As someone who has curly hair, I feel Marlene's pain. Luckily, I didn't have a mom or anyone who tried to make it straight all the time, but I wanted it straight myself. It makes me really sad that everyone wants her to change her hair to their standards of beautiful. It sounds like she finally figures her hair out and does what she wants to make herself happy. I don't read Middle Grade or graphic novels though, so this isn't the book for me. I do think it would be great for my daughter and other young girls.