Frizzy

Many young readers face pressures to conform to societal standards of appearance, especially regarding natural hair textures. In Frizzy, Marlene, a young Dominican girl, encounters this challenge through her weekly salon visits.

The story delves into Marlene's frustration with straightening her curls to meet her mother's expectations of 'presentable' hair. She cherishes books, her Tía Ruby, and time with best friend Camila, yet struggles to see the beauty in her frizzy curls amid external judgments. This middle grade graphic novel explores the emotional toll of such conformity and the journey toward self-acceptance.

Created by New York Times-bestselling author Claribel A. Ortega and debut artist Rose Bousamra, Frizzy portrays Marlene's triumphs with support from Camila and Tía Ruby. It highlights the power of embracing one's natural self, including frizzy curls. As an award winner among graphic novels, the book offers a heartwarming narrative on race and identity for middle grade audiences. Also available in Spanish as Rizos.