Nationwide –What if every cornrow could reveal a new path, every Afro puff could unlock courage, and every twist could carry the power to heal? International educator and children’s author Naiyana Thues brings that empowering vision to life in her children’s book, Crowned in Magic. Created especially for Black and Brown girls, the book celebrates the beauty, creativity, and versatility of natural hair while encouraging young readers to recognize the power already within themselves.
Having taught children both internationally in Dubai and in the United States, Thues has witnessed how deeply representation can shape a child’s confidence. Her experiences in culturally diverse classrooms inspired her to create a story in which young girls could see their hair, identities, and experiences presented as something extraordinary. “I wanted Black and Brown girls to see that changing their hair does not mean changing who they are,” said Thues. “Our hair is creative, expressive, versatile, and beautiful in every form. Each style can tell a different story, but the magic has always been within us.”
Crowned in Magic follows a young girl named Zamani, who begins questioning the beauty of her natural hair as she prepares for an important presentation. Throughout her journey, she discovers that her hairstyles are not limitations-they are expressions of her strength. Her cornrows create pathways, her Afro puffs awaken courage, her twists bring healing, and her curly fro creates a joyful storm. At the heart of the story is a message many young girls need to hear: beauty does not require conformity. Through Zamani’s journey, readers are reminded that they are enough exactly as they are and that their individuality deserves to be celebrated.
The story concludes with three affirmations intended to stay with children long after the final page: “I am enough. I am beautiful. I am meant to express myself.”
More than a storybook, Crowned in Magic serves as a confidence-building resource for families and educators. It opens meaningful conversations about self-love, identity, representation, cultural pride, and the freedom Black girls should feel to wear their hair in any style they choose. For Thues, becoming an author is a natural extension of her work as an educator. Her mission extends beyond teaching academic skills; she wants children to feel seen, valued, and capable of imagining lives without limits. By combining education, creativity, and culturally affirming storytelling, she is building spaces where young readers can recognize themselves as the heroes of their own stories.
The book’s message also speaks to the larger experiences of Black women and girls, whose hairstyles have too often been judged, restricted, or misunderstood. Crowned in Magic reclaims that narrative by portraying natural hair as joyful, fluid, powerful, and worthy of celebration. Thues hopes the book will inspire girls to approach the mirror with greater confidence and view every hairstyle, whether braids, twists, puffs, curls, or a full Afro, as another beautiful expression of who they are.
“Black hair has never been just one thing, and neither are we,” Thues said. “We can change our hair as often as we want and still remain rooted in who we are. That freedom is part of our magic.”
Crowned in Magic is designed for children ages 3-10 and is available now on Amazon
About the Author
Naiyana Thues is a Black international educator and children’s author from Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in TESOL and a minor in Spanish. After teaching abroad in Dubai, she returned to the United States and continues to educate young learners while pursuing a master’s degree in educational technology. Through her books and educational resources, Thues is committed to helping Black and Brown children feel represented, empowered, and limitless.
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