Written by Claribel A. Ortega
Illustrated by Rose Bousamra
New York: First Second Books, 2022. Graphic Novel. 212pgs.
Marlene goes with her mother every Sunday to have her hair straightened. She hates it, but her mother insists on her having "good hair". Marlene doesn't understand why her curls are considered bad, especially when having straight hair means sitting through the torturous straightening process and not doing fun things like dancing, which makes her a little sweaty and her hair a lot more curly. Her Tia Ruby is her idol and most importantly, has the most beautiful, big curly hair.
This comic book is all about being yourself and embracing your beauty. Marlene learns that having curly hair isn't a bad thing. After a few embarrassing hair days and some uncomfortable talks with her mother, Marlene learns how to take care of her curls from her Tia Ruby and feels more herself than ever before! This inspiring tale will teach us all that we are more than just how our hair is styled or what we look like. We don't have to hide ourselves away for what others deem presentable or appropriate.
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