Frizzy - Claribel A. Ortega

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega

Bibliography: 

Ortega, C. A. (2022). Frizzy. First Second. 

Plot Summary: 

Tired of going to the salon to have her curls straightened every weekend, Marlene slowly learns to embrace her natural curly hair with the help of her best friend and favorite aunt.

Critical Analysis:

This middle grade graphic novel is a vibrant, sweet, and compelling story about being true to who you are even when there are pressures not to be. The artwork was awesome and I loved the panels including the main character’s vision of herself as a super hero. Marlene is a young Dominican girl who has thick, curly hair. Every week her mother makes her go to the salon to get it straightened so she can look more professional and “look her best”. Marlene hates every second of it and doesn’t feel like herself with the straight hair. She goes through a lot to try to figure out how to please her mother, not be bullied, and feel comfortable with herself. The messaging in this story is so beautiful, and one I think more people need to hear. Even well intentioned adults who focus too much on physical beauty standards can cause harm in the children around them.

Review Excerpt: 

Kirkus (starred review)

Marlene’s journey of personal growth will evoke catharsis and joy. An exquisite excavation of hair politics, family dynamics, and self-love.

The Horn Book

Ortega’s narrative shows the complex arc of Marlene’s emotional growth―from exuberance to sadness, self-reflection to empowerment―captured with aplomb in Bousamra’s expressive illustrations.

Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

Bousamra skillfully renders expressive and visually distinct characters, employing bright and cheerful coloring in pastel hues to sweetly capture touching moments. Ortega expertly examines themes of colorism, generational trauma, and toxic beauty standards via authentic, heartstring-tugging dialogue and Marlene’s pitch-perfect narration, culminating in a satisfying and heartwarming exploration of self-expression and self-love.

Connections:

Black History Month - February

A Genre Unit over Graphic Novels

SEL - Self-Esteem and Self-Reliance - Social Themes