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kalypsowolf's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Nothing makes me wholesome cry like a middle grade graphic novel. This story is such a good example of generational trauma explained in a straightforward and extremely digestible way.
While I can't fully relate to the needing to straighten my hair to look "presentable" (read that with the biggest eye roll ever) I did deal with a lot of frizz from having wavy hair that i just did not know how to properly care for and honestly still don't if I'm being honest. I've just embraced the chaos that is my hair atp. I have people close to me who do have very curly hair and I've witnessed the struggle of them trying to figure out what products work for them when so many common tips and products really only cater to very straight, very white hair.
This is just such an important read especially for younger kids struggling to accept the parts of themselves that aren't seen in the typical western beauty standards.
And those illustrations? Beautiful.
As much as I love middle grade graphic novels, this did read a little young for me personally, but I'm also a 25 year old reading this so obviously that's a me problem.
While I can't fully relate to the needing to straighten my hair to look "presentable" (read that with the biggest eye roll ever) I did deal with a lot of frizz from having wavy hair that i just did not know how to properly care for and honestly still don't if I'm being honest. I've just embraced the chaos that is my hair atp. I have people close to me who do have very curly hair and I've witnessed the struggle of them trying to figure out what products work for them when so many common tips and products really only cater to very straight, very white hair.
This is just such an important read especially for younger kids struggling to accept the parts of themselves that aren't seen in the typical western beauty standards.
And those illustrations? Beautiful.
As much as I love middle grade graphic novels, this did read a little young for me personally, but I'm also a 25 year old reading this so obviously that's a me problem.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
sarahthewebnerd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Body shaming, and Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Classism and Racism
nahimgood's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
hullomoon's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
4.75
I came across this book at work, read it in one setting, and cried.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Body shaming, and Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent and Misogyny
erinwolf1997's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent
lizziaha's review against another edition
4.25
cool (probably) gay aunt character ate
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Body shaming
Moderate: Racism
kaylaboevers's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
dominicangirl's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying
serendipity421's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
mariakureads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Having curly hair and loving it, I totally understand Marlene.... and her hair troubles as well as other people's snide remarks.
Personally I love my hair and I love that there are more books about self-acceptance in today's market. Being able to accept yourself is one thing that a lot of people struggle with, add in school bullies and your own family, well sometimes it's not so easy to express.
It's an odd thing how many other Latinos I've spoken with that had similar experiences that expression wasn't welcomed, it was in my house and we were vocal bout a lot, so seeing Marlene not being able to tell her own mom how she was feeling, how she WAS made to feel by other family members, and how she was being bullied for something so natural at school made my heart hurt.
I loved that eventually, not only was she able to really love herself and her hair, but she adapted to the changes with her Tia's help and was able to talk to her mom and have a heartfelt heart to heart.
Also, need to shout out that I loved the illustration style of Rose Bousamra and the color choices throughout the comic. It was beautiful and i feel like a perfect blend of images and words for the age group this is targeted towards!
Personally I love my hair and I love that there are more books about self-acceptance in today's market. Being able to accept yourself is one thing that a lot of people struggle with, add in school bullies and your own family, well sometimes it's not so easy to express.
It's an odd thing how many other Latinos I've spoken with that had similar experiences that expression wasn't welcomed, it was in my house and we were vocal bout a lot, so seeing Marlene not being able to tell her own mom how she was feeling, how she WAS made to feel by other family members, and how she was being bullied for something so natural at school made my heart hurt.
I loved that eventually, not only was she able to really love herself and her hair, but she adapted to the changes with her Tia's help and was able to talk to her mom and have a heartfelt heart to heart.
Also, need to shout out that I loved the illustration style of Rose Bousamra and the color choices throughout the comic. It was beautiful and i feel like a perfect blend of images and words for the age group this is targeted towards!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Bullying