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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.
inkbunnie's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5
A girl is tired of getting her hair straightened and having to conform to European standards of beauty and anti-blackness in this graphic novel.
She leans to lover herself, her hair and her blackness. It was great, but made my heart hurt.
She leans to lover herself, her hair and her blackness. It was great, but made my heart hurt.
sarahdkdc's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Everything Claribel A. Ortega writes, I desperately wish I could have read as a child. A beautiful little graphic novel about hair, self-acceptance, and loss. I only wish it was longer!
thefantasticalworldofsara's review against another edition
5.0
I nearly cried on the bus reading this; such an amazing story about how beauty standards are very white centered and how to come to terms with that and find beauty in yourself if you don't fit those standards.
The conversation Marlene has with her mom near the end is the part that almost got me because it was so honest and full of understanding
The conversation Marlene has with her mom near the end is the part that almost got me because it was so honest and full of understanding