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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.
mitskacir's review against another edition
3.0
Picked this up because of the art - it was really cute, expressive, and had such a warm and fizzy color pallet. I think this is a great book for middle age readers - it had a lot of important things to say about self-acceptance, internalized racism, friendship, family, and being true to yourself.
There was one thing that I was curious about, as someone who has not had the same experiences with hair as Marlene: There are a lot of racially diverse characters in this book, even at Marlene's school. Many people are drawn with curly hair, including some of her teachers and celebrities on posters. Would a girl like Marlene really be bullied for her hair in a place like this? Would she really have no friends with similar hair to her? I think the book did a great job of explaining why her mother forced Marlene to the salon every week, but the reasons behind her peer's bullying wasn't as clear. I am genuinely interested in learning more about perceptions of hair even in racially diverse communities and about the experiences of kids with curly hair.
There was one thing that I was curious about, as someone who has not had the same experiences with hair as Marlene: There are a lot of racially diverse characters in this book, even at Marlene's school. Many people are drawn with curly hair, including some of her teachers and celebrities on posters. Would a girl like Marlene really be bullied for her hair in a place like this? Would she really have no friends with similar hair to her? I think the book did a great job of explaining why her mother forced Marlene to the salon every week, but the reasons behind her peer's bullying wasn't as clear. I am genuinely interested in learning more about perceptions of hair even in racially diverse communities and about the experiences of kids with curly hair.