Book Review: Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega

Curly hair can be a pain. It's big. It's frizzy. And it never quite does what you want. It is also beautiful and special. Marlene doesn't want to keep straighten her hair so that she looks "presentable", she wants to love her curls as they are, but she will need some support from her Tia Ruby and friend Camilla to find the courage to be her best self, FRIZZY hair and all. 
 

For young girls, like myself, with curly hair this book has been long awaited! Society has ingrained what hair "should" look like and for that reason many young girls spend hours trying to achieve that look while masking one of the best parts of themselves. Watching Marlene learn how to care for her natural hair, you can feel her anxiety over doing something she is not supposed to do and freedom as she chooses how she wants her hair to look. Hair is a tie to culture and Ortega artfully shows how hair plays into the perception more strongly in certain communities, especially those of color. Marlene goes from being oppressed by her hair t freed by it and many young readers with curls, coils, twists, and waves will find inspiration in that process. 

"Ortega masterfully navigates topics like anti-Blackness and oppressive beauty standards passed down through generations. Bousamra’s eye-catching color scheme, dominated by soft shades of pink and blue, and expressive illustrations showing Marlene’s vibrant community are the perfect vessel for this story. An especially tender scene in which Marlene finally experiences a pain-free wash day speaks volumes about the healing themes present throughout this graphic novel. Marlene’s journey of personal growth will evoke catharsis and joy. An exquisite excavation of hair politics, family dynamics, and self-love." - Kirkus

Book Information:

Ortega, C. (2022). FRIZZY. Illustrated by Rose Bousamra. New York: Scholastic. IBSN 9781339007700

What next?

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