Frizzy
What’s inside...
Frizzy is a middle grade graphic novel following Marlene, a young Dominican girl who decides to stop straightening her hair and embrace her natural curls. Despite her mother's insistence on having 'presentable' and 'good hair', Marlene, with support from her friend Camila and her cool Tía Ruby, begins a journey to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair. This heartwarming story explores the challenges and triumphs of accepting oneself, and has received accolades including the Pura Belpré Award for Children's Text and the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-11
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Frizzy felt when her hair was different from her friends? Have you ever felt different?
What are some ways Frizzy's friends helped her feel better?
What would you do if you saw someone being teased about their appearance?
How did Frizzy's view of herself change throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about times they’ve felt different or excluded, relating those experiences to Frizzy’s.
Highlight the importance of kindness and support among friends, as depicted in the book.
Discuss personal and unique qualities that your child appreciates in themselves and others.
Use examples from the book to talk about self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The story follows Frizzy, a character who feels different because of her curly hair. Throughout the book, she learns to appreciate her unique traits and recognize her beauty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and cherish their unique qualities, fostering self-confidence and self-expression in diverse environments.
Example Lesson: Resilience Against Bullying
Explanation: Frizzy encounters bullies who make fun of her appearance, but she stands strong and finds support in friends who appreciate her for who she is.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to persist in the face of adversity, seek supportive relationships, and stand up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Frizzy learns the value of true friendship as her friends help her see her self-worth and combat negativity together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining positive friendships that enrich their lives and provide emotional support.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: By the end of the book, Frizzy not only accepts but also takes pride in her unique features, inspiring those around her to do the same.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the power of self-acceptance, encouraging them to embrace and celebrate their individuality without seeking validation from others.