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.