I really enjoyed this title. Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for giving the opportunity to review.

Main character Charlie starts off like alot of pre-teens/teens wanting be to anyone but herself. A new school and a new opportunity to change herself just may not be want she needs at all. When she meets the Curlfriends she will learn more about herself than she thought possible. I really enjoyed reading this book and all the memories it brought back about making friends, growing up, and being yourself. It teaches a valuable lesson on liking who you are first and foremost and not worrying about what others think or may say. I hope it is just the beggining of a great new series.

Curlfriends: New in Town is the story of Charlie, who after living her life as a military child, is getting one last first day in her new town. She wants to make sure she makes the right impression on everyone, carefully choosing the perfect outfit and hairstyle. Naturally, a spilled bucket of water causes the first day to not quite go as expected. Charlie does, however, connect with a group of three friends and works really hard to find her place in this new possible friend group. The story is a great depiction of middle school that lots of young girls will see themselves in - trying to fit in while still being yourself, trying to find your way when everything is new, and trying to figure out just what being a friend means.

The illustrations in the book were well done (I particularly liked the mini heads that appeared on text to show you who was talking if they weren't in the bigger picture!) and the colors were great. I loved the four main characters and the different personalities they brought to the table. I thought the struggles and challenges of being a middle schooler (at a new school) were spot on and that Charlie's parents were excellent - supportive but also navigating the new world of middle school with their daughter. I teach at a school that serves military students and it was nice to see their story reflected here. And I LOVED that the four main characters were all girls of color. A great book! (And my 11 year old enjoyed it as well!)

Making new friends when you’ve moved around a ton but your are finally settling in a town is hard. Charlie wants to be liked but at first she tries to be who she thinks others want her to be. I loved this middle grade graphic novel about friendship and being true to yourself.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order next year and will recommend it to students once we have it. I cannot wait to see some of my students reading this book!

Reviewed for NetGalley:

Honest review from my 10 year old daughter:

Such a great plot and beautiful illustrations. I read it twice back to back, could not get enough.

I can't wait to get this graphic novel on the shelf for people to read! The art style was adorable and I loved the story line. It will touch a lot of children who have experienced this.

Curlfriends is a great book for anyone who has ever been the new kid in school. Charlie gets a clean start when her family moves back to her parents hometown. When her first day doesn't start out as planned Charlie becomes anxious. Then, Nola comes in the bathroom and helps fix Charlie's hair. Soon Charlie is brought into Nola's friend group, though she isn't sold that they're actually friends. Charlie spends her time anxiously trying to fit in. Lying about what she likes and what she doesn't like. Soon it all comes to a head and Charlie has a choice to make. Be herself and see where it goes, or continue to lie. A wonderful story about new friendships and finding out that the best version of you, already exists.

We absolutely need more graphic novels like this in the reading world. The representation is amazing and I know that often times books are white-washed, but this book represents a wide diverse range of girls. I can see this becoming very popular in my library and I will HIGHLY recommend this book be purchased for circulation.

Although I enjoyed reading this graphic novel, I found myself being annoyed by MC's behavior until I realized... omg.... she is me! I am her! lol Middle school can be just as difficult as high school, especially when you are the new girl. Everyone has already made friends, chosen their lunch tablemates, and all the good seats in class are taken. Well, I used to be. Charlie, an army brat, is a new girl trying her hardest to fit in and in doing so she makes a mess of things. I enjoyed the comic of age elements and the diversity of her friend groups (as well as the other students in the graphic).

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

My 11 year old will love this. Friends, hair, fashion, insecurities, and boba! Many girls will relate to the desire to transform their image, trying to fit in, and being embarrassed about liking childish things. I hope it’s a series. ARC from NetGalley

I loved this graphic novel! I would love to see more with these characters.
Charlie has had a hard time fitting in because they move a lot because her dad is in the military.
Now he has retired and they moved back to his hometown. Charlie feels like if she puts on different outfits and does things a magazine says, she'll find more friends and fit in better.
But she soon learns that being yourself if the best way to make friendships that will last.
The graphics in this we're great too! Such a good book about making friends and being yourself.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

5 🌟
This graphic novel was so cute. The relationships that grew and the new ones that formed. Definitely going to get a physical copy once it releases because this was really down to earth. This is perfect for the kids who are having trouble making friends. This would shine light on be true to who you are and the good ones will follow.

All in all it was a great short read even for an adult it was an eye opener.

I enjoyed reading this fantastic graphic novel! It reminded me of Wash Day Diaries but with a more middle-grade feel. The characters in the story are adorable, and I loved how they dealt with the anxieties of starting at a new school. Charlie's transformation from a shy new kid to a confident young girl who embraces her true self is truly inspiring. I could relate to Charlie's experiences because I was once in the same position, afraid to reveal my true self to others. It would have been amazing to have a book like this when I was younger, reminding me to be authentic and not worry about what others think. The real ones will love you for who you are.