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A Single Dreadlock

A Single Dreadlock

Xaiver Michael Campbell (Author) See More
Eugenie Fernandes (Illustrator) See More (3)
CELA Library
Esteem & Self
African American & Black | FAMILY
GRANDPARENTS
Groundwood Books Ltd
2 - 3
4 - 8
2026 Spring
Picture Books

Hardback
9781773069388
$21.99 CAD
English
09/02/2025

Amazon Kindle [reflow]
9781773069395
$16.99 CAD
English
09/02/2025

EPUB [reflow]
9781773069401
$16.99 CAD
English
09/02/2025

Braille
XXX0000510
English
09/02/2025

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Description


When Lovie moves from Jamaica to Newfoundland, his classmates make fun of his single dreadlock. But with Grandma's help, Lovie learns to care for his hair — and himself.

Lovie never thought he looked different until he and his dads moved to Spruce Cove. Back in Jamaica, Grandma would tend Lovie’s curls with her special hair-taming grease, but no one in Spruce Cove can manage his hair. Over the summer, it dreads in just one spot, and Lovie is quite happy about his single dreadlock…until the kids at school make fun of him.

When Grandma arrives for Chanukah, she sees that Lovie is upset. She explains that dreading is what their hair type does in its natural state, and she encourages him to love the way his hair grows. So Lovie goes from wanting to hide away his dreadlock, to asking his grandma if she will make his whole head full of dreads! Grandma takes out her hair grease and gets to work, and the next day Lovie proudly walks into class with his dreadlocks, and newfound confidence.

Xaiver Campbell’s heartfelt story about finding the courage to be yourself and expressing your difference is beautifully complemented by the vibrant art of celebrated illustrator Eugenie Fernandes.


Key Text Features

dialogue

illustrations

 

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2

Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Eugenie Fernandes Xaiver Michael Campbell

Author Bio


Eugenie Fernandes is a prolific author-illustrator with over 120 picture books to her name. Her paintings from the books Earth Magic and One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference are on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. Earth Magic was also shortlisted for Canada’s Governor General’s Literary Award for Illustration. She currently lives in southern Ontario.

Prizes


  • Ontario Library Association Best BetsWinner 2025

Review Quotes


“A celebration of diversity, individuality, and self-acceptance. [A] lovely, affirming title.” — Foreword Reviews, STARRED REVIEW