
Native Author-illustrator Weshoyot Alvitre’s illustrations are beautiful pieces of art. They are realistic and emotive and tell the tale of multiple generations of oppression. She has captured the traumatic history of colonization through the powerful bond and storytelling between a father and his son.
The love and encouragement the boy receives from his parents is touching. He is told:
“You are strong.
You are brave.
You are loved.”
Brave is beautiful book to share with children. It will teach them about Indigenous colonization and the importance of hair in Native tradition. This story will also show them the courage it takes to defend your beliefs and what comes from having the strength to be comfortable with who you are.
“Having long hair is a promise to wake up every day and take pride in who you are.”
Helps with: cultural identity, Indigenous traditions, Colonialism, Indigenous history of oppression, finding self-acceptance, the importance of family, bullying, discrimination, standing up for yourself, activism, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, having courage and pride in oneself.
Author: Weshoyot Alvitre
Publisher: Kokila, 2025