Acacia: A Rapunzel Tale

By: Brown-Wood, Janay

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1623543681
• ISBN13: 9781623543686
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2