Frizzy, Claribel A. Ortega, Rose Bousmara (Graphic Novel Review)

Summary: Frizzy

In Frizzy, young Marlene hates the salon where her mom takes her to get her natural curls straightened weekly. Marlene’s mom and some in their circle/family believe that “good hair” is straight hair. Marlene’s mom wants her to focus on school and look “tidy” by having her hair straight and slick. But Marlene isn’t so sure. She sees an internet influencer and her favorite aunt, Tia Ruby rocking their curls and is eager to try. But her first attempt fails woefully. With Tia Ruby’s hair, Marlene learns to care for her natural hair better and embrace her curls.

The Good

Throughout the story, Marlene worries about whether her hair is good enough and beautiful, which is the story’s main theme. Anyone with curly or coily hair has probably struggled with this issue. Society tells girls that curly hair is “unkempt” and “frizzy,” but in reality, many of the conventional methods of hair care don’t work for curly hair — which needs to be handled in a unique way.

Marlene’s mother has an interesting history with her hair, and since her husband’s (and Marlene’s father’s) death, has found it difficult to manage Marlene’s hair since her husband always did Marlene’s hair. I loved getting to understand the reasons behind her actions and seeing her come to terms with Marlene’s hair choices.

This is one of those graphic novels whose illustration style I actually loved. Major props to illustrator Rose Bousamra! My one con with this book is that not much of anything besides the hair journey happens. Finally, I loved Marlene’s friendship with Camila and her relationship with Tia Ruby. Marlene is Latina so we get that big-family feel and Latin-American culture with Marlene’s extended family.

Overall: Frizzy

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.