Mitchell's first person narrative relates how her granddaddy's brother Jedediah Johnson, the only black barber in the county, was her favorite relative. She tells about his Wednesday night visits to her family, how he paid for the operation she needed to save her life, and how the Depression caused him to lose money he saved for a barbershop. This heartwarming story is the portrait of a generous, indomitable man whose personal dream was finally fulfilled when he is 79 years old. The 11 3/4" by 9 1/4" picture story is also a straightforward account of segregation and its impact on one family during a crisis; and of one man plying his trade to make a living. Ransome's dramatic illustrations created with oil paint on paper are reproduced in full color. (Ages 5-9)

Coretta Scott King Award winner

A young girl’s beloved uncle is a talented barber without a shop who never gives up on his dream in this richly illustrated, stirring picture book.

Everyone has a favorite relative. For Sarah Jean, it’s her Uncle Jed. Living in the segregated South of the 1920s, where most people are sharecroppers, Uncle Jed is the only black barber in the county and has to travel all over the county to cut his customers’ hair.

He lives for the day when he could open his very own barbershop. But there are a lot of setbacks along the way. Will Uncle Jed ever be able to open a shiny new shop?