CLEO’S PICK

Ough did this hit me with the hair trauma! Besides the evil words of good hair and being bullied by the white kids, this book is so warm and full of care. It unpacks harmful ideas that are threaded into generations of trauma in an extremely lighthearted accessibleway. I think kids will love this ! -CP

A middle grade graphic novel about Marlene, a young girl who stops straightening her hair and embraces her natural curls.

Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tia Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and “growing up.” That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have “presentable”, “good hair”.

But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn’t understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Rubyshe slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

Paperback |224 pages | 5.55″ x 8.00″