Review by: Liz Geist
Published: 2022
Author: Sherri Winston
Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Social Justice
Audience: Grades 6–9
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution
Content Warnings: Bullying, racism, and minor violence.
Publisher’s Summary
From the beloved author of President of the Whole Fifth Grade, a story about a young Black girl who summons the courage to fight against a racist dress code-and stand up for herself. Twelve-year-old Lotus Bloom is a free spirit with a mega-‘fro she’s affectionately named “the wooly mammoth.” A talented violinist, she just switched from her inner-city school to a fancy arts academy. Her best friend Rebel is quick to point out the funding disparities between schools, and urges Lotus to help her protest, but Lotus isn’t sure; if she’s going to be in the spotlight, she’d rather it be for her music.
But then a classroom prank – boys thinking it’s hilarious to throw wads of paper into Lotus’s hair – escalates after she reports it to the administration and shockingly finds herself facing suspension. Lotus must choose whether to stay quiet and risk everything she’s worked so hard for, or fight back. Is this school really where she belongs? Inspired by stories of real Black girls advocating against unjust, racist school dress codes across the country, beloved middle grade author Sherri Winston introduces another memorable character who decides to speak up for what’s right, no matter what it takes.
Review
Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution by Sherri Winston follows Lotus, a yoga-loving, retro-style, reserved seventh-grade violin prodigy who transfers to the prestigious Atlantis Arts School from her local public school. She is enamored by the bright, shiny new building and the opportunity to study under real and famous conductors, while also feeling guilty for her old classmates who do not get this same opportunity. Immediately, Lotus begins excelling and is named concertmaster, unseating older and more veteran students.
One student in particular starts making her life miserable, ultimately trying to make her quit. Adolpho and his cronies make paper airplanes with a single target in mind: Lotus and her hair. Lotus is known for her “woolly mammoth” afro, which becomes a point of contention with upset parents (whose children Lotus surpassed) who attempt to have her removed from concertmaster under the guise of a “dress code” violation. Lotus is threatened to either cut her hair or face expulsion.
Throughout the book, Lotus tries to keep the peace and avoid making waves, but she is slowly reaching her breaking point. Added pressure comes from her best friend at her old school, who urges Lotus to attend school board meetings demanding equality and more funding for their under-resourced school. Lotus finds herself stuck between her new life at a wonderful and prestigious school and the world she came from, where students have classes with leaky ceilings and broken instruments. Lotus spends much of the book on a journey of self-discovery: is she a fighter, a musician, or a peacekeeper? In the end, she gains an answer to all three.
🏛️ The Policing of Black Hair: The CROWN Act
The “dress code” violation Lotus faces is a reflection of real-world systemic issues. In the United States, Black students are disproportionately disciplined for their natural hair.
Statistics on Hair Discrimination:
- 2.5x More Likely: Research shows Black women are 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional because of their hair.
- The CROWN Act: As of early 2024, only 24 states have passed the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), which prohibits race-based hair discrimination in schools and workplaces.
- School Discipline: A 2023 study found that roughly 5% of all school dress code violations specifically target hairstyles associated with Black culture (braids, locks, afros).
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Social Studies (Civil Rights & Advocacy): Use Lotus’s journey to discuss the history of peaceful protest and the CROWN Act.
- Activity Idea: Have students research a real-life case of hair discrimination in schools. Compare the outcome of that case to Lotus’s experience in the book.
- Music & Art (The Orchestra): Explore the structure of a symphony.
- Activity Idea: Listen to a violin concerto. Discuss the “voice” of the violin—how can it be both delicate and powerful, much like Lotus’s personality?
- ELA (Internal vs. External Conflict): Lotus is torn between her old school (Rebel) and her new school (Atlantis Arts).
- Activity Idea: Create a “Bridge Diagram.” On one side, list the challenges of her neighborhood school (leaky ceilings, broken instruments). On the other, the challenges of the arts academy (policed appearance, elitism). What does Lotus have to “cross” to find her true self?
- SEL (Self-Advocacy): Lotus moves from “peacekeeper” to “fighter.”
- Activity Idea: Discuss the difference between “making waves” and “standing in your truth.” Have students write a mock speech Lotus might give to the school board.
