Bintou's Braids

Under the shade of a tamarind tree in a lively West African village, young Bintou craves the regal braids that sway like golden rivers down her aunties’ backs—symbols of womanhood rooted in the Black Is Beautiful movement that champions Cultural Understanding and Gender Equality. Each morning the rhythmic click of seashell-laced plaits reminds her that she still sports four stubborn tufts locked into everyday cornrows. When a sudden commotion erupts near the village well, Bintou dashes forward, yanks two cousins from the water’s edge, and turns fear into triumph quicker than a gazelle clears dust. Grateful elders offer any reward, yet the village griot’s tale of ancestral strength sparks a brighter idea: invest in schoolbooks so every girl can read stories as intricate as the braids she dreams about—an act of Education Equity that braids courage into community. With earthy illustrations humming like drumbeats, Bintou’s Braids shows students that heroism and beauty bloom from daring choices, not decorations. Tap the Save to List button to bookmark this empowering tale, or tap the External Link button to explore purchase and rental options.