Words carry hidden meaning in both the real world and Elizabeth Acevedo and Andrea Pippins’ Inheritance. The poem is based on one common recommendation—to ‘fix’ Black hair—and the cultural and hereditary disregard that it implies. 

The illustrations, created by Andrea Pippins, significantly add to the poem and contain their own hidden symbols from hair, creating images of ships as Acevedo addresses the “shipwrecked” history behind hair and a curl of hair straightening as it stretches across pages. 

The book also frequently repeats the phrase “what they really mean is:”, again highlighting the hidden meanings behind others’ words—hidden meanings that, at times, can cut down and be disregardful of the cultural heritage of those who receive them. Many of the true meanings of phrases are questions as well. These include questions over the decision to choose more ‘trouble’ for love by marrying another Black person. 

Inheritance is a moving piece of poetry that sums up the true problem at the end: the suggestion about Black hair implies that there’s something wrong that requires fixing. Full of impactful themes of pride in one’s heritage and the importance of cultural perseverance and appreciation through one simple, seemingly innocuous comment, the visual poem can be the perfect read for those looking for a book like its premise in that it’s short and seems simple—until readers take a closer look.