Two years ago, Holmes participated in Back to School Bash. He was holding down two jobs at the time — one with the city's public works department, the other as a barber. Saturday was his busiest hair-cutting day, but he chose to donate his time and give free haircuts to kids from poor families so they'd look neat and clear on that first day of classes. But then an idea hit him — "The kids should earn their free haircut by having to read a book to me," Holmes said.

The idea was so popular that he continued it the first Tuesday of every month for the next two years. Boys from five to ten years old would grab a favorite book, settle into the barber chair, and read aloud while Holmes was doing their hair. If they found a word obscure, Holmes was there to help. After the haircut, they'd review the book, from the characters and vocabulary to the themes — just like in school, only more fun. Holmes, who is married and has two sons, ages three and four, recognizes that not every parent has the time to read with their kids. Holmes admits he, too, benefits from the process.

Holmes and his family have recently moved to a small town in Chicago. When they get settled, he plans to take up his role as the Story-book Barber. "The way the world is today with guns and violence," he says. "It's a safe heaven for the kids, to come to the barbershop and read books."