by Lou Lubie (Author), Makedah Hughes (Translator)
★ "The Roots of My Hair is an engrossing graphic novel about the history and marginalization of Black women's hairstyles." - Foreword (STARRED review)
★ "With all of the wonderful children's picture books being written about Black girls' hair, this is a welcome addition for adults." - Booklist (STARRED review)
Publishers Weekly graphic novel Summer Pick 2026
A bold, funny, and insightful graphic novel about hair, heritage, and identity.
The Roots of My Hair follows the coming-of-age journey of Rose, a mixed-race woman from Réunion Island who struggles to love her konyé ("kinky") hair in a world that tells her to tame it. As she moves to mainland France to study and later to work--experimenting with different hair-straightening techniques, visiting beauty salons, and adopting social camouflage--Rose explores her Black identity by questioning the deeper issues behind her hair: race, beauty standards, colonialism, and belonging.
With humor, honesty, and expressive illustrations, Lou Lubie's new graphic novel blends original research and fiction, not only to reveal what lies beneath the hair-care industry but also to speak to anyone who has ever felt pressure to fit in. It is a powerful reminder that identity starts at the roots.
Winner of multiple French awards, now available in English for the first time.
Author Biography
Lou Lubie is a French graphic novelist known for exploring emotions, identity, and social issues. Originally from Réunion Island, she gained recognition with A Fox in my Brain, a candid story about bipolar disorder. She has published twelve books and founded Forum Dessiné, a digital art platform that has brought together thousands of illustrators since 2008.
Number of Pages: 220
Dimensions: 0.9 x 9.5 x 6.8 IN
Publication Date: May 05, 2026
