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books_inthewild's review against another edition
5.0
One of my new favourite middle-grade graphic novels.
So glad I found this one- and apt timing, for National Hispanic Heritage Month! :)
This has everything you love in a great graphic novel- vivid, expressive illustrations, relatable & diverse characters, humour, friendship struggles, and a family who loves each other & works through their problems together.
The major theme in this one is recognizing & appreciating the uniqueness of ourselves. I like the message that appearances “shouldn’t matter”, but sometimes it feels like they do (to ourselves, or to our family, or to people around us). So, we can find ways to showcase who we are on the inside, and embrace the unique and special qualities that make us US!
Perfect for grades 4-7.
So glad I found this one- and apt timing, for National Hispanic Heritage Month! :)
This has everything you love in a great graphic novel- vivid, expressive illustrations, relatable & diverse characters, humour, friendship struggles, and a family who loves each other & works through their problems together.
The major theme in this one is recognizing & appreciating the uniqueness of ourselves. I like the message that appearances “shouldn’t matter”, but sometimes it feels like they do (to ourselves, or to our family, or to people around us). So, we can find ways to showcase who we are on the inside, and embrace the unique and special qualities that make us US!
Perfect for grades 4-7.
happylilkt's review against another edition
3.0
OBOB 2025 (Grades 3-5) 3 stars
This was mostly just okay for me, maybe 2.5 stars for the writing/story and 4 stars for the artwork?
Obviously from the cover alone you know that the hair in this book is GLORIOUS.
But sadly that's just not enough for me... The entire time I was reading this I couldn't forget that there was an author—I couldn't really get lost in the story / characters. Because, frankly, there wasn't much. This book felt like an assignment to "write a story that helps a girl accept her natural hair" (extra credit if she also brings intergenerational healing to her family!) instead of what I hoped it would be—a character-driven story about a girl with awesome natural hair. And I really hoped the title of the book was her sassy nickname. Spoiler alert: it's not.
So, it's FINE. I'm disappointed, but it's fine. I just feel like that uptight parent/coach/teacher/authority figure who knows the potential/ capability of the MC and expects more from them. (Any chance this muddled metaphor is working...?) So even though it is a graphic novel for middle grade readers and it's probably not fair to have such a high standard, I do. I just want the BEST for kids every time. So, I admit it: I'm too harsh and judgy. So you should probably not join me in my stick-in-the-mud opinion, but instead opt to be the fun aunt/babysitter/authority figure who accepts this book for what it is and the healing it brings. Just excuse me while I sulk in the corner.
Note: This graphic novel has a very strong narrative throughout and would probably work better than most GNs for an audiobook adaptation.
This was mostly just okay for me, maybe 2.5 stars for the writing/story and 4 stars for the artwork?
Obviously from the cover alone you know that the hair in this book is GLORIOUS.
But sadly that's just not enough for me... The entire time I was reading this I couldn't forget that there was an author—I couldn't really get lost in the story / characters. Because, frankly, there wasn't much. This book felt like an assignment to "write a story that helps a girl accept her natural hair" (extra credit if she also brings intergenerational healing to her family!) instead of what I hoped it would be—a character-driven story about a girl with awesome natural hair. And I really hoped the title of the book was her sassy nickname. Spoiler alert: it's not.
So, it's FINE. I'm disappointed, but it's fine. I just feel like that uptight parent/coach/teacher/authority figure who knows the potential/ capability of the MC and expects more from them. (Any chance this muddled metaphor is working...?) So even though it is a graphic novel for middle grade readers and it's probably not fair to have such a high standard, I do. I just want the BEST for kids every time. So, I admit it: I'm too harsh and judgy. So you should probably not join me in my stick-in-the-mud opinion, but instead opt to be the fun aunt/babysitter/authority figure who accepts this book for what it is and the healing it brings. Just excuse me while I sulk in the corner.
Note: This graphic novel has a very strong narrative throughout and would probably work better than most GNs for an audiobook adaptation.
librarylandlisa's review against another edition
3.0
This was a delightful read, though not my favorite from this author. My favorite still is Ghost Squad. I think that there will be a lot of kids that love and relate to this graphic novel and I am excited to share it with patrons.
sunflowerhexe's review against another edition
4.5
Was it a bit heavy handed? Sure but it’s for middle schoolers and it made me teary eyed. I loved it a lot.
the_readingraven's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? N/A
5.0
I loved Frizzy! I want to give Marlene the biggest hug! 😭 It makes me so happy that books like this are out there for kiddos to read.
danidearr's review
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
vdiviesti's review against another edition
5.0
This book is exactly what I needed growing up. In elementary school I was the only kid with curly hair. When I got to middle school everyone was straightening their hair and I thought I had to too. I didn't know what to do with my curls, just like Marlene. I wished for "good hair" every single day.
This book hit racism, generational trauma, bullying, and so much more. Truly positive ending. I can't wait to purchase this for my classroom!
ARC received from Netgalley.
This book hit racism, generational trauma, bullying, and so much more. Truly positive ending. I can't wait to purchase this for my classroom!
ARC received from Netgalley.