Every weekend Marlene's mother takes her to the salon to have her hair straightened. After all, Marlene's natural hair is difficult to style and her mother wants her to look nice. But Marlene hates these salon visits. After attempting to style her hair herself and failing, Marlene wears her natural hair to school where she's bullied. Can Marlene's beloved Auntie Ruby help her learn how to fully embrace who she is and more than that will Marlene's mom accept her?
I really loved this beautiful graphic novel. The underlying message Ortega is trying to teach us is that why aren't we allowed to embrace our differences? Why do we have to fit into some cookie cutter mold? Why is straight hair the only acceptable type of hair for looking "presentable?" Ortega does an amazing job of throwing these preconceived beauty notions out the window to teach kids that it's okay to be who they are even if their hair isn't straight. I also really loved Bousamra's art. It captured the story perfectly.
This is such an important book, and I think there are many middle grade students who can relate to Marlene. Definitely recommended!
I really loved this beautiful graphic novel. The underlying message Ortega is trying to teach us is that why aren't we allowed to embrace our differences? Why do we have to fit into some cookie cutter mold? Why is straight hair the only acceptable type of hair for looking "presentable?" Ortega does an amazing job of throwing these preconceived beauty notions out the window to teach kids that it's okay to be who they are even if their hair isn't straight. I also really loved Bousamra's art. It captured the story perfectly.
This is such an important book, and I think there are many middle grade students who can relate to Marlene. Definitely recommended!