Our ancestors say our hair is our memories,
our source of strength and power,
a celebration of our lives.
Mom never had long hair—she was told it was too wild. Grandma couldn’t have long hair—hers was taken from her. But one young girl can’t wait to grow her hair long: for herself, for her family, for her connection to her culture and the Earth, and to honor the strength and resilience of those who came before her.
Comprehension Questions
1. Who is the little girl growing her hair out for?
A. Nobody, she just wants to.
B. For her family and for herself.
C. For a crush that she has.
2. Why does the girl want to grow out her hair?
A. To have her hair bring her closer to those around her and those who came before her.
B. She is bored of short hair.
C. She thought it would be fun.
A. To have her hair bring her closer to those around her and those who came before her.
B. She is bored of short hair.
C. She thought it would be fun.
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.