Great Discussion Topics Included

This book opens up a great conversation about self-love and acceptance of everyone’s unique characteristics. I think this would be great to read when preparing to start school or for classrooms to discuss the beauty of diversity and how it makes everyone better together.

I loved the individual/group based questions and talking points that can be used as a guide at the end. So thoughtful and intentional.

I received a free copy of this book from Stephanie Yates and BooksGoSocial. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

This is a really nice book with some positive messaging for kids.

The story was well written and easy to follow and my daughter enjoyed it.

The illustrations in the book work well with the story and help to bring it all together.

A really nice book - it is 4 stars from me - highly recommended!

Join Zara on a joyful journey as she embraces her beautiful locs and the confidence they bring her.

From the moment she wakes up, Zara knows that her locs are more than just hair—they’re her crown, her identity, and her pride. As she skips through her day, facing both curious glances and admiring smiles, Zara shows that self-love and confidence come from within. This uplifting story celebrates individuality, self-esteem, and the beauty of embracing who you are, inside and out.

As the designated librarian and curator for my family, I often find myself initiating libraries and selecting a variety of books for my loved ones. I particularly cherish creating libraries for the young ones and am naturally attracted to narratives that feature Black characters of various skin tones and hairstyles. I was excited about this book, which showcased a young girl with locs—a rarity in children's literature. The illustrations were striking and the tale endearing, yet I yearned for deeper exploration into the significance of her locs, considering their varied cultural and religious meanings. Nonetheless, I appreciated the discussion questions included at the end, as they provide a starting point for readers unfamiliar with initiating dialogue about the book's themes. Overall, my impression of the book remains favorable.

My 4 and 6 year old daughters loved this book about a little girl who is proud of her locs. She goes to school and succeeds in school socially and academically.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a sweet story of a little girl with locs and kindness. My daughter was drawn in when the little girl, Zara, shared one of her beads with another little girl. The illustrations were bright and fun. Definitely recommend.

This beautifully illustrated book is more than just a story; it’s a powerful affirmation of self-worth and a celebration of identity.

From the very first page, Zara captivates readers with a relatable narrative that encourages young girls to embrace their unique beauty and strength. The vibrant illustrations complement the text perfectly, bringing Zara to life and reflecting the rich diversity of Black culture. Each page radiates positivity and joy, making it an engaging read for both children and adults alike.

A cheerful celebration of identity and individuality. With the aid of uplifting verses, colourful illustrations, and discussion prompts, Loc'd Her Story stresses the importance of self-affirmation in building a child's confidence so that they could grow to claim every part of who they are with pride, courage, and joy.

After reading Loc'd His Story, I was excited to see a version for girls called Loc'd Her Story. This book is about a girl named Zara who has locs that she loves. They are a part of her and why she is special. The format is similar to the book about Jaden. We instead see Zara going to school and doing different activities. The illustrations are very cute and you can see the motion of the scenes through them. I liked the discussion questions at the end that focused on self-esteem, individuality, SEL, and identity. These would help make reading this book in school/group setting a simple task.

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an egalley of this book for an honest review.

After checking out Loc'd His Story, I was so excited to see its companion book! Just like Loc'd His Story, this is an adorably written and illustrated story of Zara and her beautiful locs! As she goes through her school day, we see her confidence, excitement, and intelligence -- all enhanced by the way her locs make her feel.

I will say I did enjoy this book a little more than the first, because I feel it does a better job of showing how Zara deals with others' opinions of her hair (all the while without taking focus away from her.) Instead of allowing in any insecurity or self-doubt at her classmate's comments, she simply flaunts her hair with pride! When another student admires her hair, Zara is even kind enough to share one of her beads.

Also, the discussion questions in the back are perfect for fostering conversations about pride, self-esteem, and building friendships.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute story about self esteem and standing out. I also loved the art work, everything was beautiful. Would love to read more from the author

"My locs are my story, my spark, and my might!"

What a beautiful book!! This was such a good story about being confident in who you are and sharing your individuality with your peers, even if you stand out! I love the care the author and the illustrator use in making sure the story feels authentic and empowering and they do such a good job. Just like with "Loc'd His Story", I loved the discussion questions that are included in the back of the story. As a future children's therapist, I am looking forward to adding these stories to my collection to use with my future clients.

Oh, my goodness, Loc’d Her Story is just precious! From the first page, the bright, colorful illustrations grabbed my attention and made me smile. Every page is filled with positivity, celebrating identity, self-love, and the beauty of being yourself. The words are so inspiring—they make young girls feel proud and hopeful, as if they can do anything. This book helps kids embrace what makes them unique and shows them that those traits are their superpowers—how amazing is that?

The discussion prompts at the end are a wonderful touch! They encourage important conversations about confidence, diversity, and acceptance. Whether you’re reading it at home, in a classroom, or preparing kids for a big moment like starting school, these prompts are perfect for sparking meaningful chats with young readers.

Loc’d Her Story is a must-read if you want a book that’s not only inspiring but also uplifting and full of positive messages. It’s a joyful reminder of how our differences make the world a better place. I can’t recommend it enough—this is a book that families and classrooms will love!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this advance copy.

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this title to read and review. This was a lovely lyrical tale with a great rhyme scheme and gorgeous illustrations. The messages about individuality and pride are so strong and compelling, and the main character Zara's journey is happening at a great pace. I would have loved a line or two about why locs *specifically* are so significant - to really show why this story of pride is important (beyond embracing something about herself that is just different than her classmates, Zara is also showing pride for a very important cultural history when she embraces her locs.)

I saw that there is also a boy's version of this story, which I will definitely be checking out next! I think that one is first to this companion read.

This book was so sweet. I love that we're getting more books for children that show other cultures and ethnicities. They also help kids learn about others, so that nobody feels ostracized or different.

Let ne start by saying that the illustrations are so well done in this book. I love how it shows Zara's hair.
I think the author does a wonderful job of showing how confident Zara and the questions at the end of the book will provide a great start to some important conversations.

I'm not an own voices reviewer, but as a teacher, I think this is a great picture book to share with children. The text rhymes and flows smoothly and I believe it will keep a young child's attention when read aloud. The illustrations are well done and very cute. There is a set of discussion questions at the back of the book that I think can be helpful for parents thinking of ways to extend the read at home. The discussion questions also could help educators use this book in the classroom. Yates has also written the boy version of this book that I liked as well!

This is an adorable picture book about confidence and a girl finding that with her locs.

It would be a great addition to an SEL collection, some school libraries, and some personal collections.

While it is cute, there is a quality feel to it that does not make me want to order it for my library. I have some beautiful books that cover the same topic and similar topics but feel a little less like the SEL lesson is the point. I would, however, recommend it for my school counselor.

Thank you to Net Galley and Books Go Social for the DRC! All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the eARC! A fun story highlighting differences among kids and the importance of embracing what you have! The bright illustrations are very eye catching- simple yet detailed at the same time. A great story of showing how to be confident with yourself which I really liked!

What a beautiful book! I will always read and share a story about Black girls’ hair and its importance, beauty, and significance. This book is appropriate for all ages, races, and genders and gives a helpful story to the importance of respecting body autonomy of ourselves and others!

A stunningly encouraging story your family will love. We get to join Zara’s story as she celebrates the locs that make her uniquely her. During her day she notices people that stare and some that give her some smiles. She continues to hold her head high and show how proud she is of her hair and the confidence it brings her. I love that the story encourages self-love and finding your own confidence. It is so uplifting and shows our little ones that they can be they can love themselves and be proud of the little things that make them who they are. This is a great story to share as a family. A beautiful story with vibrant illustrations that is truly an amazing message for little ones.