J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

“At first, she told us she was going back to school to become a nurse. But after spending six months working at the hospital, she quit.

‘I hate the hospital,’ Mom said one night after a long shift. ‘Everybody isn’t treated the same.’

I didn’t know exactly what happened, but I used to overhear her talking to my granddad about people being turned away for not having insurance or patients being given pills they didn’t need!”

J.D.’s mother provides him with a dynamic role model for his own ambitions. Just like J.D, his mom also experiences the results of her hard work, and she is not afraid to pivot and try new things when her initial ideas do not turn out quite as she planned. J.D.’s mom originally wanted to be a nurse because she wanted to take care of people, but once she got the job, she found unfair disparities that disillusioned her. Her disappointment with the field mirrors J.D.’s later struggles when he realizes that running his business from his home isn’t working. Both J.D. and his mom choose new paths, and their willingness to adapt to new challenges demonstrates that any situation can be changed—and improved—by a single choice. These lines also highlight the inequality in the American medical system, drawing attention to the fact that capable and qualified people like J.D.’s mom end up leaving the jobs they love because they refuse to condone such unfair practices.

“Granddad, a tall, slim man with glasses, had recovered well from his heart attack. In fact, even though he had retired from running the local JCPenney, his health scare inspired him to go into the burial insurance business.

‘We’re all going to die, right?’ he said. Granddad treated it like any other regular fact.

Everyone in our family had a burial insurance policy. Even us kids.”

J.D.’s granddad acts as a powerful role model for J.D. throughout the book. After a long, successful career in management that led him to start his own business, he shows J.D. that anything is possible if he works hard enough. His granddad’s outlook on death also shows the importance of thinking creatively and accepting the realities of life. Rather than shying away from death or fearing it, J.D.’s granddad accepts it as a fact and uses that fact to make money and provide a service to others in the community.

“Jordan could always get the other kids to pipe down if it went too far. But Jordan was never in class with me because I was in honors classes. He could be, too, but I think he filled in the wrong bubbles on multiple-choice tests on purpose.”

This paragraph highlights the differences between Jordan and J.D., drawing attention to the characteristics that motivate J.D. to pursue his business and fight against Henry Jr. Whereas J.D. has a strong work ethic because he has always had to earn the things he wants, Jordan’s lackadaisical attitude toward school shows the result of growing up in a world where everything was handed to him. Jordan doesn’t want to put in any particular effort because he has never been required to work hard to achieve his goals. Instead, he does the bare minimum to get by, believing that his family’s wealth will always support him.

“When you have that much time to sit, you take notice of how the Harts ran the shop—from how clean Henry Jr. kept everything to how long it took him to complete each haircut. One time I was there, I even saw salespeople come into the shop with new haircutting gadgets and styling products.

Folks felt so comfortable around the Harts that they often dropped their kids off at the shop and left while they ran errands.”

These paragraphs introduce the successful business of Hart and Son, positioning Henry Sr. and Henry Jr as well-respected and long-standing pillars of the community. Hart and Son is the only barbershop in town, but its reputation means that people go there because they want to, not because they can’t get a haircut elsewhere. Because Henry Jr. has always enjoyed this high level of loyalty from his clients, he feels deeply threatened when J.D. suddenly appears, offering new and popular hairstyles to younger customers. Henry Jr. is worried about losing business, but he is also worried about the future of Hart and Son, because he knows how important his barbershop is to his family and to the community.

“‘This hairstyle was so popular back in the day, and I liked short hair when I ran track, plus everyone said I had the right head shape for it,’ Mom said when I asked her why she never changed her hair.

‘I guess back then I just thought it was easier. But one of these days I’m going to stop relaxing it,’ she’d say. ‘I just don’t have time right now.’”

When J.D. tries relaxing his hair following his initial bad haircut, he recalls his mother’s explanation of the hair relaxer. His mom used to relax her hair because it was the style of the time and it made things easier for her. In the narrative present, she chooses to relax her hair even though she really wants to let it go back to its natural appearance. While this scene is pertinent to J.D.’s search for a solution to his bad haircut, it also represents a broader commentary on the struggles that many Black women face regarding their hair. Often, Black women have relaxed their hair to gain acceptance from white culture—even though, as noted by J.D., the relaxer product has a long list of potential dangers and side effects. In recent years, there has been a movement back toward natural hairstyles, but as with J.D.’s search for a haircut that fits who he is, the choice to relax hair or not is up to each individual for reasons of their own.

“Making Justin happy with something I did filled me with a warm feeling. Like I’d just finished a plate of fried fish and French fries that my mom made every Saturday in the summer.”

Here, J.D. has just successfully cut his little brother’s hair, which has made his brother very happy. This scene marks the first time J.D. realizes that he can provide a service to others, and he begins Taking Pride in Personal Accomplishments and making concrete plans to pursue his barbering talents on a grander scale. This positive feeling sustains J.D. throughout the rest of the book and helps him to recall what is truly important after his arrogance gets the better of him amidst the barber battle. By finding a sense of accomplishment and joy in helping others, J.D. undergoes considerable character growth. In the end, he realizes that true victory involves doing something good for himself and for his community.

“Even better, when I got my Reading test back from Ms. Scott, not only did I get an A, but she said, ‘Did you get a haircut recently, J.D.? It looks nice!’”

When J.D. cuts his own hair, he is relieved to see that his classmates have gone from teasing him to complimenting him. He gains even more confidence when people who don’t normally notice his appearance begin expressing their delight in his stylish new haircut. By giving equal weight to his high grade and his teacher’s compliment on his hair, J.D. indicates just how important her praise is to him. In his mind, her compliment is akin to receiving an “A” in cutting hair. The external validation that he receives helps his confidence grow to a point at which he feels comfortable displaying his skills and cutting other people’s hair as well.

“‘At least you know people like you for you, not your things!’ he said. ‘Sometimes I wonder if anyone would care about me if I didn’t have the newest video games.’

Jordan and I were quiet as I kept working. Sometimes being a good friend was about talking, but other times it was about listening.”

Jordan makes this confession while J.D. cuts his hair, and the scene is designed to mimic the typical barbershop setup, in which customers often converse with their barber on topics both trivial and philosophical. The moment also indicates the strength of the boys’ friendship, for J.D. is willing to listen to Jordan’s frustrations without judgment. Additionally, the exchange provides new insight into Jordan’s character. Although Jordan relies upon his family’s wealth and frequently slacks off at school, he also realizes that other people’s awareness of his wealth robs him of deeper connections. In this scene, he expresses his frustration over those who attempt to take advantage of him.

“We heard Jessyka walk down the hall. When she reached the end of it, she yelled back, ‘I’m so fast, they won’t be able to catch me!’

Jordan, Eddie, and Xavier all groaned, but I laughed. Jessyka could teach all of us about throwing shade.”

In this scene, Jessyka has just left J.D.’s bedroom barbershop after the boys expressed their annoyance at her presence. Rather than getting irritated about this, Jessyka shrugs it off because her self-worth does not depend on what the boys think of her. She knows that she is faster and better on the football field than any of them, and she doesn’t hesitate to remind them of this fact. Her parting line is, as J.D. says, an example of “throwing shade” (or subtly insulting the boys).

“He had to be kidding. Who would believe an eight-year-old kid had his own barbershop? And how could it be illegal anyway? Half the kids I knew got their hair cut at home.

Henry Jr. was just a big hater. I didn’t have time for haters—I had a business to run, money to make, and clients who depended on me!”

Following Henry Jr.’s threats, J.D.’s attitude toward cutting hair changes significantly. Before, he cut others’ hair as a way of helping his friends to look stylish. Now, however, cutting hair has become a way for J.D. to prove himself to his community, and he refuses to let Henry Jr. stop him from doing something he enjoys and can profit from. J.D.’s observation that his friends get their hair cut at home shows that he doesn’t quite understand how business works. Given his very limited and childish perspective, he does not yet realize that running a business means complying with a whole host of regulations and codes. J.D.’s ignorance on this point gives Henry Jr. grounds to attack J.D. at the business level, even if the man’s vindictive actions are excessive.

“‘It’s not fair, why is Jessyka on our team anyway? She’s the only girl!’

Xavier loves to win, and I could tell this had been bothering him.

‘She’s good, Xavier. She’s been in sports from the time she could walk, I think. Plus her dad played football in college and they practice catching the ball and running routes ALL THE TIME!’

Xavier sat quietly, looking at the mirror like he was thinking.

I knew what it felt like to want to be the best at something. And I bet Jessyka knew, too.”

Throughout the book, Jessyka’s skill at sports is a bone of contention among the boys, and this conflict arises here in the dialogue between J.D. and Xavier. While Xavier’s irritation shows that he is focused only on Jessyka’s gender, J.D.’s deeper understanding of Jessyka’s aptitude and love of sports shows his recent inner growth. Because J.D. enjoys his own skill at cutting hair, he can more easily empathize with Jessyka, who clearly enjoys her athletic prowess and is not afraid to demonstrate it.

“I hardly had any left in my candy jar, which was looking almost empty. How would I ever be able to afford more? Or the newest video games? And comic books? I would be back at Jordan’s house using all his toys and gadgets just like before. Mom always told me that we had everything we needed and it wasn’t polite to expect others to just give us stuff. But with my barbershop, I could work for all those extras I wanted.”

This passage puts the importance of J.D.’s business into tangible terms to demonstrate how much his new ambitions mean to him. When J.D. acknowledges his dwindling goodies and his desire to obtain more on his own terms, it is clear that his family’s financial situation has instilled him with a good work ethic and a willingness to put in the effort to make positive changes happen for himself. Rather than depending on others to give him what he wants, J.D. devises honest ways to improve his own meager finances, and he takes pleasure in the fact that he has accomplished this himself. Not only does cutting hair make him proud because he is good at it, but it also makes him feel like a far more independent person.

“After years of playing Madden with Jordan, I knew he had good ideas in his head. I beat him most of the time, but not always.”

Jordan has just helped J.D. to brainstorm ideas for the barber battle. Together, the two friends devise this plan as a way for J.D. to challenge Henry Jr. for the right to cut hair. “Madden” refers to the Madden NFL video game developed by EA Sports, and J.D.’s observations again offer insight into Jordan’s character. J.D. admits that he beats Jordan most of the time, but not all of the time, and this statement suggests that Jordan chooses not to dedicate the full extent of his intelligence toward the game. However, Jordan shows his creativity when he helps J.D. to devise the terms of the barber battle.

“‘Well, are you going to think of something or just say “Ain’t gonna work” to everything I say?!’ I shouted.

‘Maybe if you think of something that WILL work, then I’ll say something different,’ he replied.”

This exchange between J.D. and Jordan is another example of their sometimes volatile friendship dynamic. Prior to this, J.D. offered several ideas about the competition, and Jordan logically explained why each one wouldn’t work. After a few repetitions of this, J.D. grows annoyed and reacts explosively, but rather than arguing with him, Jordan maintains an objective tone, and his response indicates a deeper patience and intelligence than he typically shows to others. The exchange also shows that despite their disagreements, J.D. and Jordan accomplish more when they work as a team.

“Henry Jr.:

If you want me to stop cutting hair in my room, then you need to beat me in a competition.

If I win, you will leave me alone.

If you win, I will stop cutting hair.

P.S. I make the rules. You agree to them.

CHECK ☐ YES OR ☐ NO”

This is the note J.D. gives Henry Jr to initiate the barber battle. The style of the note shows that, as much as J.D. tries to act like a shrewd businessperson, he is still a young boy with childish views and desires. The “check yes or no” line is reminiscent of the notes that children typically pass to one another in class, and J.D.’s peremptory tone and selfish mindset also reveal his youth and inexperience. However, because Henry Jr. responds to the note in kind, it is clear that both he and J.D. are emotionally invested in the idea of the competition.

“‘So who are you going to get to judge this?’ Jordan asked.

I hadn’t thought about that yet.

‘I don’t know,’ I said. ‘The crowd?’

‘That ain’t gonna work,’ Jordan replied. That must be his favorite thing to say!

‘What if he invites more people than you?’

I hadn’t thought of that, either.”

In this exchange, Jordan and J.D. struggle to consider the practical details of the competition, and Jordan’s quick response proves that he has a more sophisticated understanding of how people think and behave. This passage also shows that J.D. is too emotionally invested in the competition to think logically and objectively. Rather than considering how the contest will work, J.D. can only focus on what a victory will mean for his own life. Thus, when Jordan approaches him with questions about logistics, J.D. has no good answers to provide.

“I had my judges! And they already liked me and my grandma!

‘We’d have no problem judging the contest for you, young man, but we’re going to be fair. Don’t think just because I know your grandmother that I’m going to let you win!’”

Here, J.D. has secured his contest judges—two of his grandma’s friends who work at the local beauty school. Because J.D. is too emotionally invested in the competition, his first thought is that he has an advantage because he knows the judges. However, this moment of dialogue proves that people with less to lose are far more logical about the competition. Like Jordan, the judge is logical not swayed by J.D.’s emotions.

“I suddenly started to worry. In fact, I started to sweat. Henry Jr. probably had better clippers than I did. He had a whole barbershop of tools! I didn’t remember to put what type of equipment we could use in my rules.”

The morning of the competition is the first time that J.D. fully acknowledges all of the possibilities of his situation, and rather than feeling cocky and arrogant, he suddenly feels nervous. Up until now, J.D. has been boldly confident in his victory, but here, he starts to imagine everything that could go wrong, and he finally acknowledges that unlike him, Henry Jr. has years of experience and an array of professional tools. J.D. also realizes just how thin his contest rules really are. These thoughts and concerns highlight J.D.’s lack of life experience and show the importance of thinking things through before committing to them.

“The only time I had performed in front of a crowd by myself was during the school Christmas play in second grade when I played Joseph. I dropped the fake baby Jesus when I was handing the doll to the girl who played Mary and everyone laughed. Being on stage in front of people was nothing like being on the football team when no one could even tell who you were!”

Right before the competition begins, J.D. realizes how many people are in the audience, and this thought contributes to his nervousness. This passage also discusses the different types of performance. J.D. is used to performing in football, where he wears a helmet and feels insulated from the crowd recognizing him unless he wants to be recognized. By contrast, he cannot hide during the competition, which he likens to being in a play. In this moment, J.D. realizes there is much more to the competition than winning or losing. There is also every moment of the battle itself, in which he will be watched and judged by family, friends, and members of the community.

“‘I made a hundred dollars cash today, Grandma,’ I said.

The tone of Grandma’s voice changed.

‘Well, good boy, save your money. But try to figure out a way to cut hair without disrupting this house,’ she said. ‘And now you can pay me back for all the toilet paper you took.’”

After winning the barber battle, J.D. thinks he will simply be living the victor’s dream, but this exchange with his grandma forces him to acknowledge the realities of running a business and obtaining supplies for his work. Not only does he have more clients, but he suddenly has business expenses, such as paying his family back for the household items that he has so wantonly used. In this moment, J.D. realizes that cutting hair professionally involves much more than spending time with his friends and buying things that he wants.

“The New Meridian Buffet had only been open a few weeks. It still had a Grand Opening sign outside lined with colorful flags.

Whenever anything new came to Meridian, everyone went. Black, white, rich, poor—it was always an event.”

Here, J.D. is going out to dinner at a new restaurant with his family. His description of the restaurant offers new context about his small town. New things come to town so rarely that a business can keep its claim of novelty for weeks, as evidenced by the flags here. New attractions in J.D.’s town also break down cultural and racial barriers. No matter who people are, a new business offers a unique experience and a break from the old routine. J.D.’s barber battle also falls into this category; the event was exciting for the town, which is why so many people came to watch and why the result had such a strong effect on the community.

“Henry Jr. looked into his tip jar to take inventory.

A tip jar. Why hadn’t I thought of that?”

J.D. has this revelation when he discusses the partnership opportunity with Henry Jr. This passage shows both Henry Jr.’s business sense and J.D.’s inexperience. The presence of a tip jar shows that Henry Jr. has given thought to other ways to make some extra income from his business. By contrast, J.D. has never thought of using such a basic concept, and he is amazed by this simple yet brilliant business idea. The scene foreshadows the fact that Henry Jr. and J.D.’s new arrangement will be mutually beneficial. Henry Jr. has a much greater understanding of business matters, and J.D.’s unique artistic style will attract a younger client base to the shop.

“The night before my first day at Hart and Son, I packed all the essentials: my video game console, my jar of candy, and a set of photographs of current hairstyles to put up on Henry Jr.’s wall. I didn’t exactly know who’d come in for a cut or what it would be like to work beside Henry Jr., but I was about to find out.”

This list of things that J.D. brings to work on his first day at Hart and Son shows his lack of business experience, but it also indicates that he understands younger clients far better than Henry Jr. The pictures of current hairstyles show that J.D. is thinking about his customers, and he also recognizes that not every client will know what they want. By contrast, the candy and video game console reveal that J.D. does not understand what it takes to present a professional image. He will not have any time to play video games or eat candy while he is working, but because people enjoyed these items at his home barbershop, he assumes that they are appropriate for his new job at Hart and Son.