Frizzy

Marlene's journey of personal growth will evoke catharsis and joy. An exquisite excavation of hair politics, family dynamics, and self-love.

Frizzy touches upon the impact that hurtful beauty standards can have on children and how they can be perpetuated across generations, and an educational conversation on the connection between these beauty standards and anti-Blackness is neatly woven into the story.

Gr 4-8--Every Sunday, Marlene and her mom visit the dreaded salon for a day of hair-pulling and the unforgiving heat of the hair dryer. Because her hair needs to look pretty for her older cousin's quinceañera, the Afro-Dominican tween has to go for a second round of hair straightening, otherwise she won't look presentable in her family's eyes. While the adults marvel at her cousin's "good" hair--straight and blond--Marlene doesn't understand why her curls aren't good enough. With the help of her like-minded friend and her forward-thinking aunt, Marlene embraces herself, inside and out. In the creators' graphic novel debut, themes of anti-Blackness, colorism, and self-acceptance are explored with nuance and honesty. The subject of internalized racism is discussed in a way that will resonate with kids and families grappling with it for the first time. Bullying and grief are some of the other issues addressed. Ortega's writing is pitch-perfect for middle grade; she gives Marlene an extra layer of vulnerability that tweens will recognize. Bousamra's candy-colored palette of pinks, purples, blues, and coppers makes this sweet coming-of-age tale even more accessible and welcoming. The characters' facial expressions and the dynamic panel design keep the narrative flowing. Readers with curly hair will want to take notes as Marlene's aunt teaches her how to style her hair. Marlene has brown skin, and her family members have a variety of hair textures and skin colors. VERDICT An excellent choice for all graphic novel collections. Give to those who are not ready for Elizabeth Acevedo's books.--Shelley M. Diaz

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Ortega's narrative shows the complex arc of Marlene's emotional growth--from exuberance to sadness, self-reflection to empowerment--captured with aplomb in Bousamra's expressive illustrations. 

Dominican middle schooler Marlene tackles Eurocentric and anti-Afrolatinx beauty standards in this empowering graphic novel by Ortega (Witchlings) and debut creator Bousamra. Going to the salon for a blowout is "the worst part of the week" for Marlene, who has naturally curly hair. After a ruined blowout results in disparaging comments about her hair at her "perfect" older cousin's quince, Marlene decides to make a change. Seeking a new look, Marlene and Latinx best friend Cam, who has wavy hair, look up curly hair tutorials on YouTube. But when Marlene struggles to follow the complicated steps, her self-confidence falters. To cheer her up, Marlene's mother sends her to visit Tía Ruby, her mother's cool younger sister, who unabashedly embraces her hair texture and helps Marlene to confront her family's beauty expectations. Bousamra skillfully renders expressive and visually distinct characters, employing bright and cheerful coloring in pastel hues to sweetly capture touching moments. Ortega expertly examines themes of colorism, generational trauma, and toxic beauty standards via authentic, heartstring-tugging dialogue and Marlene's pitch-perfect narration, culminating in a satisfying and heartwarming exploration of self-expression and self-love. Ages 8-12. Agents: (for Ortega) Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary; (for Bousamra) Tamara Kawar, DeFiore & Co. (Oct.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

A wonderful tale about what it truly means to have good hair . . . and a good heart. —Varian Johnson, award-winning author of Twins

I desperately wish I'd had a book like this when I was growing up. Frizzy is uplifting, affirming, and healing to all kids who love their curls. Curly hair power! —Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter

Through warm, encouraging collaboration, creators Ortega and Bousamra underscore and celebrate the joys of being beautiful in your own way. —Shelf Awareness