Frizzy is a 2022 graphic novel written by Claribel A. Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra. It received positive reception and won the 2023 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids and Pura Belpré Award for Children's Author
Plot Marlene, a Dominican American girl with frizzy hair, straightens her hair at a salon every Sunday at her mother's behest. With assistance from her Tía Ruby and her friend Camilla, Marlene comes to embrace her natural hair.
Reception The book received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, the Horn Book, and Publishers Weekly. Kirkus Reviews stated that "Ortega masterfully navigates topics like anti-Blackness and oppressive beauty standards passed down through generations". Publishers Weekly said "Ortega expertly examines themes of colorism, generational trauma, and toxic beauty standards via authentic, heartstring-tugging dialogue and Marlene’s pitch-perfect narration, culminating in a satisfying and heartwarming exploration of self-expression and self-love". + Awards and honors for FrizzyYearAward/HonorResultRef.2023Eisner Award for Best Publication for KidsWonPura Belpré Award for Children's AuthorWonHarvey Award for Best Children's or Young Adult BookNominatedRingo Award for Best Kids Comic or Graphic NovelNominatedAmerican Library Association - Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top 10Cybils Awards for Graphic Novel - Elementary and middle gradeFinalist2022Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table's Best Graphic Novels for ChildrenTop 10Publisher Weekly Best Books of the YearIncludedSchool Library Journal Best Books of the YearIncluded
References
External links Frizzy on Ortega's personal website