TJ Powar Has Something to Prove

After a meme comparing TJ’s and her cousin’s body hair goes viral, TJ Powar decides to take a stand and prove that she can be both hairy and beautiful. A story that challenges society’s beauty standards, this book allows readers to understand diverse cultures, such as the Sikh–Punjabi culture and religion that values hair, which TJ and her cousin Simran are part of. Suitable for secondary-level students, the book lends itself well as a classroom library selection, for a book club or as an independent novel study option. Teachers may encourage students to explore story elements such as theme, characters, and point of view and may segue into more profound discussions about the harms that may be associated with some beauty standards, gender stereotypes, and body hair stigma.