Frizzy’s illustrations are something else–such beauty! I feel like character development is slightly wanting, especially compared to other excellent realistic graphic novels from 2022.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc. This was beautiful, thoughtful, and so [redacted] necessary. Although I admit I am bias as someone with natural, textured hair. I could have used this book when I was younger as the target audience to help learn self-acceptance earlier, especially pre-adolescence. Seeing Marlene getting all the love and support she could possibly get while helping her navigate an idea of who she is especially in the eyes of other people. It was teary, emotional, and beautifully heartwarming. I can't wait till the paperback comes out. Couldn't recommend it more.

An amazing graphic about one girls fight to be herself regardless of what those around her think. Marlene does not like getting her hair straighten every week, but her mother says it is a necessary part of growing up, Marlene looks up to her Tia Ruby and when Marlene sees Tia Ruby wearing her curly hair naturally, Marlene sets out to show her mother that she is not only growing up, but she wants to wear her hair naturally, A great graphic about navigating the preteen and teen years and learning how to be yourself and the struggles one might have and how to work to overcome those struggles.

Marlene learns there is no such thing as "good hair" when her aunt teaches her to embrace her curls and love herself.

While I think this book would appeal to many readers, I could not personally get into it. I adore the cover and think the title is very cute.

This book was amazing! The illustrations were vivacious and radiant. This story is about Marlene's journey to accept her curly hair. There are few mishaps along the way. This book was unexpectedly very heart touching as well as heartwarming. A very important book on self-acceptance. Highly recommend this one!

Marlene does not like how her mother forces her to straighten her hair, which turns out to have some generational connections as she finds out on her journey of being herself. This story, while focused on hair and how it can be treated, is so much more than that. It's about family and being true to yourself. It's amazing what we learn when we find the right people. Marlene's aunt is a great supporter and it's helpful that there was someone to show the way for Marlene. Well done!

A solid read. The intent is clear - a takedown of the idea of "good hair". I like that the negativity comes from a variety of characters here. It takes a few people supporting the protagonist, encouraging her to love herself, to begin to break through all of the negativity. And because the family is Afro-Carribean the book is able to address colorism and anti-blackness from multiple perspectives. Well worth reading.

I didn't like it in the beginning, but it grew on me. Definitely relatable. Loved the illustrations!

This graphic novel is amazing. I already had high expectations because I love Claribel A. Ortega's books, but this was even better than I hoped. It is culturally rich and beautifully illustrated and tells an amazing story of finding oneself.

This book is absolutely phenomenal in every way. A beautiful story about loving ourselves the way we are and finding joy in our cultural differences.

Another incredible read by Ortega! Coming to terms with curly hair is a topic that’s very close to mine and my daughter’s hearts and I loved this heartfelt story. I have loved everything that Claribel has written so far and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

OUTSTANDING!! This graphic novel encompasses so many journeys and emotion of hair. As Marlene learns to love and embrace her curls, she also learns the hardships of her mother and why going to the hair salon every week was important to her. I absolutely fell in love with Tia Ruby and the important role she played in Marlene's life. This story shows that sometimes it takes someone's consistent guidance and support to break unwanted traditions. Belongs in ALL the classrooms around the world!!

A timely story of self-acceptance and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. The realistic portrayal of family dynamics makes this book quite approachable and children of many cultures will see themselves reflected in the pages.

I loved this graphic novel! Very realistic about how hard it is to change your parents mind about an opinion they formed when they were a teen. I love that she had an aunt she could talk to that understands her and how she finally had the nerve to stand up for herself.

Frizzy is a delightful, thought-provoking graphic novel about natural hair, self-acceptance, and body image. It underscores the value of positive role models who accept –and even love — their physical features. If you love graphic novels, stories about hair and culture, and books featuring strong female protagonists, you’ll enjoy this book.

Nothing but rave reviews from my daughter about this book. I loved the premise because I have a head of curly hair. The illustrations are great. We love graphic novels at my house! Pick this up if you have a kid who loves graphic novels as well. Thanks NEtGalley for the ARC.

Love the illustrations. This story has high impact despite being light on the plot. It was good that the root of these confusing messages Marlene receives about her appearance were explained by her aunt. And that she learned to express herself and stand up for herself in the end. I was a little bummed when I found out the editor brought this story to Ortega and it wasn't her own but the characters are Dominican as is Ortega.

A middle grade graphic novel about Marlene, a young girl who stops straightening her hair and embraces her natural curls.

Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila.

Fantastic graphic novel! My students are fighting over it, excited that there is a character on the cover that looks like them. Claribel A. Ortega is a fantastic writer too!