Mar 3, 20232 min read

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

Updated: Mar 11, 2023

by J. Dillard

Cover of Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Perfect read-aloud title for elementary school, middle school, one book one school, one district one book, read aloud to a child week.

"Sometimes being a good friend was about talking, but other times it was about listening."

About the Book:

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard is a fun and uplifting book that is an excellent choice to read aloud to students. The book tells the story of J.D. who is just entering the third grade at Douglass Elementary, but he has one problem—his mom cut his hair. After enduring a bit of ridicule from his peers, he tries to fix his hair himself, and it turns out that he is gifted with the clippers. Soon, J.D. is cutting most of the heads at Douglass Elementary, that is until Henry Jr., the owner of the local barbershop and only licensed barber in town, tries to shut him down.

The story has an underlying message of perseverance and determination. As J.D. faces obstacles throughout the story from lack of experience and the attempted sabotage of his business by Henry Jr., he never gives up and continues to work hard to achieve his goals. Seeing J.D.'s entrepreneurial journey can inspire students to pursue their own dreams and overcome any challenges they may face.

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle has had lots of positive attention. Schools across the country have enjoyed reading it together, and it was even selected for statewide reads in Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia. School Library Journal praised the book, saying that it "deftly tackles themes of friendship, perseverance, and healthy competition" and Kirkus called it "a fast-paced, fun, and engaging story" that "celebrates the importance of community and hard work."

Author—and professional barber!—J. Dillard crafted a fun and entertaining story with themes of perseverance, determination, and diversity that is an ideal read-aloud choice for schools. Dillard's engaging writing style is humorous and relatable, and the addition of Akeem S. Roberts' illustrations provide an additional draw for reluctant readers. Join other schools that have chosen to read J.D. and the Great Barber Battle together as it is sure to inspire and entertain its readers. And when you're done, be sure to check out the sequels J.D. and the Family Business and J.D. and the Hair Show Showdown.