Wash Day Diaries
Written by Jamila Rowser
Illustrated by Robyn Smith
Published by Chronicle Books LLC
Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends—Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie—through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx.
The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters’ everyday lives and how they care for each other.
In expanding the story of Kim and her friends, the authors pay tribute to Black sisterhood through portraits of shared, yet deeply personal experiences of Black hair care. From self-care to spilling the tea at an hours-long salon appointment to healing family rifts, the stories are brought to life through beautifully drawn characters and different color palettes reflecting the mood in each story.
Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: July 2022
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Graphic Novel, Young Adult , Age 12 or older
Community Represented: Dominican/Dominican American
Themes: Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Accolades & Awards: Youth Media Awards, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Format: Graphic Novel, Identity: Body Image, LGBTQIA+, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: United States (Bronx, New York City)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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