The Barber's Cutting Edge

Jam-packed with little boys, big boys, dads, and neighbors, Mr. Bigalow's barbershop is a place to talk, play dominoes, read, and in Rashaad's case, get a little extra help with his schoolwork. Not only does Mr. Bigalow know all the latest styles, he also knows all the words on Rashaad's vocabulary list. Whether it's haircuts or words, Mr. Bigalow is the best at what he does. He is also a friend and a role model—and as Rashaad puts it, "one cool dude."

Focusing on a close relationship between a young boy and his community mentor, The Barber's Cutting Edge honors barbers like Mr. Bigalow in every community, and the boys like Rashaad who learn from them.
 

Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert is a former elementary school teacher who lives in DeSoto, Texas. She was inspired to write this story by the experience of her own son, Lance, and his barber.

Raymond Holbert is an artist, illustrator, and college art instructor who lives in Oakland, California. His vibrant drawings capture the lively atmosphere of the barbershop and the close relationship between Mr. Bigalow and Rashaad.
 

Also available as an audio download from Audible.com

Themes: Contemporary Stories, Family/Intergenerational

"Amusing and entertaining… beautiful, bright crayon-like illustrations highlight this story.… students could be inspired by the vocabulary or simply enjoy this entertaining story." —School Library Journal