0
    • Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image

    Acacia

    A Rapunzel Tale

    Author JaNay Brown-Wood
    Illustrated by John Joven
    Ebook
    Charlesbridge
    On sale Sep 08, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9781632893437
    Preschool - 2
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    See Additional Formats
    In this clever, contemporary Black twist on "Rapunzel," Acacia makes a new friend and uses her hair—and wits—to escape her evil stepmother.

    A celebration of Black identity, empowering young girls to embrace and love themselves. A perfect storytime read for kids ages 4 to 7 years old.

    Acacia has been locked away by Ma Gothel, left to wonder about the world beyond her tower walls. She spends her days reading stories about the outside until one day, Mahogany from Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale happens to find her tower. When Mahogany sees Acacia let down her long, twisted hair for Ma Gothel to climb, she returns to befriend the lonely girl.

    Eventually the girls realize they can untwist Acacia’s hair in a way that will make it impossible to let the locks down for Ma Gothel. An escape plan from the tower unfolds, because friendship—and a dream to see the world—are powerful.

    Ultimately Acacia’s Black hair is personal expression and her own super power.
    JaNay Brown-Wood dreams big. Ever since she was a little girl, she’s wanted to become a published author. Her determination paid off with the publication of her first book for children, Imani's Moon. JaNay is also a professor of early childhood education. She lives in California. View titles by JaNay Brown-Wood
    John Joven View titles by John Joven

    About

    In this clever, contemporary Black twist on "Rapunzel," Acacia makes a new friend and uses her hair—and wits—to escape her evil stepmother.

    A celebration of Black identity, empowering young girls to embrace and love themselves. A perfect storytime read for kids ages 4 to 7 years old.

    Acacia has been locked away by Ma Gothel, left to wonder about the world beyond her tower walls. She spends her days reading stories about the outside until one day, Mahogany from Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale happens to find her tower. When Mahogany sees Acacia let down her long, twisted hair for Ma Gothel to climb, she returns to befriend the lonely girl.

    Eventually the girls realize they can untwist Acacia’s hair in a way that will make it impossible to let the locks down for Ma Gothel. An escape plan from the tower unfolds, because friendship—and a dream to see the world—are powerful.

    Ultimately Acacia’s Black hair is personal expression and her own super power.

    Author

    JaNay Brown-Wood dreams big. Ever since she was a little girl, she’s wanted to become a published author. Her determination paid off with the publication of her first book for children, Imani's Moon. JaNay is also a professor of early childhood education. She lives in California. View titles by JaNay Brown-Wood
    John Joven View titles by John Joven

    Additional formats

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Penguin Random House Elementary Education

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)