This is a novel in verse for younger readers features two children from the same classroom and how they see the world around them.

In this important book about opening up to conversations about race, two fifth-grade classmates share their personal experiences while working on a project together. Told in poetic form, we hear from two different viewpoints; one from a white girl, and the other from a black boy. Topics based on current events help shape the relevance of the story. For teaching purposes, this book would work well with an older audience when discussing empathy, race, and point of view. Discussions around "Can I Touch Your Hair" support the AASL Standards for Learners ll.C.2

I think that middle grade students will be able to relate to, enjoy and learn from this lovely book of poems. Two fifth graders are assigned to work together on a project and they discuss their experiences with racial issues, feeling left out and other feelings. I highly recommend this book!

I absolutely loved this book. It tackles some difficult topics, but with an effortless simplicity.

Conversations about race at any age is difficult. It is a topic often avoided with kids because of the worry they aren't old enough to handle the intricate topic. "Can I Touch Your Hair" provides a starting point for deeper conversations in our schools, our families and with our friends. The authors handle cultural differences and new friendships with sensitivity.

The writing and illustrating teams gave each character and picture its own distinct voice and style through free style poetry. This is the first picture book I have read using this technique, and I enjoyed its fresh approach to the picture book genre.

The book stayed away from stereotypes of each culture, and highlighted the fact they exist. Its universal theme of fitting in makes the book a relatable for everyone. Each of the characters struggles to find his or her place in the community they live in and find friendship in the last place they expected to.

Although the concepts are sophisticated, parents and teachers shouldn't shy away from the book. Use the book  as a discussion starter about race and our similarities and cultural differences.

"Can I Touch Your Hair" shows no matter our perceptions we are all a part of the same community.

Excellent poetry book for elementary or middle school students about kids who become friends by sharing their experiences and learning from them instead of instantly judging someone because of their race.

I love the raw, honesty of this book. A much needed text in our classrooms. I can envision using the poems to spark conversations that are long past due to be had with the children and adults in our lives. Bravo!

This book is a tough one for young children. I am not sure if they would understand the concept. I think older primary and junior or intermediate students would understand the messages much better. This is not poetry that rhymes or follows patterns, it is free-style with a serious message. The poems depict situations that the authors have either been involved in or witnessed. It shows that there still are race issues in our society, but there is hope they can be overcome with listening to others, taking time to understand others' situations and feelings. A book that could be used to start the discussion about race issues in a middle grades or even intermediate classroom.

This book was actually really difficult for me to read. I thought it would be more toned down do to the age range but the authors didn't hold any punches and really described the "perceived" differences between two young children of different races. I think children would be more desensitized the the words used to describe Charles in this book. Adults I feel might shy away and try to shield them from its content but I think it's a really great way to introduce differences and start a dialogue with the younger generation.